Tata Steel has signed a contract with Italian metals technology firm Tenova to install a cutting-edge electric arc furnace (EAF) at its Port Talbot plant in Wales, marking a significant step in its shift toward green steelmaking. The furnace is expected to reduce carbon emissions at the UK’s largest steelworks by 90% annually once operational by late 2027.

The EAF, with an annual capacity of 3 million tonnes, will replace recently decommissioned blast furnaces and rely on scrap steel sourced domestically to ensure sustainable production.

“This partnership builds on our enhanced agreement with the government and reflects our commitment to the future of UK steelmaking,” said UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. He emphasised that technologies like Tenova’s EAFs are critical for decarbonizing the steel industry, creating skilled jobs, and securing economic stability in South Wales. Reynolds also noted that the government’s forthcoming steel strategy, backed by £2.5 billion, would provide additional support for the sector’s long-term growth.

The project follows a £1.25 billion joint investment commitment from Tata Steel and the UK government, with Tata contributing £750 million and the government offering up to £500 million.

“This agreement will enable the transformation of our Port Talbot operations, helping decarbonize the UK and fostering economic growth in South Wales,” said T.V. Narendran, CEO and MD, Tata Steel, at the contract signing. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the company’s goal of providing low-carbon steel solutions and supporting customers in meeting their sustainability targets.

The furnace will also help reduce Britain’s dependence on imported iron ore by maximizing the use of recycled scrap. In addition, Tenova will supply advanced ladle metallurgy furnaces to produce high-grade steel for UK manufacturers and global markets.

Paolo Argenta, Executive Vice President of Tenova, praised the collaboration, stating, “We are working with Tata Steel UK with exceptional transparency and cooperation, ensuring a successful project.”

(ET)

Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Group, announced to acquire Orient Cement Ltd (OCL) at an equity value of Rs 81 billion. Ambuja will acquire 46.8 % shares of OCL from its current promoters and certain public shareholders and the acquisition will be fully funded through internal accruals, the company said in a statement.
The acquisition of OCL complements Ambuja’s existing cement footprint, reducing overall lead distances and logistics costs for the cement business and improving market share in our core markets, it said. “This timed acquisition marks another significant step forward in Ambuja Cements’ accelerated growth journey, increasing cement capacity by 30 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) within two years of Ambuja’s acquisition,” said Karan Adani, Director of Ambuja Cements.
“By acquiring OCL, Ambuja is poised to reach 100 MTPA cement capacity in FY25. The acquisition will help to expand Adani Cements’ presence in core markets and improve its pan-India market share by 2 % ,” Karan Adani added.
OCL has 5.6 MTPA clinker capacity and 8.5 MTPA cement capacity, along with statutory clearance to increase the clinker capacity by another 6.0 MTPA and cement capacity by another 8.1 MTPA. In addition, OCL also has a limestone mining lease in Chittorgarh for setting up an Integrated Unit (IU) with clinker of 4 MTPA and a split Grinding Unit (GU) of 6 MTPA in North India.
“OCL’s assets are highly efficient, equipped with railway sidings and well supported by captive power plants, renewable energy, WHRS and AFR facilities. OCL’s strategic locations, high-quality limestone reserves and requisite statutory approvals present an opportunity to increase cement capacity in the near term to 16.6 MTPA,” said Karan Adani.
OCL has secured a concession from MPPGCL, Madhya Pradesh for setting up a Grinding Unit within the premises of the Satpura Thermal Power Plant. Both these complement the Adani Group’s existing cement footprint.
CK Birla, Chairman of Orient Cement and the CK Birla Group, said they are confident that the Adani Group, with its strong focus on cement and infrastructure, is the ideal new owner to drive continued growth at Orient Cement for our people and stakeholders.
Ambuja, with its subsidiaries ACC Ltd, Penna Cement Industries Ltd and Sanghi Industries Ltd, has taken the Adani Group’s cement capacity to 88.9 MTPA, with 20 integrated cement manufacturing plants, 20 cement grinding units and 12 bulk terminals across the country.

Lohia Corp Limited (LCL) is pleased to announce two significant milestones that mark our
expansion in the global market.

We have successfully acquired J.J. Jenkins Inc. a respected name in machine manufacturing for
high-tech industries, through our US subsidiary, Leesona Corp, a 130-year-old pioneer in winding
machines. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to expand our specialty yarns
and tapes portfolio in medical and defence applications.

In addition, we have formed a strategic Joint Venture with Italy’s O.M.G.M. sas, leading to the
creation of OMGM Extrusiontechnik Srl. With LCL holding the majority stake. This JV represents
a significant diversification of our product portfolio, introducing solutions in Extrusion and
Winding systems for a variety of technical applications.

These advancements are not just about growth; they’re about bringing cutting-edge solutions to
our customers and contributing to industries that make a difference. Stay tuned for more updates
as we continue to push the boundaries of technology and engineering excellence.

Mr. R K Lohia, Chairman & Managing Director of Lohia Corp Limited, expressed his enthusiasm
about the new ventures “Both these new partnerships are a pivotal move that will broaden our
product offerings and provide our customers with even more choices and will enhance our
presence in the North America and European market, at the same time strengthen our presence
in all other global markets.”

About Lohia Corp Limited
Lohia Corp Limited (LCL) stands as a testament to the power of innovation and commitment to
excellence. As the flagship company of the Lohia Group, LCL has established itself as a global
leader in providing comprehensive solutions for the raffia industry.

With an impressive installation base of over 2,250 extrusion lines and 95,000 Circular Looms
across more than 100 countries, LCL’s influence in the plastic woven fabric and bag sector is
unparalleled. The company’s dedication to quality and efficiency has resulted in an astounding
plastic processing capacity of 7.7 million metric tons per annum of PP & PE.

LCL’s products, ranging from packaging systems for solid bulk materials to roof underlays and
tarpaulins, are not just industrial applications; they are the building blocks of industries
worldwide.

The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is the driving force that makes it the
world’s largest producer of machines for the raffia sector. As we look to the future, LCL’s legacy
of excellence is more than just a benchmark; it is a continuous journey towards pushing the
boundaries of possibility.

About J. J. Jenkins, Inc
J. J. Jenkins Inc. is a very respected name based out of North Carolina, USA. They remain at the
forefront of the synthetic fiber and monofilament industries. Their unwavering commitment to
innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction has not only set industry standards but also
fostered enduring partnerships with Fortune 500 companies including some in the medical and
defence industries.

Their holistic approach, combining state-of-the-art technology with unparalleled after-sales
support, exemplifies their dedication to client success. With a vast inventory ensuring rapid
response times, J. J. Jenkins, Inc. is synonymous with reliability and efficiency.

About OMGM sas
Since 1965, OMGM sas is a distinguished Italian leader and has been at the forefront of the plastic
processing industry, pioneering in Monofilament Extrusion, straps, ropes and various other niche
applications. Their commitment to excellence is evident in their advanced technologies and
versatile extrusion lines, handling a variety of materials for diverse industries.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that OMGM Extrusiontechnik Srl will continue to lead and transform
the industry with their precision, innovation, and bespoke solutions. They are more than a
company; they are a trusted partner in progress.