100th Annual Report 2006-2007 - Tata Steel

Corus produces strong, light steel for the packaging industry.
Rail is manufactured at Hayange, France and at Scunthorpe in the UK.
Technology developments for specific markets
Many development projects are aimed at tailoring product
properties to the needs of specific markets and customers.
Construction
Following a programme of technical improvements at its
Scunthorpe and Teesside plants, Corus introduced a new
brand name, ‘Advance’, for its range of structural sections
in September 2006. Corus was the first steel company to
be allowed to use the CE mark on its sections, as proof of
compliance, and all Advance sections carry the mark.
Automotive and other transport
Automotive is a key market sector for Corus with a large potential
for adding customer value, not only by supplying advanced
steel grades, but also by collaborating with customers, aiming
at early involvement in the design of new car models.
An example of how Corus collaborates with key customers,
using customer support tools developed over the past few
years, is found in the development of Ford’s new Galaxy model
range. Corus has been working closely with Ford to help the car
maker implement the latest high strength steel grades. Corus
has used its material expertise and simulation capabilities to
help Ford identify areas where material selection can be
optimised for a number of key parts for the rear structure of the
new Galaxy.
Corus has also employed its unique materials simulation
technique named ‘Forming to Crash’ to help Ford engineers
evaluate the crash performance of key parts of a vehicle such
as the rear longitudinals made from dual phase material during
the Galaxy’s development process.
Packaging
Thinner packaging materials lead to reduced weight and thereby
less waste and a lower burden on the environment. Though
development potential is gradually decreasing as physical limits
of the production processes are being approached, research
into possibilities for downgauging continues. As a result of
these efforts, at the end of 2005, Corus introduced a uniquely
thinner material of 0.18 mm for easy-open, end food cans, that
delivered a 10% material saving.
Engineering
Chain partnerships are one way for Corus to focus development
and ensure long term supply relationships. One such partnership
between Corus and Wigpool Ltd. for the development of high
quality machined components is helping leading motorcycle
manufacturer Triumph to stay ahead of its competitors.
Corus has worked with Wigpool, one of the UK’s leading
contract machinists, to help it select the most appropriate
high specification steel grades for its manufacturing process,
thereby improving the performance of key components whilst
reducing costs. For this purpose, Corus is supplying Wigpool
with one of its Hitenspeed easily machinable, high tensile
steel grades.
Corus people
Corus is proud of its international workforce. The individual
commitment and complete engagement of 100% of Corus
employees in Continuous Improvement is key in translating the
benefits of this programme into both operational and financial
performance.
Corus places the highest value on the health, safety and wellbeing
of all employees, on teamwork based on mutual trust and
respect, on personal commitment and employee involvement
and on conducting business with honesty, integrity and
reliability. Corus is committed to the training and development
of all its employees. For two years running, in the UK, Corus was
included in “The Times Top 100” graduate employers, last issued
in September 2006.
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