Shandong county embraces prosperous steel ball industry

Ningyang county in Tai'an, Shandong province, is renowned for its steel ball industry, with its products widely used in mechanical processing. Fueled by new quality productive forces, this industry has become a significant driver of local economic development.

The steel ball industry in Ningyang took root in the 1980s, offering a wide variety of products with comprehensive specifications and high output, earning it the title of "China's Steel Ball Hub". 

Ningyang is currently home to over 320 steel ball factories with an output value exceeding 6 billion yuan ($845 million) and operating in over 20 countries. It ranks first globally in the production of carbon steel balls.

In recent years, Ningyang has actively integrated upstream and downstream enterprises and relevant production resources, establishing an integrated steel ball production chain incorporating logistics, trade, packaging, components, and maintenance. Additionally, the county has promoted the upgrading and transformation of existing steel ball enterprises by recruiting academicians from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and their research teams to enhance the quality of steel ball products.

Leveraging digital technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence, the county has developed the innovative "Steel Ball Industry Brain," a new infrastructure driving innovation in production and operational models and fostering efficient collaboration within the industry cluster.

"Next, we will focus on the basic component industrial park, strengthen steel ball enterprises, refine steel ball craftsmanship, optimize steel ball support, and strive to achieve a total industry value of over 10 billion yuan within five years," said Dong Guangjun, head of the steel ball industry in Ningyang county.