The establishment of a Research Department, the first of its kind in India, way back in 1935, stands as a testimony to the spirits of the early pioneers and the vision of the founder of TATA STEEL LIMITED.

The Company’s strength in research and development has consistently helped to meet the challenges of growth and change.

Canyon Shells used in 2nd World War

By that time, the First World War was over and at the instance of the Indian Government, TATA STEEL LIMITED had already supplied 2,400 km of special Steel Rails and 3 Lakh tons of special grade steel for the manufacture of Combat Helmets, Jerri Cans and other materials for Allied Forces. Lord Chelmsford, the then Viceroy was highly impressed and for the services rendered by TATA STEEL LIMITED during the war.

Not that there were no provisions or facilities to carry out laboratory tests for improvement in quality and production standard earlier, but it was only in 1935, when on Nov 6th, the Foundation Stone of the new R&D Building was laid by Mr. A.R. Dalal, the then Director of Tata Sons Limited before a distinguished gathering. A new saga began...

Howrah Bridge, Calcutta

Meanwhile in civil front too, TATA STEEL’s R&D made significant contributions for the construction of Howrah Bridge over river Hooghly in Calcutta. It supplied varieties of low alloy structural steel –TISCORM, Die-steel was supplied for manufacture of small coins, low-tungsten steel for Hacksaws, tungsten carbon steel for taps and cartridge drawings dies, silicon-chrome-tungsten steel for pneumatic tools, chrome-carbon steel for Razor blades and Stainless heat-resistant steel for the Post & Telegraphs. R&D never slept…..

Research & Control Lab.(1935)

After a short while the Second World War began. And again the Government of India turned for supplies of steel to TISCO and as before, the R&D stood the test of time supplying special grade steels like TISCORM and TISCOR to the army both of which bore adequate strength to manufacture Bullet proof Armour Plates and cannon shells for use in the war.

Years passed by and TATA STEEL’s products found markets around the globe. Today its products are being exported to countries like the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and China, beside others. Before marketing here too R&D plays major roles.