Iraeta Chairman Niu Yugang Attends ICRF 2026 in Italy

The 5th International Conference on Ingot Casting, Rolling and Forging (ICRF 2026) was held in Verona, Italy, from October 13 to 15, 2026. Niu Yugang, Vice Chairman of the China Forging Association, Chairman of the Shandong Forging Association and Chairman of Iraeta, attended the conference with Iraeta’s technical team. They exchanged views with technical experts, researchers and industry representatives from around the world on industry developments and new technologies.

ICRF 2026 provided a platform for professionals in ingot casting, rolling and forging to share knowledge and discuss closer cooperation between steelmaking and forging. Discussions focused on technical progress, industry collaboration and sustainable development.

During the conference, Niu Yugang met with Professor Carlo Mapelli, President of the Italian Association for Metallurgy, and Federica Bassani, the association’s Secretary General. They discussed technical developments, industrial cooperation and future trends in steelmaking and forging.

Niu Yugang also shared insights into the development of China’s forging industry and invited international experts and industry representatives to attend the 23rd International Forging Congress (IFM 2027), scheduled to take place in Chengdu, China, in 2027. The event will provide another opportunity for professionals from around the world to exchange ideas and strengthen industry ties.

Iraeta’s 22-meter ring rolling mill also drew interest from industry peers during the conference, highlighting the company’s equipment capabilities and experience in manufacturing extra-large seamless rolled rings.

In January 2026, Iraeta produced an integral rolled steel ring measuring 21.029 meters in diameter, surpassing its previous record of 15.673 meters set in 2022. This achievement marked another step forward in the company’s ability to manufacture extra-large seamless rolled rings.

Niu Yugang noted that Iraeta has focused on extra-large ring forgings for many years, continually improving its equipment and manufacturing capabilities to meet the demands of large, critical components.