Recently, Shougang Shuicheng Iron & Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Shougang Shuicheng”) and Hangzhou Zhongfu Electromechanical Equipment Co., Ltd., the authorised representative of the UK-based ROOS-LAIS (Lais Bearings), formally entered into a comprehensive cooperation agreement. The two parties will engage in all-round collaboration centred on the supply of bearings for core continuous casting equipment, technical services, and long-term operation and maintenance. To date, ROOS-LAIS continuous casting bearings have been in stable operation on Shougang Shuigang’s continuous casting production lines for over two years, with zero faults and zero major maintenance incidents throughout. Through their outstanding performance, they have delivered flawless results, providing robust support for the enterprise’s efficient production as core components.

Deeply Rooted in Core Metallurgical Applications: Imported Bearings Stand Up to Rigorous Testing

As a major integrated steel enterprise in south-west China, Shougang Shuigang’s continuous casting production line has long faced extreme operating conditions, including high temperatures, heavy loads, high dust levels and continuous operation. Core bearings must withstand intense wear and alternating loads, placing extremely high demands on product precision, material strength and stability.

ROOS-LAIS of the UK, a century-old precision bearing brand, has specialised in the metallurgical bearing sector for many years. Through advanced CNC production equipment, a rigorous quality inspection system and product designs tailored to extreme operating conditions, it has built a strong reputation for widespread application within the global steel industry. The continuous casting-specific bearings supplied to this plant utilise high-wear-resistant special bearing steel and an optimised sealing structure, effectively resisting high-temperature oxidation, dust ingress and fatigue wear, and perfectly meeting the demands of continuous operation in continuous casting machines.

Two Years of Stable Operation: Proven Capabilities Deliver Cost Savings and Efficiency Gains

Since their commissioning in 2024, ROOS-LAIS continuous casting bearings have operated continuously for over 24 months at critical stations of Shougang Shuigang’s continuous casting machine. During this period, no sudden failures have occurred, and there has been no need for frequent shutdowns for maintenance, significantly reducing equipment operation and maintenance costs as well as production downtime losses.

Compared to traditional bearings, ROOS-LAIS products demonstrate three core advantages:

- Exceptionally long service life: Enhanced by specialised materials, wear and fatigue resistance are significantly improved, with a service life far exceeding the industry average;

- High stability: Precision manufacturing processes ensure suitability for heavy-load and high-temperature conditions, with low operating noise and minimal vibration, guaranteeing the continuity of continuous casting production;

- Low O&M costs: Excellent sealing performance reduces grease consumption and dust ingress, significantly lowering maintenance frequency and spare part replacement costs.

A Win-Win Partnership: Deepening Collaborative Development in the Metallurgical Sector

The conclusion of this partnership represents not only Shougang Shuigang’s strategic choice to source high-quality imported components for its core equipment, but also a significant achievement for Hangzhou Zhongfu in deepening its presence in the domestic metallurgical market by leveraging the technical strengths of the ROOS-LAIS brand.

As the authorised partner of UK-based ROOS-LAIS in China, Hangzhou Zhongfu has consistently upheld the philosophy of “Technology Empowerment, Quality First”, providing domestic steel enterprises with genuine original bearings, customised technical solutions and full-cycle operation and maintenance services. Looking ahead, both parties will use this partnership as an opportunity to further deepen collaboration in areas such as the supply of high-end bearings, equipment upgrades and retrofits, and technical exchange and training. This will assist Shougang Shuigang in enhancing the intelligence and efficiency of its equipment, whilst jointly promoting the deep integration of domestic substitution for core components in the steel industry with the high-quality services of imported brands, thereby achieving high-quality development and mutual benefit.