Fujian Sanbao Group Invests in High-End Tinplate Production with SMS Technology
Fujian Kebao Metal Products Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Fujian Sanbao Group, has awarded SMS Group significant contracts to supply and install two tinplate continuous annealing lines (TIN CALs). This marks a major step in Sanbao Group’s expansion into the high-end, food-grade tinplate market, which is seeing an increasing demand both domestically and globally.
These two TIN CALs will be installed at the Sanbao Industrial Park in Zhangzhou City, China. Designed for high-speed production, the lines will process tinplate strips with thicknesses ranging from 0.12 millimeters to 0.55 millimeters and widths from 700 millimeters to 1,300 millimeters. The lines will operate at a process speed of up to 750 meters per minute, enabling an annual production capacity of approximately 800,000 metric tons. These specifications will allow Sanbao Group to produce high-quality tinplate for various applications, particularly in the food packaging sector, which demands exceptional product safety and quality.
Advanced Technology for Superior Product Quality
The scope of the contract includes the supply of furnace technology from Drever, a subsidiary of SMS Group, ensuring efficient and reliable thermal processing of the tinplate. The integration of advanced annealing furnaces is a crucial aspect of the project, as it will help to ensure the uniform quality of the final product. Additionally, the project incorporates advanced processing technology, including a double cold reduction mill (DCR) and a twin-stand skin pass mill (SPM), installed inline to improve the strip’s quality. These features are essential for producing the high-end tinplate required for food packaging, a market that has strict regulations concerning product safety, hygiene, and performance.
Expedited Project Timeline and Strong Partnership
Mao Lihua, the project leader at SMS, highlighted the significance of the partnership, emphasizing the rapid progress of the negotiations and project planning. “This project reflects the strong cooperation between SMS Group and Sanbao Group,” Lihua commented. “We reached a significant milestone by completing the negotiations in an exceptionally short period. This efficiency sets the foundation for delivering high-quality installations that will enable Sanbao Group to meet the demands of this competitive market.”
The installation of these TIN CALs reflects the strong partnership between Sanbao Group and SMS, showcasing both companies' commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet the global demand for food-grade tinplate. The lines are scheduled to be operational by mid-2026, marking a major milestone for both companies.
Implications for the Food Packaging Industry
The commissioning of these TIN CALs positions Sanbao Group to strengthen its foothold in the food packaging sector, offering customers high-quality tinplate with superior mechanical properties, surface quality, and safety features. These advances will ensure that the company can meet international industry standards for food packaging materials, which are vital to ensuring the safety and integrity of food products.
