Abul Khair Steel commissions ultra-high-speed rebar rolling mill in Sitakunda

Abul Khair Steel Limited (AKS), a subsidiary of Abul Khair Group, has commissioned a new ultra-high-speed rebar mill in Sitakunda, Chattogram.

A rebar rolling mill is an industrial facility used to produce steel reinforcement bars (rebars). The plant, fully delivered by SMS group, is designed for an annual production capacity of 1.6 million tonnes of deformed bars to meet the rapidly growing infrastructure and construction demands of Bangladesh, according to a press release issued today (28 October).

According to SMS group, the mill has set a new global benchmark in rebar rolling speed, reaching 55.04 metres per second in the production of 2×10 mm deformed bars. This record-breaking performance highlights the use of advanced rolling technology and automation.

The new facility handles bar diameters ranging from 8 mm to 40 mm and integrates several cutting-edge systems. Among these are the ECO Flame+ burner in the reheating furnace — engineered for low NOₓ emissions and higher energy efficiency — and the Exotherm® induction furnace at the entry of Stand 1, which recovers billet heat loss to maximise thermal efficiency. The EBROS® endless bar rolling system enables uninterrupted billet-to-billet welding, having already welded over 10 million billets, increasing productivity by up to 8% and improving material yield by about 2%.

Further innovations include MEERdrive® blocks with individual drive motors for each pass, offering operational flexibility, consistent product quality, and a 60% reduction in roll-ring inventory compared to conventional systems. The High-Speed Delivery (HSD®) systems and HSD® drums ensure precision, high-speed delivery, and maintenance-free operation.

SMS group said these technological advancements reduce both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX), positioning AKS among the most competitive construction steel producers in the region.

For Bangladesh — currently implementing a number of large-scale infrastructure and construction programmes — the commissioning of this mill represents a major strategic milestone. By boosting domestic rebar production capacity and quality, AKS is better equipped to serve both public infrastructure projects and private-sector developments. The facility is also expected to reduce import dependency, strengthen local manufacturing, and support employment and value-chain growth within Chattogram's industrial belt.

The collaboration between AKS and SMS group also reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, evident in the use of low-emission burner technology and advanced heat-recovery systems that align with global trends toward greener steel production.

Bernhard Steenken, chief sales officer (APAC & MEA) at SMS group, said, "This project demonstrates SMS group's expertise in delivering innovative rolling-mill technology that combines speed, efficiency, and sustainability. By achieving record-breaking speeds and ensuring reliable operations, we are helping Abul Khair Steel serve its customers more effectively and contribute to Bangladesh's infrastructure growth."

With this new facility, AKS secures a key competitive advantage in Bangladesh's expanding construction-steel market. As demand accelerates — driven by urban development, coastal infrastructure, and disaster-resilient construction — the mill's high throughput and quality standards are expected to set new industry benchmarks.

Observers will be watching how AKS leverages this added capacity — whether through exports, downstream value-added products such as cut-and-bend or prefabricated steel, or through partnerships linked to national infrastructure projects. For SMS group, the project reinforces its standing as a leading global engineering partner in long-products rolling-mill solutions.

Sheikh Shabab Ahmed, group head of Corporate Affairs & Legal at Abul Khair Group, told the media, "At Abul Khair Steel, we have partnered with SMS group GmbH, the world-renowned German engineering and plant construction company with over 150 years of heritage, to bring state-of-the-art steelmaking technology to Bangladesh. The commissioning of this world-class, ultra-high-speed rebar rolling mill marks a significant leap forward in fulfilling Bangladesh's infrastructure vision. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable growth."

He added, "Beyond technology, this project is creating over 3,000 new jobs, empowering local talent, and driving inclusive industrial development — demonstrating our pledge to contribute meaningfully to national progress and economic resilience. Through this cutting-edge facility, Abul Khair Steel will produce globally benchmarked high-strength steel (500 MPa and above) to support the Government of Bangladesh in building a safer, seismically resilient, and sustainable nation."

Founded with corrugated sheet production in 1993, Abul Khair Steel quickly became a market leader with its iconic "Goru Marka" brand. The company began producing rods in 2009. Its melting unit currently has an annual capacity of around 2 million tonnes, while its two rolling mills together can produce up to 3 million tonnes per year.