Task force finalising business model for SAIL-ArcelorMittal JV

SAIL, ArcelorMittal in 2015 entered into a pact to set up a facility to automotive steel manufacture

A joint task force of SAIL and ArcelorMittal is in the process of finalising a business model for the proposed JV.

"Joint task force of SAIL and ArcelorMittal is working on feasibility study, location of unit and business model for the alliance," Steel Authority of India (SAIL) said in its annual report 2016-17.

Based on the outcome of the joint study, it said, definitive agreements for setting up the joint venture (JV) company will be put in place. The team consists of representatives from both the companies.

In line with the Make in India programme, SAIL and ArcelorMittal in May 2015 had entered into a pact to explore the possibility of setting up an automotive steel manufacturing facility under a JV in the country.

The proposed JV will construct a state-of-the-art cold rolling mill and other downstream finishing facilities in India that will offer technologically advanced steel products to India's rapidly growing automotive sector, the annual report said.

SAIL had earlier sought help from the Niti Aayog to resolve differences with ArcelorMittal over the setting up of a Rs 5,000-crore steel plant.

A meeting was subsequently convened where both were asked to finalise their JV agreement, according to an official.

The government had earlier said the proposed auto-grade steel plant would be set up close to an automobile hub.