D U F E R C O S T E E L P R O C E S S I N G
FEATURE
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South Africa Magazine profiles duferco Steel Processing (dSP), the local subsidiary of Swiss trading giant duferco SA. By Ian Armitage Packing the final galvanized product 54
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Duferco Steel Processing FEATURE
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uferco SA is one of the world’s largest steel trading companies. Established in 1979, it was formed on founder Bruno Bolfo’s belief that there was an opportunity in emerging markets steel production for a “reliable and informed” steel trading company “to play a role in the growth of exports to previously unexplored markets”. In the years since, Duferco has grown into a multinational steel and raw materials trading company with 2010 figures showing in excess of 13 million tonnes of material traded worldwide, through a network of offices and distribution centres in over 40 countries. A total annual sales volume of 21 million tonnes includes four million tonnes of production spread across facilities in the USA, Western and Eastern Europe and Africa. The Duferco Group also includes mining assets, energy production and trading, shipping assets and engineering services. Vanchem Vanadium Products in Gauteng belongs to the Duferco Group, having been acquired in August 2008.
LOCAL OPERATIONS Duferco Steel Processing (DSP), the local subsidiary of Swiss trading giant Duferco SA, was established as a joint venture with the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited, the primary objective being to export cold rolled and galvanized steel coils. Principal markets for DSP are Europe, the Americas and overland Africa. The plant, 130 km from Cape Town on the West Coast, is 5 km from Saldanha harbour - the deepest natural port in South Africa. This strategic location ensures that DSP has a relatively quick lead-time over its competitors and is able to compete favourably www.southafricamag.com 55
Duferco Steel Processing FEATURE
within the international market place. “The erection of the DSP production facility, which started commissioning at the end of 1988, was a turnkey project by Voest Alpine the Austrian industrial group,” the company’s website says. “DSP was proud to see the first shipment of its manufactured products sail from Saldanha Bay in August 1999 destined for the UK closely followed by a shipment to the USA
Final product on its way to the port.
Crane Driver with hot rolled coil, the feedstock of DSP, in the background
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and since then has built a solid reputation as a reliable and high quality manufacturer with an established client base and a high percentage of repeat customers,” it adds. DSP’s mission statement is simple - Prime, on time, every time! “Our mission is to process hot rolled coils into value added products that are sold on the international market in such a way that our customers’ expectations are surpassed, our shareholders and colleagues are completely satisfied and the inhabitants of the West Coast regard our business as an asset to both the community and the environment,” the company’s website continues. “Our drive for continuous improvement has led to a successful certification for ISO 9001:2008, a testament to the work ethic of all our employees and their focus to ensure customer satisfaction is paramount,” it says on a later page. DSP is committed to the protection of the environment and has also received ISO 14001:2004 certification. It produces a range of steel products consisting of hot rolled pickled and oiled, cold rolled galvanised and cold rolled finished products, in excess of 600,000 tons per annum.
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All equipment is the latest state-of-theart technology and regular and consistent shareholder investment ensures that capital expenditure is driven towards ensuring that DSP’s material exceeds the tough expectations of its clients. “Our vision is to be internationally recognised as one the best in the manufacturing and supply of thin gauge cold rolled and coated products,” DSP says. A company official said the company has a lean approach to operations that is measured through the Balanced Scorecard Approach of defined Key Performance Indicators. “Accountability throughout the whole production process is key to what we do at DSP,” he said. Despite the current economic climate, Duferco sees a bright future for DSP in South Africa and remaisn committed to the long-term success of the Joint Venture.
Final product ready for shipment
To learn more visit www.dsp.co.za. END
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