JSW JFE Electrical Steel Nashik Awards Major Contract to John Cockerill India for High-Temperature Tunnel Furnaces!

JSW JFE Electrical Steel Nashik Private Limited, one of India’s pioneering manufacturers of Cold Rolled Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (CRGO), has awarded a significant contract to John Cockerill India Limited for the engineering, design, manufacturing, and supply of advanced tunnel furnaces at its Nashik facility. The scope of the agreement also includes the supervision of erection and commissioning, ensuring the furnaces are seamlessly integrated into operations and deliver the promised performance guarantees. The project is slated for completion by the first quarter of 2027.

As part of the contract, John Cockerill India will provide all critical furnace components, including state-of-the-art coil handling systems designed to streamline operations. The company will also oversee the installation and commissioning processes, guaranteeing smooth execution and long-term reliability. The high-temperature tunnel furnaces are vital in the processing of Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES), where controlled heating in a protective atmosphere enhances magnetic properties and microstructure. This process is indispensable for manufacturing materials used in high-efficiency power transformers and other essential components of India’s power transmission infrastructure.

The order forms a central pillar of JSW JFE Electrical Steel Nashik’s ambitious expansion program, which seeks to increase CRGO production capacity from 50,000 tons per annum (TPA) to 250,000 TPA. This fivefold capacity increase is expected to significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported electrical steel while supporting the country’s rapidly growing demand for energy-efficient infrastructure, particularly in the power sector.

Commenting on the collaboration, Frederic Martin, Managing Director of John Cockerill India Limited, said: “This project reflects JSW JFE Electrical Steel Nashik’s continued trust in John Cockerill’s expertise and technology, built on a legacy of successful collaborations within the John Cockerill Group. Our advanced furnace technology and dedication to performance excellence will help deliver high-quality electrical steel essential to India’s expanding power infrastructure.”

Adding to this, Joydeep Bhattacharjee, CEO of JSW JFE Electrical Steel Nashik Pvt Ltd, remarked: “This expansion is a milestone in our efforts to boost India’s self-reliance in high-grade electrical steel production. Partnering with John Cockerill strengthens our ability to meet world-class manufacturing standards and serve the country’s rising demand for energy-efficient transformers and power infrastructure.”

With this order, John Cockerill India further reinforces its role as a trusted technology provider in the steel industry, delivering high-performance, innovative solutions that enable global competitiveness. Serving as the Indian hub and center of excellence for cold rolling mill complexes, the company has developed deep expertise in processing lines, rolling mills, and both thermal and chemical processes. In addition, John Cockerill India provides auxiliary steel treatment equipment, positioning itself as a comprehensive solutions partner for advanced steelmaking.

By combining JSW JFE’s expansion vision with John Cockerill’s technological leadership, the project underscores India’s accelerating journey toward energy efficiency, manufacturing self-reliance, and sustainable industrial growth.