Romanian stainless steel manufacturer Otelinox is advancing its decarbonisation efforts following the installation of a new electric-heating Bright Annealing Line (BA3) supplied by Japan’s Chugai Ro.
The line is designed to process stainless steel strips measuring 0.07-1.0 mm in thickness and 600-1,320 mm in width, Kallanish notes.
The contract was initially signed in January 2023 and following the completion of the design, manufacturing, installation and commissioning phases, production of the first coil began in December 2025.
According to the supplier, the new line utilises electrical heating, curbing CO2 emissions associated with combustion during metals processing and is expected to reduce such emissions during production and contribute to carbon neutrality. “Furthermore, this high-quality stainless steel is expected to be used in sectors with further growth is predicted, such as EV batteries and heat exchangers for data centres,” states a Chugai Ro press release.
“The delivery of this BA3 unit marks a significant milestone in Chugai RO’s expansion in the European market for heat treatment equipment, a key area of focus for the company,” it said. “Moving forward, the enterprise aims to further expand their business in global markets, including Europe, by providing equipment and technology that helps customers achieve CO2 reduction, higher product quality and improved productivity.”
Chugai RO and Otelinox have a long-standing relationship dating back to 1977, when the Japanese company supplied the steelmaker with continuous stainless steel annealing and pickling lines (APL) for intermediate and final annealing. The two companies have fostered a strong partnership over the past five decades, including the delivery of a continuous bright annealing line (BA1) for stainless steel in 2002. This extensive track record and relationship of trust led to the order of a new unit, the BA3.
Otelinox has a total production capacity exceeding 60,000 tonnes/year for stainless steel strips and sheets. The operation is in the city of Targovishte, Romania.
