SAIL chairman suggests Salem Steel Plant to have own captive power unit

C S Verma also proposes short and long term strategies for expediting growth and development of plant

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) chairman CS Verma during his visit to the Salem Steel Plant (SSP) had sought early commissioning of the third sendsimir (machine for rolling steel) mill.

According to a SAIL statement, Verma had asked the senior management of SSP to benchmark its productivity and efficiency with the best in the industry, for the survival and growth of the steel plant.

The measure would help the Salem Steel Plant to improve the market share in cold rolled stainless steel products and for improvement of the plant's bottomline, he desired that the early commissioning of the third Sendsimir mill has to be taken up expeditiously, according to SAIL's statement.

Verma asked the senior management of SSP to benchmark with the best in the industry in every aspect of productivity and efficiency for the survival and growth of the steel plant.

He wanted SSP to set up a captive power plant to address the long term energy needs, and suggested them to also explore ways for tapping environment-friendly solar energy.

Against the backdrop of stiff competition from domestic and international stainless steel producers, he emphasised the need for immediate measures aimed at substantial reduction in cost, and for augmentation of production while maintaining quality standards.