Mukand Ltd. had awarded SMS group the contract to upgrade the existing two-strand (ten-meter radius) SMS Concast bloom caster at its Kalwa facility in Thane, Maharashtra, India. The project involved the revamp of one of the plant’s first-generation casters, introducing new casting section capabilities to support the production of stainless steel rebar and wire rods, including the supply of a new 250 x 300-millimeter bloom section for the bar mill. The contract was successfully completed with the presentation of the final acceptance certificate (FAC).

Commissioned in 1984, the bloom caster in Mukand’s Kalwa plant has been a vital part of the company’s steel production for over four decades. With key components such as the roller apron and the withdrawal and straightening unit nearing the end of their operational life, Mukand launched a modernization program to enhance product quality, bolster operational reliability, and introduce new casting sections to support future growth.

To achieve these objectives, SMS delivered a comprehensive upgrade package—covering supply, installation, and commissioning—including advanced, high-efficiency technologies such as a state-of-the-art air-mist cooling system for superior thermal control and improved casting quality, as well as a next-generation withdrawal and straightening unit equipped with an AC drive, thus ensuring smoother, more reliable operation.

The introduction of a new 250 x 300-millimeter bloom section has expanded Mukand’s product range and enabled its entry into new market segments. Together, these upgrades are designed to increase throughput, reduce maintenance-related downtimes, and ensure both exceptional dimensional accuracy and consistently high product quality.