【SMM Steel】Hyundai Steel issued FAC to SMS group after upgrading its Dangjin #1 CGL. The two-phase project integrated X-Pact® automation and upgraded hydraulics to improve strip quality and stability. Stage 1 added a new strip washer/dryer. Stage 2 focused on the skin-pass mill for precise flatness. The upgrades reduce downtime and extend equipment life, building on a partnership since 2005.

On March 25, the groundbreaking ceremony for the “New-Type Silver Paste Product Intelligent Manufacturing Base Project” of Shanghai Silver Paste Technology Co., Ltd. was held. It is expected to reach full production in January 2030, when it will form an annual production capacity of 650 mt of PV silver paste, achieve annual output value of 5 billion yuan, and generate annual tax revenue of over 24 million yuan. The new base will introduce internationally advanced R&D equipment and experimental facilities to realize automation, intelligence, and lean management throughout the entire production process, while simultaneously enhancing technological R&D capabilities, production efficiency, and product consistency.

Concluding our series, we shift focus to 2026's emerging NdFeB growth drivers: robotics, low-altitude economy, and electric two-wheelers. While viewed as the "second growth curve," we analyze their actual demand support amidst current macro and industry cycles to determine if they can offset traditional sector slowdowns.

[SMM Newsflash] According to reports, Jiangsu Tongzhan Precision Machinery Co., Ltd., located in Dayi Town, Yizheng City, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, achieved rapid growth in just three years through transformation and upgrading. Currently, leveraging intelligent production lines, the company’s daily production of household accessories reached 80,000-100,000 units, while daily production of automotive steel pistons reached 8,000-10,000 units. Full automation has been fully implemented, providing solid support for order delivery.

【SMM Steel】Surabaya-based Bahagia Steel is building a new twin-strand HSD® rebar line with SMS group. Set for late 2026, it will process 5.2-32 mm rebar at 45 m/s to meet rising domestic construction demand. SMS will supply mechanical and automation equipment, including a waterbox and high-speed shear. The tech improves yield by ~2% and ensures tighter tolerances than traditional slitting.

Codelco has signed an agreement with Microsoft to explore the use of artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and automation in mining operations. The partnership aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making and strengthen cybersecurity systems. Analysts say digital technologies are increasingly transforming traditional mining operations.

Johnson Matthey, in North America (e.g., refineries in Michigan and New Jersey), increased the yield and throughput of high-purity platinum and palladium (purity of 99.99%+) by optimizing solvent extraction and electrolysis purification processes and upgrading automation, in order to address the tight supply of raw materials from South Africa and Russia. BASF, in North America (e.g., sites in Michigan and Ohio), focused on improving the efficiency of secondary refining of platinum and palladium as well as catalyst regeneration, while expanding capacity for high-purity platinum and palladium salts and sponge, in order to offset the impact of restricted imports of Russian platinum group metals (PGMs) and production cuts at South African mines.

This week coincided with the Chinese New Year holiday, with most rare earth producers temporarily suspending external shipments and maintaining pre-holiday price levels. On the trading side, overseas inquiries increased in frequency, while domestic enterprises selectively took orders. Some companies, facing a shortage of spot resources, halted external shipments. In news, the opening of India's artificial intelligence summit became the hottest topic this week, with multiple countries announcing plans to strengthen rare earth mining to secure local supply chains.

[CAAM Guo Shougang: Accelerating the Development of Key Standards for Driving Automation and Collision Safety] The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will continue to thoroughly implement the requirements of the National Standardization Development Outline and the NEV Industry Development Plan (2021–2035), among others, and accelerate the development of key standards for driving automation, collision safety, and control components. Upgrading standards is expected to enhance vehicle safety levels and quality performance, laying a solid foundation for the high-quality and sustainable development of the automotive industry.

【SMM Steel】Japan's Nakamura Iron Works signed FAC for a 12.5-MN open-die press at its Aichi plant. The SMS tech handles aluminum, stainless, titanium, nickel at 205 strokes/min, cutting cycles and costs. Its compact drive uses 50% less space and energy. Nakamura uses SMS ForgeBase for automation and a SaaS package for data and fault monitoring. This 2nd collab boosts capacity and enables predictive maintenance.