Debut in St. Petersburg: GM Lu Xintao Leads Delegation to Metal-Expo 2025, Deepening Sino-Russian Refractory Cooperation
St. Petersburg, Russia — November 11, 2025 The 31st International Industrial Exhibition “Metal-Expo 2025,” a premier global event for the metallurgical industry, officially opened at the CEC Expoforum in St. Petersburg. As a leading force in the refractory industry, Zhengzhou Yongyi Refractories Co., Ltd. (YONGYI) made a high-profile appearance. Led personally by Group General Manager Mr. Lu Xintao, the YONGYI delegation showcased core refractory products and integrated solutions, engaging with global steel giants and industry partners.
A Historic Shift to the “Northern Capital”
Metal-Expo 2025 carries special historical significance, marking the first time in its 30-year history that the exhibition moved from Moscow to St. Petersburg, Russia’s “Northern Capital.” As the largest and most influential metallurgical exhibition in Russia and Eastern Europe, this year’s event attracted hundreds of exhibitors, including Russian giants such as MMK (Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works), Severstal, and NLMK (Novolipetsk Steel), alongside companies from China, India, and Turkey, to showcase the latest innovations in ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy.
Strengthening Strategic Trust: GM Lu Xintao on the Front Line
The YONGYI booth saw a steady stream of visitors throughout the event. Mr. Lu Xintao, alongside the international trade team, conducted in-depth face-to-face discussions with long-standing Russian clients.
“Russia has always been a cornerstone of YONGYI’s global strategic roadmap,” Mr. Lu stated during an on-site interview. “The relocation of the exhibition to St. Petersburg not only demonstrates the resilience and evolution of the Russian metallurgical industry but also provides us with a valuable opportunity to connect with new clients in the Northwestern Federal District. YONGYI is here to offer more than just refractory bricks and castables; we are delivering ‘Long-Life Solutions’ specifically customized for Russia’s extreme cold climates and specific furnace types.”
Flagship Products Tailored to Market Demands
Addressing the unique requirements of the Russian market for blast furnaces, electric furnaces, and non-ferrous smelting, YONGYI highlighted several key innovations:
High-Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) & Low-Creep High-Alumina Series:Specifically engineered for large-scale hot blast stoves to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations.
Corrosion-Resistant Magnesia-Carbon Bricks & Dry Ramming Masses:Optimized for Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) and Basic Oxygen Furnaces (BOF), providing superior slag resistance.
Thanks to proven product quality and a robust export track record, YONGYI’s booth attracted numerous procurement heads from local steel mills, leading to several preliminary cooperation agreements signed on-site.
Looking Ahead
The four-day exhibition (Nov 11–14) served as both a product showcase and a hub for industrial insight. Through this participation, Zhengzhou Yongyi Refractories Co., Ltd. has once again demonstrated the formidable strength of “Made in China” to the international market. Moving forward, YONGYI will continue to uphold the philosophy of “Quality First, Global Service,” leveraging the “Belt and Road Initiative” to provide premium, eco-friendly refractory solutions to metallurgical clients in Russia and across the globe.
