SAIL OPENS SERVICE CENTRES TO PROVIDE TAILOR-MADE PRODUCTS

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The Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) has opened new service centres to bridge the gap between its steel plants and end consumers. As large integrated steel plants cannot supply tailor-made products for the consumers, SAIL plans to provide tailor-made products through these service centres.

The company is planning to open two more service centres this year, apart from the one it recently opened at Bokaro. The two service centres are likely to come up in the western region. These centres would make the PSU more market savvy.

The service centres will be equipped to produce steel products in smaller tonnages and varied sizes to suit the consumer's needs. The services would be available for hot-rolled, cold-rolled and galvanised coils. SAIL is also hoping to expand its customer base through this exercise. The service centres would also deliver the products at the door-step of the end consumers.

According to an estimate, the elimination of pre-processing operations would result in savings of around Rs.300 per tonne on operating costs. The service centre at Bokaro has an annual capacity of 300,000 tonne.