ADVOCATING FAIR PLAY IN SECONDARY STEEL SECTOR
“The major hurdle for the secondary steel sector lies in the government approval process, which often lists specific brand names instead of focusing on product specifications. This practice can be limiting, as it excludes other eligible suppliers who meet the required standards,” notes YASH ANIL GOYAL, Executive Director, Kalika Steel Alloys Pvt. Ltd. during
an exclusive interaction with MEENAKSHI SINGH
Can you tell us about Kalika’s legacy in the once fragmented and now consolidated Indian steel industry?
Kalika Steel has a rich legacy spanning 21 years. We began manufacturing ingots, progressed to rolling mills, and operate a fully integrated plant today. This remarkable plant stands out as the first Siemens unit in the secondary steel sector across India. Such advanced technology is typically found only in the primary sector with industry giants like JSW and Tata Steel. Our rolling mill, furnaces, and other operations are Siemens-based, operating under the Primetals banner, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of steel products. Over two decades, we have made significant strides, establishing ourselves as a trusted supplier across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Goa. Our relentless focus on quality and innovation has helped us build a reputation as a market leader.
What key challenges do secondary steel manufacturers like yours face in a market dominated by the Big 3?
The most significant challenge is maintaining the focus on quality amidst price-driven competition. Many buyers prioritise cost over the value of quality, and educating the market on the importance of quality is an ongoing Yash Anil Goyal effort for us. Another major hurdle lies in the government approval process, which often lists specific brand names instead of focusing on product specifications. This practice can be limiting, as it excludes other eligible suppliers who meet the required standards. If approvals were based on specifications rather than brand names, it would foster a level playing field, benefiting suppliers and consumers.
How challenging is it to keep pace with innovations, and how are you integrating technology to achieve efficiency in steel manufacturing?
Innovation lies at the heart of our operations. In 2014, we adopted Siemens technology to ensure we stayed ahead of the curve. Innovation is essential to remain competitive; with it, costs stay high, and efficiency increases. One of our key milestones has been the implementation of slit-rolling technology. Initially, we produced 8mm steel in three passes. After two years of technological advancements, we improved this process to five passes and have now achieved six passes. This progression has significantly boosted production within the same unit, exemplifying our commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring we remain at the forefront of the steel industry.
How are you accommodating the necessity of sustainability and carbon neutrality in steel making?
Sustainability is a crucial focus for us at Kalika Steel. Our unit in Jalna, Maharashtra, primarily uses industrial scrap, 80 percent scrap and 20 percent sponge iron, minimizing reliance on natural resources. Our emission levels are 50 percent lower than primary steel production, aligning with our sustainability commitment. We proudly identify as a “Green Steel” company, environmentally producing certified products. Moreover, we actively monitor and reduce our CO2 emissions every year. Although our electricity supply from MSEB isn’t green yet, we are actively exploring renewable energy options to further our sustainability goals. Our ultimate aim is to achieve net zero emissions in a few years.
“Sustainability remains a cornerstone of our operations. We’ve significantly reduced carbon emissions by implementing energy-efficient solutions and environmentally friendly practices, aligning with global sustainability goals.”
What new technologies are being integrated into steel manufacturing, and how do they enhance product quality and user experience?
Kalika Steel’s integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as Primetals Technology (Siemens-VAI), has transformed our operations, improving product quality and customer satisfaction. One of the critical advancements has been adopting advanced automation systems, enabling precise control over the steel composition. This ensures the steel is more robust, consistent, and error-free during production. Automation also reduces downtime, allowing us to deliver high-quality products faster. Another significant advancement is our use of digital technologies and advanced metallurgy, which provide flexibility to customise products for specific customer requirements. Whether creating specialised alloys or tailoring steel properties for unique applications, we can seamlessly adapt to diverse needs.
Additionally, sustainability remains a cornerstone of our operations. We’ve significantly reduced carbon emissions by implementing energy-efficient solutions and environmentally friendly practices, aligning with global sustainability goals. From a user perspective, these innovations improve operational efficiency, ensure consistent product quality, and result in faster turnaround times. For our customers, this means dependable solutions catering to their needs.
How are you enhancing the durability of steel for the real estate and construction sector?
We are proud to incorporate advanced technologies such as the Integrated Steel Melting Shop (SMS), Primetals Technology, and the Pomini Quenching System (PQS) to enhance our steel products’ durability and ease of maintenance. The SMS ensures consistency by streamlining the melting, refining, and casting processes. This reduces internal defects and inclusions, resulting in more reliable products that require less maintenance over their lifespan. For example, billets produced in this facility are less prone to structural issues, making them ideal for applications where longevity is critical.
Primetals Technology further enhances steel quality by offering precise control over its composition. This improves mechanical properties such as corrosion and fatigue resistance, enabling our steel to endure harsh conditions and demanding applications. For instance, infrastructure built with this steel experiences less wear and tear, ensuring long-term durability.
The Pomini Quenching System provides advanced heat treatment, significantly increasing the steel’s hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance. This makes our products ideal for heavy-duty applications like construction, where materials must withstand high stress and pressure. Steel treated with PQS is especially suited for creating high-strength bars that resist fatigue and endure rigorous environments. Through these innovative treatments and technologies, we deliver steel products that are robust, long-lasting, and maintenance cost-effective, offering our customers superior durability and reliability for their diverse applications.
