JSW JFE Electrical Steel Nashik Pvt Ltd, one of India’s first manufacturers of cold rolled grain-oriented electrical steel (CRGO), has awarded John Cockerill India Ltd a prestigious contract for the engineering, design, manufacture, and supply of state-of-the-art tunnel furnaces for its Nashik facility.
The contract also covers supervision of erection and commissioning to achieve contractual performance guarantees, with completion targeted for the first quarter of 2027, a release by John Cockerill India said.
Under the agreement, John Cockerill India will supply all components for the tunnel furnaces, including advanced coil handling systems. The scope further includes supervision of erection and commissioning, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
The furnace is a critical stage in the processing of Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES), where controlled high-temperature heating under a protective atmosphere refines the steel’s magnetic properties and microstructure. This enables its application in high-efficiency power transformers and other vital components of power transmission systems.
CRGO capacity expansion
This order forms part of JSW JFE Electrical Steel Nashik’s major expansion initiative, which will quintuple CRGO production capacity from 50,000 tonnes per year to 250,000 tonnes per year, aligning with India’s rising demand for energy-efficient electrical infrastructure.
“This project reflects JSW JFE Electrical Steel Nashik’s continued confidence in John Cockerill’s technology and expertise, built on a history of successful collaboration within the John Cockerill Group,” said Frederic Martin, Managing Director, John Cockerill India Ltd. “Our advanced furnace technology and commitment to performance excellence will help produce high-quality electrical steel that supports India’s growing power infrastructure needs,” he added.
Strengthening India’s self reliance
Adding perspective Joydeep Bhattacharjee, CEO, JSW JFE Electrical Steel Nashik Pvt. Ltd., said: “This expansion marks a significant milestone in our journey to strengthen India’s self-reliance in high-grade electrical steel production. By partnering with John Cockerill, we are confident of achieving world-class manufacturing standards that will enable us to serve the country’s growing demand for energy-efficient transformers and power infrastructure.”
Acquisition of thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel India Pvt Ltd
It may be recalled that in January 2025, Jsquare Electrical Steel Nashik Pvt Ltd (JSquare) completed the acquisition of 100 per cent equity interest in thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel India Pvt Ltd (tkES India). The associated technology package from thyssenkrupp Group was also licensed/transferred to JSquare, for a total consideration of Rs.4,158.60 crore. Post acquisition, tkES India was renamed to JSW JFE Electrical Steel Nashik Pvt Ltd.
Jsquare Electrical Steel Nashik Pvt Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSW JFE Electrical Steel Pvt Ltd (J2ES), in turn a 50:50 joint venture between JSW Steel Ltd and JFE Steel Corporation of Japan.
Also read JSW-JFE joint venture completes acquisition of tkES India for over Rs.4,000 crore
Featured photograph is for representation only