Primetals Technologies has signed a contract to modernize the pickling line tandem cold mill (PLTCM) at KG Steel Co. in Dangjin, South Korea, with an 18-month revamp upgrading both basic and process automation systems. 

The current system will be replaced by the SIMATIC S7-1500 platform alongside a new AI-enhanced process automation system that improves strip thickness and flatness targets, enabling KG Steel to expand production of galvanized, tin plate, and pre-coated "XTONE" products. 

Operators will gain a renewed human-machine interface for better situational awareness, while full server virtualization will boost resilience and simplify maintenance. A "shadow mode and switch-over" approach will let Primetals connect the new system alongside the existing one before shutdown, minimizing downtime and giving the commissioning team valuable data in advance. 

Once complete, KG Steel will benefit from increased availability, faster entry-area rolling, and a future-ready setup for easy integration of further digital solutions.