JSW Steel starts expansion at Vijayanagar

* Capacity of 10 MTPA will make this plant India's largest in a single location

Vijayanagar, July 13, 2007: JSW Steel Ltd, the country's fourth largest integrated steel manufacturer, today set in motion the capacity expansion project at its plant in Vijaynagar. Once completed by 2010, this state-of-the-art facility will be able to produce 10 million tons per annum (MTPA). The completion of this initiative will also make JSW Steel the largest production facility in a single location.

The increased capacity would add more value to the company's strategy in catering to the growing demand from the domestic and export markets. At present, the Vijayanagar plant has an installed capacity to produce 7 MTPA of steel. The project would involve latest equipment being installed at this facility, it would also include the largest blast furnace in India being set up here.

Mr. Sajjan Jindal, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, JSW Steel, said, "India's thrust on infrastructure development will continue to drive the demand for steel in the coming years. The growing fixed asset investments in the emerging economies will see a growing demand for steel. Moreover, the rural markets in India are yet untapped for their potential. We see a huge opportunity for growth in this market."

The inauguration was attended by over 180 delegates from India and abroad, which included Siemens VAI, Danielli Corus, Posco, SMS-Demag, Mecon, and Outokumpu. Mr Jindal also announced plans to set up a Vocational Training Centre at a cost of Rs 7 crore. Besides this the Akshayapatra mid day meals at schools will now look after 1.5 lakh children. JSW is also planning to take over 3 ITI's at Vittalapura, Hospet & Kudligi in collaboration with the government to give a fillip to technical education.

On this occasion a two days Seminar is also being organized focusing on Nexgen Steel: "Green Steel-Technology selection" which will conclude today. The seminar explored the optimum configuration, machinery and technology expertise required for a green field steel plant at West Bengal and Jharkhand.

About JSW Steel Ltd:

The JSW Steel Ltd., belonging to JSW group, part of the US $ 4 6 billion O P Jindal Group, is one of the lowest cost Steel producers in the world. The group has diversified interest in Mining, Carbon Steel, Power, Industrial Gases and Port Facilities. JSW Steel Limited is engaged primarily in manufacture of flat products viz. H R Coils, C R Coils, Galvanised products, auto grade / white goods grade CRCA Steel and Power. Incorporated in 1994, it has grown to US $ 2.25 billion in little over a decade. JSW Steel Limited has the largest galvanizing production capacity in the country and is the largest exporter of galvanized products with presence in over 74 countries across five continents.