In Linyi, Shandong, the forging of a single steel bar is unfolding a tale of industrial upgrading. Shandong Steel Investment Special Steel's premium special steel project transforms red-hot steel billets into high-end alloy structural steel; Shandong Shengyang New Materials, leveraging globally advanced cold-rolling lines, produces ultra-thin titanium sheets just 0.3 millimeters thick that meet aerospace standards. This transformation stems from Linyi's strategic prioritization of high-end stainless steel and advanced special steel industries at the forefront of its 13 flagship industrial chains. Under the leadership of the municipal Party committee's principal officials and through dedicated task forces, Linyi has consolidated resources and integrated policies to drive comprehensive industrial upgrades toward high-end, intelligent, green, and clustered development. A hundred-billion-yuan “steel backbone” is rapidly rising across the Yimeng region.

Development achievements are backed by data: From January to November this year, Linyi's steel industry saw industrial added value grow by 5.5%, steel exports quadrupled, and revenue profit margins increased by 1.2 percentage points, solidifying its role as the “ballast stone” stabilizing the city's industrial economy. This success stems from a systematic advancement strategy. Linyi precisely guided projects through its “three maps and six tables” system, with 41 ongoing projects completing investments exceeding 8 billion yuan and 19 projects scheduled for commissioning within the year. Investment promotion yielded substantial results, totaling 20.6 billion yuan in new investments. Simultaneously, technological innovation emerged as a core engine—Yongfeng Group was designated a national-level smart factory, while enterprises like Gangtou Stainless Steel were recognized as provincial-level technology centers. Taigang Xinhai successfully rolled nickel-based alloy hot-rolled coils, filling a domestic technological gap. Throughout the year, 50 new steel grades were developed, with high-end products accounting for 52% of output. The price per ton of steel rose significantly, transforming technological advancement into tangible value growth.

The sustained vitality of the industry also relies on the nourishment of a high-quality ecosystem. To address the “growing pains” enterprises face in land use, financing, energy consumption, and other areas, Linyi has implemented targeted solutions through service mechanisms like “one enterprise, one file.” Meanwhile, initiatives such as the “Steel Enterprises County Tour” and entrepreneur training programs have effectively connected upstream and downstream players, facilitating numerous corporate collaborations and fostering a collective drive for joint development. Currently, Linyi's steel industry is demonstrating robust momentum in chain-driven development.

Looking ahead, Linyi has charted a clear path forward. Liu Entian, Party Secretary and Director of the Linyi Municipal Development and Reform Commission, stated that the city will seize the industry's trend toward “reducing volume while improving quality.” Key tasks include formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan and attracting major projects, while fully advancing efforts to extend and supplement industrial chains and optimize structural optimization. The goal is to attract and implement 20 projects by 2026, with a total investment of 15 billion yuan, adding 10 billion yuan in output value, and increasing the proportion of high-end specialty steel to 60%. Amidst the surging tide of steel production, Linyi is taking firm strides to write a new chapter of high-quality development.