Foreword 4.indd - Tata Steel

news in brief
It’s good to talk
In what has become an annual event, senior automotive industry figures and tier 1 suppliers
to the automotive industry visited Corus Strip Products UK in September and exchanged
views on a variety of issues.
Tony Jones, Corus’ Director of Product
and Market Development, started the
day by presenting the improvements in
business performance and the benefits
that will come from investments in
steel making and casting. Jones also
outlined product, service and technology
initiatives. The visitors were able to see
for themselves the work ongoing in steel,
slab and hot rolling areas.
Later, key customers and senior industry
figures debated the latest automotive
and manufacturing issues with Corus.
Representatives from the Department of
Trade and Industry, Welsh Automotive
Forum and LMC Automotive Services
provided their views on issues in the UK
automotive sector.
At a dinner In the evening, there was
another chance to talk, followed by a
speech from Duncan Pell, Corus’ Director
Commercial Coordination, who reiterated
the effects that rising raw materials,
energy and transport costs were having
on global steel availability, demand and
prices. Pell said, “In real terms, the cost
of steel is 30% less than it was 30 years
ago. Historically, tier 1 suppliers have
benefited more than OEMs, and that
price imbalance is now starting to be
redressed.”
Key automotive customers weren’t happy
about continued steel price rises, but
understood the reasons behind them.
They valued the opportunity to find out
first hand what Corus is doing to reduce
its cost base. Continuing to talk regularly
with suppliers like Corus and to maintain
strong supply-chain links was important
to them.
Visitors were able to see the work ongoing in steel, slab and hot-rolling areas.
Key customers and senior industry figures enjoyed the opportunity to talk over their key issues.
Guest speaker Arthus Maher, Head put a price on this sort of event. It is
of European Forecasting at LMC
immensely valuable to get away from the
Automotive Services, followed Pell office and talk about the critical issues
with an insight into some of the future for our customers and the industry in
potential changes within the European the UK and abroad.” He continued, “We
car industry. His thoughts created
place huge importance on the automotive
huge interest and started debates that supply chain. Unless a business
continued long into the small hours of understands that chain completely, it
the morning.
cannot hope to add value effectively. I
think we are all looking forward to next
Joe Vazquez, Commercial Director for
year’s event!”
Corus Strip Products UK said, “You can’t
18 Foreword