Abstract
M.Ing.
It has facilitated human endeavor in every facet of his existence. A staple of civilized
society and central to any industrialized or developing economy, the iron and steel
industry was, and remains a truly fundamental facet ofhuman culture. It's technological
development has paralleled that of humankind, spanning the millennia of his civilized
existence.
Today's global steel market is plagued with heavy competition from numerous
consortiums, where national and political influences serve to further rock an overcrowded
boat. The emergence of global steel giants have emphasized a need in smaller players to
obtain and maintain a competitive advantage through differentiation, increased
throughput, reduced costs and superior quality. These competitive concerns have been
augmented by slowing world steel production which amounted to a 6% slowdown over
the past 5 years.