A Richards Consulting (ARC) has successfully partnered with Hulamin to finalise the Phase 2 upgrade of the S5 aluminium cold mill in South Africa, completing the work on schedule. Hulamin, the largest aluminium rolling operation in Sub-Saharan Africa and a major exporter with over 50% of its sales overseas, is now better equipped to meet growing market demands.
The upgrade focused on increasing the maximum strip width, allowing the S5 mill to process wider, high-quality 14-out can stock material and open access to new markets. Wider strip processing also improves product distribution across the plant, enhancing overall utilisation.
Central to the upgrade was a new entry bridle with a colouring roll, designed and supplied by ARC. This component ensures precise roll positioning, stable tension control, and ease of maintenance. The project also included longer work rolls and backup rolls with new bearing arrangements, modified chocks, and mounting for wider coolant spray bars and the existing coil feed unit.
ARC’s design accounts for higher strip temperatures and speeds while integrating new surface inspection cameras, strip scanners, load cells, and flatness measurement systems in a compact mill layout. 
A Hulamin spokesperson praised the project, noting: “The mill upgrades were completed as per the project plan with little or no issues related to the work executed by ARC. All the equipment and modifications fixed as planned and have been operating well.”
Source: arichards.co.uk with additional information added by Glass Balkan
