Spain-based welded steel tube producer Tuflesa plans to modernize its facility

Bornay Group company Tuflesa is preparing a modernization of its ERW-RD-240 tube production line at its Las Torres de Cotillas facility near Murcia, Spain.

The project is aimed at strengthening the welded steel tube producer's production infrastructure and improving its capability to manufacture products that require higher dimensional precision.

SMS group to renew worn sizing stands

Under the project, SMS group will replace four worn sizing stands in the line's sizing section, together with the related pass equipment. The modernization is planned to be carried out while retaining the existing main drive systems, base frames and automatic stand-changing equipment.

The approach is intended to limit investment costs, installation labor and production stoppages during assembly.

SMS group is expected to deliver the new sizing stands fully assembled, wired and piped. After commissioning, the new equipment is expected to restore the line's dimensional accuracy, increase production efficiency and support the manufacture of products with tighter tolerance requirements.

Installation planned for summer 2027

The equipment replacement is scheduled to take place during Tuflesa's planned summer maintenance period in 2027, limiting the effect on the production calendar. SMS group will also supervise commissioning after the equipment change.

The ERW-RD-240 line, supplied by SMS group to Tuflesa in 1998, can produce structural tubes up to 240 millimeters in round sections and up to 200x200 millimeters in square sections. Tuflesa's portfolio also includes structural tube solutions for the solar energy sector, where precise tolerances are required.

The latest order continues the cooperation between Tuflesa and SMS group. SMS group completed the modernization of the line's forming and welding sections in 2024, while Tuflesa commissioned a new RD 40 high-frequency tube welding line in 2021.