John Cockerill Signs Contract with A1 Iron & Steel for Integrated Cold Rolling Complex in Tanzania

A1 Iron & Steel has signed a landmark contract with John Cockerill for the supply of an integrated Cold Rolling Complex in Tanzania, marking a major step forward in the country’s steel-processing capabilities and supporting the development of a stronger domestic and regional steel value chain.

The project will bring together three key steel-processing technologies within a single integrated complex: a Pickling Line with Acid Regeneration Plant (ARP), a 6-High Cold Rolling Mill, and a Galvalume Coating Line. The facility will enable the production of high-quality, value-added flat steel products for Tanzania and the wider East African market.

The integrated pickling section will prepare hot-rolled steel for downstream processing by removing surface scale and oxides, while the Acid Regeneration Plant will recover and regenerate hydrochloric acid for reuse, improving resource efficiency and reducing operational waste.

At the core of the complex will be a state-of-the-art 6-High Cold Rolling Mill, designed to deliver precise thickness control, excellent flatness and superior surface quality. The mill will provide A1 Iron & Steel with advanced manufacturing capabilities to serve a broad range of demanding downstream applications.

The project will also include a Galvalume Coating Line, enabling the production of corrosion-resistant steel products with an aluminium-zinc coating. These products are widely used in roofing, construction, industrial facilities, appliances and infrastructure applications where durability and long-term performance are critical.

The combination of pickling, acid regeneration, cold rolling and Galvalume coating within one integrated complex represents a significant expansion of Tanzania’s steel-processing infrastructure. The project will strengthen the country’s ability to transform hot-rolled steel into higher-value finished products locally while supporting increasing regional demand.

Frédéric Martin, Managing Director of John Cockerill India Limited, said: “This project marks an important milestone for John Cockerill in East Africa and reflects the confidence placed in our technology, engineering expertise and execution capabilities. By combining advanced pickling, cold rolling and coating technologies, we are supporting A1 Iron & Steel in establishing modern steel-processing capabilities that will contribute to Tanzania’s industrial growth and the development of a stronger regional steel value chain.”

For A1 Iron & Steel, the investment forms part of its strategy to develop a technologically advanced steel-manufacturing platform capable of serving the growing needs of East Africa’s construction, infrastructure and industrial sectors.

The project is also expected to contribute to local economic development through employment opportunities, skills development and the growth of local engineering, maintenance and supplier ecosystems.

For John Cockerill, the contract further reinforces its role as a trusted technology partner to the global steel industry, delivering advanced solutions across the steel-processing value chain from pickling and cold rolling to coated steel production.

Once operational, the new complex is expected to become an important contributor to Tanzania’s industrial development ambitions while providing a reliable regional source of high-quality cold-rolled and Galvalume steel products.

Supporting Supporting the East African Market

With demand for steel continuing to grow across construction, infrastructure, manufacturing and industrial development, the new facility will strengthen A1 Iron & Steel’s ability to serve customers in Tanzania and across the wider East African region.

The project will provide access to advanced cold-rolled and Galvalume steel products while creating opportunities to further develop downstream applications and industrial capabilities in the region.

For John Cockerill, the contract demonstrates its role as a technology partner to the global steel industry, providing advanced solutions across the complete processing route from pickling and acid regeneration to cold rolling and coated steel production.