JSW JFE Expands Nashik Facility with Advanced Tunnel Furnace Contract Awarded to John Cockerill India

JSW JFE Electrical Steel Nashik, one of India’s pioneers in cold rolled grain-oriented electrical steel (CRGO), has taken a major step in its expansion journey by awarding John Cockerill India a contract to design, manufacture, and supply advanced tunnel furnaces for its Nashik plant. This development marks a milestone in strengthening India’s self-reliance in high-grade electrical steel production, which plays a critical role in building energy-efficient infrastructure.

The contract covers not only the supply of the tunnel furnaces but also key supporting systems, including coil handling equipment, along with supervision for erection and commissioning. The project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027.

This investment is part of JSW JFE’s broader expansion plan aimed at significantly boosting capacity. Currently, the Nashik facility produces 50,000 tonnes per annum of CRGO steel. With the new furnaces in place, capacity will increase fivefold to 2,50,000 tonnes per annum, enabling the company to meet India’s fast-rising demand for energy-efficient materials.

The tunnel furnace is a vital stage in the production of CRGO steel. It refines the magnetic properties of the material, making it suitable for high-efficiency power transformers. These transformers are central to modernizing India’s power infrastructure and reducing transmission losses, which aligns with the country’s broader goals of sustainable energy use and reduced carbon emissions.