ABB to automate seamless pipe mill in Brazil

November 26, 2008 – ABB won a contract to supply automation systems, equipment and services for a new seamless steel tube and pipe production plant for VSB (Vallourec & Sumitomo Tubos do Brasil).

The new plant will have an annual capacity of 600,000 tons per year of seamless steel pipes primarily dedicated to the production of seamless OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods) products.

“ABB’s extensive experience in the metals industry combined with a track record of exceptional project delivery and leading-edge technology helped us win this important order,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “We are committed to providing our customers with the solutions and services they need to make their operations successful.”

ABB will provide engineering, project management, and other related services for the project. Scope of supply includes drives, motors, electrical equipment and automation based on System 800xA with industry-specific applications for the seamless pipe laminator rolling mill.

ABB’s automation solutions maximize productivity and equipment reliability in rolling mills, and also help optimize energy use so plants run efficiently and profitably from the start.

The new plant will be built at Jeceaba in the state of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil, and is scheduled to start production in 2010.

VSB is a joint venture company owned by Vallourec Group and Sumitomo Metals.

ABB’s Process Automation division delivers integrated solutions for control, plant optimization, and industry-specific application knowledge and services to help process industry customers worldwide meet their critical business needs in the areas of operational profitability, capital productivity, risk management and global responsibility. These industries include oil and gas, power, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, metals, minerals, marine and turbocharging.

ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 120,000 people.