Experts emphasise on introduction of automation, IT in steel plants

In the international conference on automation and information technology steelexperts in their addresses held strong view on the rapid introduction of automation and information technology in Indian steel sector for manufacturing quality steel at a competitive price against its foreign counterparts.

Executive director of Research and Development Centre for Iron and Steel Industry (RDCIS), D Mukherjee highlighted the relevance of the theme of the three-day conference attended by experts, technologists, consultants, academicians and equipment manufacturers associated with the steel industry from India and abroad.

RDCIS chief said that without introducing automation and IT in the steel manufacturing units, the production cost in steel could not be reduced as the Indian steel plants consumed more energy as compared to developed countries. Energy accounts around 35-40 per cent of the cost of production in Indian steel industry, he added.

Mukherjee said that the per capita consumption of steel in India was only 56.4 kg against the global per capita consumption of 200 kg. With innovative ideas and new technology, India could produce better steel with less input cost and increase the per capita consumption in the country.

Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) CEO, S S Mohanty inaugurating the conference said that Indian steel sector would be developed with the latest technology to increase the per capita consumption of steel in India.

Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) CEO, G S Prasad who joined the conference as guest of honour also addressed the conference.

More than 200 delegates including 15 foreign delegates from Austria,v Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, UK, USA, Finland, Netherland and Canada attended the conference.

A technical exhibition was also organized at the conference venue where 27 premier equipment manufacturers had put up their stalls to show their products and services.