Conticon, a joint venture between Grupo Condumex and Xignux, is strengthening its production capabilities by installing a new CONTIROD®* CR3700 line from SMS group at its facility in Celaya-Villagrán, Mexico. The company specializes in manufacturing electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper rod.
This strategic investment in the advanced CONTIROD®* casting and rolling technology is aimed at meeting the rising demand for high-quality copper rod in the automotive and telecommunications sectors across the region. The new line will significantly expand the capacity of Conticon’s existing CONTIROD®* plant, which was originally supplied by SMS group back in 1984. While the current line produces around 230,000 tons annually, the new line will add another 320,000 tons, bringing total potential capacity to approximately 550,000 tons per year. The project is scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2026, with an exceptionally fast delivery time of just 14 months.
SMS group is supplying Condumex, Inc with a complete CONTIROD®* line, including both process and electrical equipment, to optimize production at the Conticon site. The system covers all stages of manufacturing – from charging, furnace systems, and casting, to rolling, cooling, and coil handling. This all-in-one solution boosts productivity through easy maintenance and user-friendly operation, while also improving process control and safety. The new CR3700 line is capable of producing 48 tons per hour, increasing Condumex’s ability to serve internal operations, investors, and export markets more effectively amid rising copper wire rod demand.
The new line also brings notable sustainability advantages. It cuts electrical energy use by 55 percent and natural gas consumption by 30 percent. These efficiency gains are made possible by modern design, integrated processes, and optimized heat utilization – reducing energy loss and increasing overall system performance. The technology package includes advanced process control systems for precise operation, contributing even further to energy savings.
SMS group and Grupo Condumex have a long-standing partnership that began with the first line installation in 1984. Since then, SMS has supported the plant with spare parts and technical upgrades to maintain reliable and efficient operations. The new line will also feature SMS-Metrics, a digital tool that enables real-time monitoring, recording, and analysis of machine data to further enhance operational efficiency. This latest project strengthens their collaboration and highlights SMS group’s commitment to delivering forward-thinking solutions for customer success.
*CONTIROD® is a registered trademark of Aurubis Belgium.
