Tata Steel has been a pioneer in ushering in the most modern, state-of-the-art technology since it was set up in the year 1907. The Founder and those who have led the company have always laid emphasis on the use of modern technology in all areas of its operations. Consequently, over nearly 90 years the Steel Company has stayed young.

The company has always harnessed the benefits of technical innovations and modern infrastructure. Thus, Tata Steel has always had a leading edge over its competitors not only in the domestic sector but also in the global market.

Technology obsolescence is an inherent business risk in this fast changing world. The speed of change and adaptability is crucial for survival of business. At Tata Steel, a continuing modernisation process has enabled the Company to do away with obsolete plants/processes and emerge as one of the most modern integrated Steel plant in the world. Steel being a capital intensive industry, this process has involved huge capital investment.

In the recent past, Tata Steel has taken major strides to adapt the latest technology available worldwide. This has resulted in huge benefits in the form of waste control, savings and cost of production. Tata Steel now, can proudly boast of being the lowest cost steel producer in the world. With this major advantage, it hopes to satisfy its valued customers and maintain its leadership position in the world market.

The technological revolution started in Tata Steel in the early 80's with the launch of Phase-I of the Modernisation Programme. This phase witnessed the introduction of LD steel making technology not only in Tata Steel but also in the country.

Phase-II strengthened the Company's product profile with the setting up of a high-speed bar & rod mill (now wire & rod mill), a raw material blending yard and the sinter plant-II that provides the highest quality of feed stock. This phase also brought in stamp charging technology to make coke of internationally acceptable quality.

The success of both Phases-I & II and the need to enter the flat product market, provided the necessary impetus to Tata Steel to embark on the crucial Phase-III of Modernisation. A highly automated Blast Furnace of 1 mtpa capacity was commissioned. A second LD shop with two 130 tonnes capacity with a downstream slab caster facility was also installed. Later, a third convertor was added to the shop. The new technical facilities finally feed a semi-continuous Hot Strip Mill.

Continuing Modernisation has enabled Tata Steel to phase out old units and technologies which have been superseded by new developments. This has improved productivity and provided a range of sophisticated products that meet the ever-increasing demand of today's discerning customers.

During Modernisation Phase-IV, the Hot Strip Mill capacity was doubled to 2 mtpa and many new features were added to this mill. The hot metal capacity was raised to 3.8 mtpa and the production of continuous cast product reached 95%.

In the year 2000, the Tata Steel entered Steelennium with the commissioning of the state-of-the-art 1.2 mtpa Cold Rolling Mill at global cost and speed. Tata Steel now promises to deliver the highest quality of steel for the Automobile, Whitegoods and Construction industries. Steel will now find the most unimaginable application by its users.

Latest technology and modern mindsets, the latter an outcome of Modernisation Phase-V, will play an increasingly dominant role in the days ahead.