SMS group has received an order from Huzhou Hatebur Precision Forging Co., Ltd. der C&U Group, to supply an SMS Elotherm bar heating machine

• Electrification of billet heating reduces CO₂ emissions
• Maximum throughput of 5600 kilograms per hour
• Start-up scheduled for end of 2026 

SMS group has received an order from Huzhou Hatebur, part of the C&U Group, to supply an SMS Elotherm bar heating machine for its Huzhou site in Zhejiang Province, China. Huzhou Hatebur chose SMS for its technical expertise to upgrade its facilities to deliver more efficient, robust, and sustainable precision forging.

The scope of supply for the ELO-BAR solution includes auxiliary equipment as well as the associated core components, drives, and critical control systems. The start of operations is planned for the end of 2026

SMS’s proven expertise in China includes the successful delivery of locally adapted induction heating systems to leading Chinese forging customers, sophisticated project management, and experience in establishing supplier networks and quality control.

“I reaffirm our strong commitment to the China market and to the successful localization of this project. We view China as a strategic priority and will continue to increase our support through greater investment in local engineering resources, training programs, spare‑parts inventory, and collaborative R&D. While advancing localization, we will maintain German engineering standards and rigorous quality oversight to ensure long‑term reliability and performance. We are confident this project will strengthen our partnership with Huzhou Hatebur and serve as a model for future cooperation. We will remain fully engaged to provide the technical, commercial and after‑sales support necessary for sustainable growth in China” says Henk de Lange, MD SMS Elotherm.

“I prioritize our collaboration with Huzhou Hatebur. The project pairs German core equipment for process reliability with a high degree of localization to meet China’s needs for lead time, cost efficiency, and local service and to ensure a fast, stable ramp up. We look forward to a long term strategic partnership to advance higher quality, lower carbon, and smarter forging operations” explains Tobias Leiting, VP of CNX, SMS group China

“I am quite confident in this project. SMS Elotherm heaters already operating on site demonstrated excellent stability and clear energy savings, providing a reliable basis for running this new coming heater. We expect the new equipment to materially improve bar heating uniformity, forming consistency and production efficiency. We look forward to continuing the long-term partnership with SMS group to realize higher quality, lower carbon, and smarter production” says Chen Huiyan, General Manager, Huzhou Hatebur Precision Forging Co., Ltd.

C&U Group, a leading enterprise in China’s bearing industry, has been extremely active in the sector for over thirty years. The Group has led the domestic market in production and sales for twelve consecutive years and is among the world’s top ten bearing manufacturers—making it the only Chinese company on the list. C&U Group operates nine major production bases at home and abroad, employs nearly 20,000 staff, and offers more than 50,000 bearing types and specifications, providing extensive coverage across product types and manufacturing processes.

Huzhou Hatebur Precision Forging Co., Ltd. is one of the largest businesses in China’s high-speed forging sector. As the Group’s core forging entity, the company primarily manufactures various precision bearing blanks and key automotive components—such as automotive bearings, wheel hub unit flanges, and gears. It has established long-term, stable partnerships with leading global bearing and component manufacturers. The company is committed to becoming a first-class precision forging enterprise in Asia, continuously enhancing product quality and supply-chain collaboration.