On February 18, Germany's second largest steelmaker Salzgitter AG and Europe's second largest steelmaker Corus Group, a subsidiary of India's Tata Steel, announced that they are to continue their successful cooperation in product development of High Strength and Ductility (HSD®) steels.
The new HSD®-grade will be developed for a variety of applications, in particular for parts with a complex geometrical structure combined with high strength requirements.
Salzgitter and Corus have been working together since 2005 on identifying opportunities for the application of HSD® steels in selected market sectors. Good progress has been made in the last four years and program results are promising, according to the companies.
The new steel grades will be of significant benefit to customers in the automotive and other industries. They will also help enhance future designs, such as electrical and hybrid architectures. Progress updates will be provided in the course of 2009.
Hans Fischer, member of the board Salzgitter AG, commented, "Salzgitter is looking forward to continue the very effective and synergy-creating cooperation with Corus regarding the development of these outstanding innovative steel grades. HSD®-steels will intensify the Salzgitter strategy to be a niche first class supplier for high quality steel products, meeting market demands of the future."