International Tube and Pipe Symposium in Mönchengladbach. Ten years of PQF® – a success story

250 customers from 23 countries came to the first SMS Meer Tube and Pipe Symposium in Mönchengladbach, Germany, in September. The occasion was the 10th anniversary of the PQF^® technology (Premium Quality Finishing). 20 seamless tube plants with this technology have already been delivered worldwide. During the specialist conference, a new machine was handed over to the Chinese company, TPCO. This first machine of the PQF^® BCO technology generation (Bilateral Change Over) will be installed in Texas, U. S. A.

Dr. Joachim Schönbeck, Spokesman of the Managing Board of the SMS Holding, welcomed all the participants and thanked the customers for their many years of loyalty. In particular, he praised the Chinese company TPCO and its President, Dr. Li Qiang: “Ten years ago, we rolled the first tube on a machine in your works together. That shows how open your company, but also your country is to technical innovations.”

Norbert Theelen, Deputy Member of the Managing Board of SMS Meer, opened the series of presentations and gave an insight into the market for tube and pipe plants. He stressed that SMS Meer is a partner a whole plant life long: “We offer not only new plants, but also complete service packages and modernization concepts.”

In other presentations the tube and pipe experts from SMS Meer introduced i.a. machine and plant solutions with which tube and pipe producers can improve their economical and ecological balance. New plant types help to save precious resources – at every step of the tube production.

New PQF® for TPCO

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial handover of a PQF® BCO plant to the Chinese customer, TPCO. “We have once again improved the already very efficient PQF® technology. The pipe tolerances are even closer, the changing times shorter. That enhances efficiency and heightens the ecological benefits,” said Theelen.

With the fifth PQF^® plant for TPCO, the Chinese company is taking a technological leap forward. Theelen: “For TPCO it was important to further improve quality and efficiency – that is now possible thanks to the BCO technology.”

The visitors were all satisfied with the event. Theelen: “A number of customers have already indicated that they will definitely be coming again to the next symposium.”

250 customers from 23 countries participated in the SMS Meer Tube and Pipe Symposium.

Based on SMS Group information