In October 2025, Xinguangzheng delivered two steel structure rolling mill sheds. They are located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The structures are identical. Each measures 350x26x11.5m. They span 9,100 square meters. These sheds support heavy-duty metal rolling. They also house fabrication operations. The design provides clear-span protection. We engineered them for coastal humidity of 80-90%. They withstand seasonal rains up to 1,200mm. The structures handle temperatures from 22°C to 32°C. They also resist dust and salt corrosion. This ensures uninterrupted production.
Customer Demand
Our client is a steel manufacturer in Tanzania. They are based in the Mikocheni industrial area of Dar es Salaam. They produce rebar and sheet metal for East African projects. Demand is surging due to the Tanzania Development Vision 2025. They needed two rolling mill sheds. These house new hot-rolling lines. Each line outputs 50,000 tons annually.
The process required specific dimensions. Tracks needed a 350m length. Crane bays required a 26m width. Equipment clearance needed an 11.5m height. The client required full turnkey service. This included engineering, design, supply, and erection. Speed was vital to finish before the rainy season.
Old open sheds caused problems. Leaks and corrosion led to 15-20% efficiency loss. The site also faces seismic risks. The East African Rift can cause magnitude 6.0 quakes. Port winds reach 40 km/h. This required reinforced framing. The total budget was under 8 million USD. We had to finish erection by October 28, 2025. This aligned with export contracts.
We analyzed the soil and held engineering consultations. The Xinguangzheng team proposed prefab steel sheds. We used tapered portal frames for crane loads. Galvanized coatings resist salt. Modular erection helped meet the deadline.
Solutions
Xinguangzheng engineered Q460 high-strength steel frames. These suit the port-adjacent site. We made all components in our Mombasa-partnered facility. They comply with ISO 9001 standards. They also meet Tanzanian TBS standards. This covers seismic Zone 2 and wind loads of 1.2 kN/m². We shipped via Dar port. This ensured timely supply. Bolted erection minimized site welding. It also allows for easy future expansion.
Core Specifications Detailed
- Dimensions and layout: 350m long x 26m wide x 11.5m eave height per shed. The roof pitch is 5% for drainage. We placed them 20m apart for shared crane access.
- Structural Components: We used Q460 tapered portal beams and columns. Connections are bolted. The floor supports 60 kN/m² for machinery. It also supports 10-ton cranes.
- Roof and cladding: We used 0.8mm galvanized trapezoidal sheets. These have fiberglass insulation (R-value 4.0). Side walls use 0.6mm sheets with anti-corrosion epoxy undercoat.
- Foundation: We used continuous strip footings. Anchors are embedded in a 250mm reinforced concrete slab. Seismic ties ensure stability.
Custom Functions
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- Crane integration: Dual 10-ton bridge crane rails run the full length. They have end stops and power feeds.
- Ventilation: Ridge monitors and sidewall louvers improve airflow by 30%. We prepped for exhaust systems to clear fumes.
- Access: Each shed has four 8m x 8m sliding doors for loading. Personnel entries feature dust seals.
Implementation Process
We erected the twin sheds in four phases. The process took 5 months. We used local labor to save 25% on costs.
- Prefabrication (1.5 months): We handled design engineering in Qingdao. Fabrication included galvanizing and crane rail tests.
- Shipping and site prep (3 weeks): Containers traveled via Mombasa to Dar. We poured foundations using local aggregates to stop soil erosion.
- Erection (2.5 months): Frames took 18 days per shed. Cladding and cranes took 20 days. We worked on both sheds at once.
- Commissioning (1 week): We handed over the project on October 28, 2025. Tests included seismic simulations and load trials. We used 12% of the budget for wind bracing upgrades.
Results
Output has improved since October 2025.
- Capacity growth: Clear spans allow non-stop rolling. Production increased by 40%. Weather causes zero interruptions.
- Economic savings: The total cost was 7.5 million USD. This was 6% under the estimate. ROI will take 15 months due to exports to Kenya and Uganda.
- Resilience: The sheds endured November monsoons without leaks. High-strength steel ensures 50-year durability in salty air.
- Sustainability: Insulated design cuts cooling energy by 25%. This fits Tanzania’s eco-industrial policies.
Xinguangzheng provides full-service metal building workshop solutions for Tanzanian manufacturing. Contact us for your metal building needs.
Jamal Mwinyi, Production Manager— Xinguangzheng’s twin sheds were engineered perfection—350m beasts ready by October 28, 2025. They stand tall against Dar’s winds and rains. Design, supply, erection—all flawless; our mills are rolling hotter than ever!
