In the world of seamless stainless steel tube manufacturing, few names resonate as strongly as Tubacex. As a global leader, Tubacex has built a reputation for delivering high-value-added products and solutions across the energy and mobility sectors. They operate production facilities and service centers in 30 countries, serving a global clientele. Their unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability has positioned Tubacex at the forefront of the industry, particularly in corrosion-resistant alloys (CRA) and advanced machining services. This progressive mindset is one of the many factors that sustain Tubacex’s partnership with SMS group.
Innovation that lasts
The partnership between Tubacex and SMS group spans almost five decades and is rooted in a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. Throughout this time, SMS group has provided Tubacex with state-of-the-art cold pilger technology that has played a crucial role in Tubacex’s success across its global plants in Austria, Spain, the US, and India. Tubacex has repeatedly turned to SMS group, confident in the knowledge that “When we rely on SMS, things work out,” says Javier Martínez-Conde, Senior Supply Chain & Operations Consultant at Tubacex. This trust is built on SMS group’s track record of delivering bundled expertise, from digital and mechanical services to engineering support, ensuring that every project is completed on time and to the highest standards. The latest chapter in this partnership is perhaps one of the most significant: our delivery of a KPW 290 L cold pilger mill to Tubacex’s new greenfield site near Abu Dhabi. This top-of-the-line facility is set to play a pivotal role in Tubacex’s strategy to serve the growing market for corrosion-resistant OCTG (oil country tubular goods) solutions in the Middle East, a region that is critical to global energy production and export.
When we rely on SMS, things work out.
The Abu Dhabi project: A strategic move
The new 100-million-euro plant is a testament to Tubacex’s strategic vision. As part of a major agreement with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Tubacex has committed to supplying CRA OCTG solutions for gas extraction over the next decade. This investment, aligned with ADNOC’s “Make it in the Emirates” program, underscores Tubacex’s dedication to localizing production and ensuring a reliable supply chain for critical energy
projects.
The KPW 290 L cold pilger mill: Cutting-edge technology
At the heart of the Abu Dhabi project is our KPW 290 L cold pilger mill – the second-largest cold pilger mill we have ever built and the result of decades of expertise in cold pilgering technology. It is designed to meet the exacting demands of the oil and gas industry, particularly in the production of stainless-steel tubes with the tightest outer diameter and wall thickness tolerances. One of the standout features of the KPW 290 L is its flexibility. The mill can produce a wide range of tube sizes, making it one of the most versatile cold pilger mills available. This flexibility is achieved through the innovative roll assembly, which allows quick and easy tool changes in just two hours, significantly reducing downtime and enhancing overall productivity. This was a critical factor in Tubacex’s decision to invest in the KPW 290 L, as it enables the production of tubes with smaller outer diameters without the need for
multiple mills. The KPW 290 L also has advanced data logging capabilities, providing continuous system analysis that benefits operators, maintenance workers, and production planners. This ensures that the mill operates at peak efficiency, contributing to Tubacex’s goal of doubling its production capabilities in the CRA OCTG segment.
Looking ahead: A future of innovation and collaboration
The successful implementation of the KPW 290 L mill near Abu Dhabi is scheduled for the end of 2024, with the first production campaign expected in early 2025. As the project progresses, SMS group will continue to provide on-site support, leveraging its regional presence and in-depth understanding of local market dynamics to ensure a seamless start-up.
The Abu Dhabi project is more than just a milestone for Tubacex – it is a reaffirmation of the strength of its alliance with SMS group. Together, we are setting new standards in stainless steel manufacturing, driven by a shared vision of innovation, sustainability, and reliability. As Tubacex looks to the future, it does so with the confidence that comes from knowing that, with SMS group by its side, the possibilities are boundless.
See the full talk with Javier Martínez-Conde
This article is a summary of our Leading Partner Talk with Javier Martínez-Conde and Thomas Maßmann at Wire & tube 2024 trade fair. Sign in for SMS group #Connect and get access to all our Leading Partner Talks.