Tata Steel has awarded a contract to a consortium of ABB and Clecim to supply automation, electrification, and digital systems for a new pickle line at its Port Talbot plant in the UK. This project is a crucial part of Tata Steel’s shift toward electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking and supports the company’s broader investment in sustainable steel production.
The contract, signed in the first quarter of 2025, is part of a £1.25 billion investment in Tata Steel’s operations in Wales, with £500 million of this coming from the UK government. The new pickle line is set to be operational by 2028, alongside the launch of a 3.2 million-ton capacity EAF.
ABB will provide integrated automation systems for the pickle line, utilizing its Roll@xA platform and ABB Ability™ System 800xA®. These systems will centralize control across the production process, enhancing reliability, safety, and performance. Additionally, ABB will deploy digital tools such as ABB Ability™ Manufacturing Operations Management and the ABB Ability™ Data Analytics Platform. These technologies will provide real-time insights to improve operational efficiency.
As part of the project, ABB will also supply electrification equipment, including medium-voltage switchgear, transformers, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, low-voltage drives, multidrives, energy-efficient motors, and control infrastructure. These components are designed to ensure stable, energy-efficient operations of the new line.
Clecim, which will supply the mechanical systems and core processing technology, will oversee the handling of hot-rolled coils. The pickle line will remove surface oxide layers from the coils, ensuring a clean surface for subsequent treatments. This process is essential for achieving consistent product quality and enabling effective coating or finishing.
Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK, highlighted the significance of the new pickle line in supporting the company’s green steelmaking program at Port Talbot. “This advanced pickle line will help us meet the growing demand for high-quality, low-carbon steel products, advancing our long-term strategy for sustainable steel production in South Wales,” he said.
Thomas Comte, CEO of Clecim, expressed his company’s pride in being part of the project. “We’re excited to contribute to this important venture by supplying engineering and equipment manufactured in France. This partnership with Tata Steel and ABB showcases our shared commitment to innovation and efficient project delivery,” he said.
Frederik Esterhuizen, Global Business Line Manager for Metals at ABB Process Industries, also praised the collaboration. “Our joint effort with Tata Steel and Clecim is aimed at optimizing the steelmaking process for the future. We aim to set new standards in efficiency, performance, and sustainability,” he stated.
This project marks a key step in Tata Steel’s efforts to decarbonize its UK operations and aligns with industry-wide goals to reduce emissions while maintaining competitive steel production capabilities.
ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, is committed to promoting sustainability and resource efficiency. With over 140 years of experience and a workforce of approximately 110,000 employees, ABB combines engineering expertise with advanced digital technologies to help industries improve performance and sustainability. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Nasdaq Stockholm.
ABB’s Process Automation division plays a crucial role in automating, electrifying, and digitalizing industries such as energy supply, water management, manufacturing, and logistics. With a team of about 20,000 professionals, this division focuses on helping industries operate more efficiently and sustainably.
