Army demand push for stainless steel

Domestic stainless steel consumption is poised for major growth, courtesy Indian Army, which is planning to build several lakh dwelling units under Project Primrose.

One of the contractors for the project has sent an enquiry to the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA), the apex body for stainless steel companies.

The Army would be building tens of thousands of dwelling units for NCOs (non-commissioned officers) and JCOs (junior commissioned officers). Industry sources said, stainless steel demand would probably be in excess of one lakh tonne.

Ramesh R Gopal, executive director of ISSDA, confirmed the development and said that discussions have been held with officials of PDIL. He however, refused to quantify the extent of stainless steel to be used.

The main consideration in choosing stainless steel was minimum maintenance and durability and hygiene of home and occupants.

Specific items discussed included fasteners, hinges, plate racks, sinks, tower bolts, sliding bolts, handles, knobs, pipes, doors, door frames, window frames, gratings for bathrooms and kitchens and wire meshes for doors and windows.

These were currently being made with carbon steel, brass and plastic. ISSDA has advised its member companies that they should immediately get stainless steel items in the army's standard specification rates (SSR) so that they could supply materials without fresh approvals.

Industry sources said, the army order would open the floodgates if stainless steel is included in a good number of building-related items. This was the first step in a stainless steel boom in the country.

In 2002-03 the liquid stainless steel production in the country was around 1 million tonne. Other potential buyers which have stayed away till now were Indian Railways and airports.

However, except for kitchen sinks, no other stainless steel item for building construction has been included in the Indian Standards.

ISSDA has requested its member companies making different products in stainless steel to start working towards getting the necessary Indian Standards for their products.