Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (NSSMC) and Baoshan Iron & Steel (Baosteel) are planning to construct the fourth hot-dip galvanizing line at a site neighbouring the existing lines at Baosteel-NSC Automotive Steel Sheets (BNA). BNA is a joint venture between Baosteel and NSSMC, which operates within the compound of Baosteel in Shanghai. The joint venture was formed to further build up their capacities in China in response to the growing demand for galvanized steel sheet (GA) and advanced high strength steel for automotive use from Japanese and Chinese automakers. BNA has now obtained approval of the project from the government of the City of Shanghai. This is a major investment for capacity increase following the third hot-dip galvanizing line, which was put into operation in 2010. This new line, though similar in type to the existing first and third hot-dip galvanizing lines, is additionally capable of manufacturing Advanced High Strength Steel materials (e.g., galvanized dual-phase 980 steel), with a production capacity of 420,000 tons/year of high-grade automotive galvanized steel sheet. The start of operation of the new line is slated for 2015.
