Bangkok--24 Aug--SSI
SSI becomes the first steel manufacturer in Thailand, to achieve again a historical record of 25 million tons accumulated production of hot-rolled coil. With its workforce highly motivated and focused in continuous innovation, Sahaviriya Steel Bangsaphan Plant in Prachuab Khirikhan is accelerating production volumes to meet the increased demand in the latter half of 2011.
Mr. Win Viriyaprapaikit, President and Group CEO of Sahaviriya Steel Industry Public Company Limited or “SSI”, revealed that on August 17, 2011 at 4.18am, Sahaviriya Steel Bangsaphan Plant in Prachuab Khirikhan produced hot-rolled coil steel accumulatively to 25 million tons, the highest record of Thailand. SSI plans to step up production volumes to support increasing sales in the latter half of 2011, which is expected to rise up to 1.2 million tons.
Mr. Win said that “Since being founded in 1990, with cooperation and dedication of all employees for 20 years, SSI has grown up continually and could overcome many difficult obstacles. Building on our strong passion to develop Thailand steel industry, total accumulated production of 25 million tons was achieved today. This marks an important history of steel industry of Thailand and pride of SSI. I deeply appreciate every customer and employee who helped contribute to this success.”
SSI’s hot-rolled coil production had been constantly upgraded in both output and quality level in accordance with the Company’s philosophy to aim for excellence so that our product could earn more and more trust from customers. It took 14 years to reach the first 12.5 million tons of production, but the latter 12.5 million tons achievement comes within only 7 years. This 25 million ton achievement is the first and only one in Thailand. Presently, SSI focuses on R&D and continuous innovation for premium value steel products to serve increasing demand of the region. These are consistent with the Company’s vision and mission which is to “Innovate premium value steel products and services for customer; generate consistent profit and sustainable value for stakeholders”.
Recent innovations are 1) Value Plus Products whose quality control goes beyond general standards in terms of dimension, thickness, width, and mechanical qualities 2) Ultra thin gauge hot-rolled products as thin as 0.90 mm. which only SSI can produce commercially in Thailand 3) Hot-rolled steel for deep drawing with induction heater technology to control grain size which can help customers reduce loss from edge cutting 4) Special chemical component-added steel for enhancing elongation and surface strength 5) Tailor-made products according to customer’s application.”
Mr. Win added that in the second half of 2011, production plan has been adjusted to support the increased sales which are projected to be 40 percent more than the first half of 2011 to be 1.2 million tons. In addition, SSI is confident to achieve significant growth rate after Sahaviriya Steel Teesside Plant in the United Kingdom restart its slab production in this coming December.