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Metals061500million tonsof metallic stripThe origin of metal strip making is likely todate back to the Bronze Age, when softmetals (bronzes) were hammered into thinsheets. These were used mainly for jewelryand also for household objects.Producing and treating metal strip in rollingmills was not developed until the 19 th century,but grew very quickly during the 20 th century.In 2008, over 500 million tons of metallic stripwere produced.Applications of stainless steel range fromarchitecture to heavy-duty components inthe chemical industry, to power stations.The global demand for stainless steel hasincreased by an annual average of 10%since 2003, with the strongest growth ratesin China and India.ANDRITZ METALS is a supplier of plants andcomponents that are used in many areas ofmetals production and processing, and holdsthe global lead in stainless steel strip productionlines.Stainless steel is also being usedincreasingly as high-grade buildingmaterial and as an architectural element.