A $54 million upgrade started in November by China’s Ziyang steel pipe plant will increase annual output to 150,000 tons and reach “a nationally advanced level” of product quality, according to Industrial Information Resources. According to IIR, the unprecedented development of China’s oil and natural gas industry has brought about a new wave of steel pipe construction, creating huge demand for quality steel pipes. In an effort to strengthen its steel pipe making, China’s steel industry has pushed forward reform measures and reshuffled its industry lineup.