AM/NS India Unveils India’s First Continuous Galvanizing Line for Advanced High-Strength Automotive Steel

Mumbai, India – ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) announced the commissioning of a new, state-of-the-art Continuous Galvanizing Line (CGL) at its flagship plant in Hazira, Gujarat. This development establishes AM/NS India as the only company in India with a modern CGL line capable of producing Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) with strength levels up to 1180 megapascals (MPa)—essential for exceptional safety, durability, and sustainability for evolving automotive applications.

This commissioning also marks a significant move for the company, which has been strategically implementing an ambitious INR 60,000-crore expansion project to develop upstream, downstream, and other enabling facilities. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, the expansion project at the integrated steel plant aims at scaling up production capacity across a diverse portfolio of steel grades to meet evolving demands.

The new CGL is equipped with cutting-edge technology derived from the deep global expertise of its parent companies, ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, and is set to bring a paradigm shift to the automotive sector, which has been largely reliant on imports for high-grade, specialized steel. It will manufacture Galvanized (GI) and Galvannealed (GA) coated flat steels, including ArcelorMittal as well as Nippon Steel’s licensed products. These innovative offerings will provide excellent recyclability, high-formability, fuel efficiency through lightweighting, and enhanced safety—key requirements for modern mobility solutions, especially with India’s Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) Phase III norms coming into effect in April 2027.

Dilip Oommen, Chief Executive Officer, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), said, “The commissioning of the first-of-its-kind Continuous Galvanizing Line marks another defining moment in our expansion project, inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This ambitious project’s efforts are now coming to fruition, and we can proudly say that the new line and upcoming facilities are designed to produce steel that matches the quality of offerings currently available in developed nations. We are committed to providing the best-in-class products that the country needs as it progresses towards a ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ vision.”

Oommen added, “With the constant support from our parent companies, we have set new benchmarks and further strengthened our ability to deliver world-class products, including the highest-strength steel ever produced in India to meet the evolving needs of the automotive sector. Indigenous production from this unique line will contribute meaningfully towards the country’s self-reliance goal.”

The latest galvanizing unit represents a significant leap in the company’s downstream capabilities to expand its value-added products’ portfolio. The CGL will not only strengthen AM/NS India’s contribution to ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives but also play a key role in enabling India’s transition to next-generation steel sustainably. By offering import substitute products, the company is striving to bridge the much-needed gap between domestic demand and high-end steel availability, thus enhancing India’s competitiveness globally. This also aligns with the Government’s efforts to encourage domestic production of value-added steel by creating downstream capacities through various initiatives, including the PLI scheme.

Featuring modern environmental technologies, the facility has the ability to considerably reduce CO₂ emissions intensity compared to conventional CGLs, underpinned by innovative waste heat recovery, advanced thermal energy control, regenerative electrical drives, and the use of electrolytic H₂, among others. This will support AM/NS India’s adherence to the Green Steel Taxonomy and broader sustainability goals.

The expansion project is progressing well to scale up the company’s production capacity from the current 9 MTPA to 15 MTPA, with a goal of reaching 24 MTPA at its Hazira plant. This includes both upstream and downstream steelmaking capabilities. Separately, the company will set up an integrated steel plant in Andhra Pradesh, where it has already commenced the land acquisition process. Plans are also on track to set up integrated steel plants in Odisha, where the company has a significant presence. In parallel, the company has sharpened its focus on accelerating the decarbonization of steelmaking. It is integrating renewables into its energy mix, deploying energy-efficient technologies, and exploring a range of low-carbon pathways in alignment with India’s climate goals.

Image Source: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India