SMS Group completes rapid revamp of CELSA Barcelona section mill

SMS group and CELSA Barcelona have completed a major modernization project at the medium section mill of CELSA’s Castellbisbal plant in Spain, replacing a 25-year-old universal roughing stand with the latest generation CCS® (Compact Cartridge Stand) design.

The revamp was carried out during the plant’s scheduled winter shutdown in 2025 and included upgrades to both the mill stand and the electrical and automation systems. According to the companies, production resumed ahead of the original schedule.

New CCS® stand and upgraded automation

The medium section mill, originally commissioned by SMS group in 2001, produces long steel products such as beams, angles and channels for the construction industry.

As part of the project, SMS replaced one of the first-generation CCS® stands in the tandem rolling group with a new universal roughing (UR) stand designed to deliver higher rolling forces and improved operational performance.

The modernization also included a full upgrade of the technological control system (TCS). Legacy VME systems were replaced by a PC-based Probas platform with a new Profinet communication network, reducing cabling requirements by around 90% while improving processing stability, calibration accuracy and maintenance support.

SMS said the new automation package includes advanced control functions aimed at improving rolling precision and operational reliability.

Hot commissioning completed ahead of schedule

The new CCS® stand was fully assembled and tested at SMS group’s workshop before installation at the Castellbisbal site.

Following integration and commissioning, the upgraded mill produced its first beam within target tolerances. According to SMS, a successful 700-ton rolling campaign was completed during the night shift, with normal production resuming the following day.

Hot commissioning was finalized two days earlier than originally planned.

Long-term partnership and capacity expansion

The Castellbisbal medium section mill has undergone several upgrades since its original commissioning in 2001. Production capacity has increased from an initial 500,000 tonnes per year to around one million tonnes annually through previous modernization projects, including upgrades to the cooling bed and CRS® compact roller straightener.

The latest revamp is intended to further strengthen CELSA Barcelona’s position in the production of high-quality long products for the construction sector.

According to SMS group, the project underlines the close cooperation between the two companies and reinforces their long-standing partnership.

Source and Photo: SMS Group