BlueScope Steel (BSL) has signed a long-term joint collaborative technical agreement with Nippon Steel Corporation (NSC) of Japan to develop next-generation coated steel products for global building and construction markets.
Under this agreement, BSL and NSC will undertake joint research and development.
This technical agreement is underpinned by a 40-year working relationship between BSL and NSC and will reportedly leverage the capabilities of each company.
BSL’s products include COLORBOND steel and ZINCALUME steel. The company says it is pleased to be embarking on this new phase of cooperation with NSC, a world-leader in steel manufacturing technology.
Speaking at an official collaboration signing ceremony in Tokyo, Japan, BlueScope’s managing director and CEO, Paul O’Malley, said he was excited by the near-term new product launches and the future potential prospects made possible by working more closely with a pre-eminent partner such as NSC.
“This agreement is the first step toward introducing the next-generation of coated steel technology. These new product technologies will enable us to continue to offer customers across our global footprint superior performing products, especially for building and construction markets,” he said.
Commenting on the benefits of the new technology for customers, BlueScope Steel’s chief executive, Australian Coated and Industrial Markets, Paul O’Keefe, said though COLORBOND steel and ZINCALUME steel currently provide best-in-class performance, the new technology will not only improve corrosion performance but will also substantially improve the environmental credentials of these products.
“In short, COLORBOND steel and ZINCALUME Steel, which customers have known and trusted for over 30 years, will just get a whole lot better,” he said.