Product Innovation and Operational Efficiency

Product innovation is integral to Qatar Steel’s continued economic success and pursuit of sustainable steel. The company seeks to develop value-added products, working alongside customers to meet their needs and anticipate future trends. Qatar Steel has a long history of successfully developing cutting-edge solutions and diversifying its portfolio over time. The Quality Assurance Department is working across all levels of operations to push for product innovation, mainly focusing its efforts on the development of different grades of rebar, wire rod and billets conforming to international specifications for the export market based on customers’ requirements.

In 2020, Qatar Steel added one more product to its portfolio by producing billet conforming to Malaysian Standard SIRIM. Earlier this year, Qatar Steel explored the development of dowel bars based on the needs of one potential customer and a first rolling trial was conducted to produce epoxy coated dowel bars and subsequently this was trialed with customers through our trader for their feedback. After a successful trial period, we received the first commercial order for epoxy coated dowel bars, and since then have received orders from multiple customers for this product.

Process Improvement & Modification Projects

Qatar Steel continuously carries out improvements and modifications to site equipment and processes. These improvements and modifications continually enhance the working environment by enhancing safety for operators and reducing dust emissions and other impacts on the environment. Some of the improvements and modifications accomplished in the plant are mentioned below.

1. DR2, EF3, EF4, RM1 are currently mothballed but opportunity has been found in implementing improvements to and maintenance of these plants during this downtime
2.  Due to the COVID -19 pandemic, we transitioned to remote maintenance services, which was effectively managed and proved to be quite successful. Qatar Steel is planning to continue with these cost-effective remote services in future.
3.  Qatar Steel is in the process of commissioning a Near Zero Liquid Discharge plant, which will significantly reduce the amount of Treated Industrial Water (TIW) and brine discharges into the sea during operations.
4.  Qatar Steel’s Shipping Section of the Supply Chain & Logistics Department installed 2 new Gantry Cranes behind RM2, which will improve the efficiency in stacking and product dispatch operations. In addition to performance enhancements, the overall safety performance has improved, due to no human interference during stacking and loading activities, better visibility for gantry crane operators and overall comfort ergonomics.
5.  Revamp of the RM1 billet yard which improved yard safety and traceability of billets was successfully completed in September 2020.