SMS Group Selected for Pipe Mill Expansion

U.S. line pipe manufacturer Stupp Corp. has contracted SMS group, a Metal-Expo regular exhibitor, to expand  its Louisiana spiral weld mill, a project that will fulfill the original vision for the facility. 

In a statement, SMS group said it will revamp the  mill’s spiral pipe machine, adding a new decoiler station that allows for higher strip feeding speeds and, by extension, greater production capacity. The company also will install  a fourth submerged arc rewelding stand, complementing the mill’s three existing stands.

SMS group said the facility opened in 2009 with three stands and the intention that it would one day house four. To that end, foundations were poured for all four at the time of construction. 

“After reviewing the market outlook for the years ahead, Stupp Corp. has decided to have the fourth final welding stand installed as part of an upgrade,” SMS group said. 

SMS group said the new welding stand will lift capacity by as much as 25%, depending on ipe size. The project is to be completed later this year.