Siemens VAI to expand metals and mining business in India

Mumbai: Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, the metallurgical and mining technology arm of Siemens AG, has introduced advanced processes for producing high grade iron and steel products and built up manufacturing capacities to drive business in India.

''We expect a double-digit growth over the market average of 7 to 9 per cent thanks to new projects and service solutions,''  Ashoke Pan who is responsible for the metals technologies business of Siemens VAI in India, told the media at the Kolkata Press Club.

Siemens VAI, he said, has undertaken modernisation and upgradation at its Kolkota facilities and has introduced special equipment and services to support growth.

''We want to expand our capacities in India and develop and train our employees to make a strong team for securing and sustaining our position in this market segment,'' Pan said.

Siemens VAI's order intake for projects and services in India has gone up to over 600 million euro in the current fiscal year, he said. The company has recently commissioned RH degasser at Bhilai Steel Plant of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). This second RH unit will increase production of rail steel by another 0.8 million tonnes per year, he said.

Siemens VAI, he said, also revamped the hot strip mill finishing stands at Bokaro, helping to increase the mill uptime substantially, resulting in consistent production of more than 740 coils or 14,500 tonnes each day.