Maruichi Stainless Tube Co. Ltd., a leading Japanese stainless steel tube manufacturer, has commissioned SMS group to supply a complete production line for extruded stainless steel tubes at a new greenfield plant in Shimonoseki, Japan. SMS will provide heating systems, a forming tube extrusion press, and automation technology.
The fully electrified heating systems include preheating, intermediate heating before perforation, and final heating before extrusion. Core forming units feature an expansion press and a next-generation horizontal tube extrusion press with a water quench tank. The extrusion force will increase from 20 to 50 meganewtons, expanding production dimensions.
The plant will use a highly automated system to improve productivity, reduce human error, and ensure consistent quality. SMS’s MIDIS (Management Information Diagnostic Indication System) production control system will enable real-time monitoring, data analysis, and process optimization. Construction of the factory is set to finish at the end of 2026, with equipment installation and production start-up planned in fiscal 2027 after JIS certification. SMS emphasized the project’s focus on innovation and efficiency.
