SAISC INVESTS IN QUALITY, SKILLS, SUSTAINABILITY

While the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) is closely monitoring seismic changes happening upstream, it has taken a strategic decision to focus on ensuring a steady supply of good quality steel for downstream steel businesses, says Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amanuel Gebremeskel. Part 2 of a two-part series.

…continued from Part 1.

According to Gebremeskel, even though the so-called ‘mini’ (or smaller) mills which have sprung up to process scrap metal are using more energy-efficient induction furnaces, there is still some way to go.

“As they are relatively new – and because they rely on scrap that is often of poor quality – the mini-mills need to elevate themselves to meet the higher standards to which we are accustomed in the market – and that does take time,” he admits.

While some of these mini-mills have invested considerably to increase volumes, additional spend is now also required to expand product ranges if they are to effectively take up the slack should the ArcelorMittal long products facilities ultimately lose capacity, he adds.

 Building a digital ‘skills bridge’  

The South African steel sector is also navigating the loss of key skills to retirement and emigration.

The SAISC needs to respond by retaining the knowledge that is lost to the sector. The ‘silver bullet’ solution would be to upload much of the accumulated expertise onto a digital platform for SAISC members, according to Gebremeskel.

“Through our website and online learning platform, we are aiming to link the older generation of steel professionals with future generations. Hopefully, in this way, we can build a digital ‘skills bridge’ and make this invaluable information readily accessible,” he says.

The SAISC is also reaching out to engineers. Those who attended the Institute’s breakfast discussion earlier this year – which focused on challenges to the availability and quality of steel – reported that the event was extremely beneficial, and an important opportunity to engage with the steel sector. Other events, including the annual SAISC Steel Awards, are similarly well attended by a wide range of SAISC members and steel supply chain participants – from designers and consulting engineers, to fabricators and construction contractors.

In addition, engineers are now being included on the SAISC Board.

Quality engagement

Gebremeskel concludes with a firm commitment that the SAISC will provide further opportunities for stakeholders to engage: “We would like to energise everyone to work together to solve the problems that can be solved. The SAISC needs to set the tone for the steel sector, so that people do not give up and lose out on important opportunities to further the skills, quality and sustainability of the steel industry.”