We are focusing on adapting greener processes and products to achieve reduced carbon emissions.

Anurag Pandey

Executive - In Charge (EIC), Global Wires India, Tata Steel

How do you assess the Indian steel wire industry and the recent demand trends in construction and infrastructure sector?

Indian steel wire industry has come a long way since its establishment in 1920s. Looking at the overall trend for steel wires, nearly 88% of wires is in carbon steel grades against the global average of ~56%. Currently, the average per capita steel consumption is very low in India against the world average and various Government schemes will drive the steel wire growth in India, going forward. For example, Government has approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for speciality steel, with budgetary outlay of USD 6.32 billion over five years. The current PLI scheme covers five categories of steel wire and with Phase 2 of PLI in motion, further scope of products is expected to be widened.
The Government of India has also launched various schemes to support greener products and processes which have helped the steel as well as steel wire industry players to move towards Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2045-2050.

What kind of challenges are you experiencing in the industry currently? What is the way forward?

The major challenges are related to cost and availability of raw material, technological advancements, price fluctuations, government policies and regulations, competition from imports and other supply & demand side factors. The companies have to continuously invest and adopt advanced technologies to remain competitive in the domestic as well as global market. Indian steel wire manufacturers face strong competition from imported products, particularly from China, which puts pressure on local manufacturers to improve their cost competitiveness.
Also, fluctuations in global demand for steel wire products and price volatility impacts the profitability. The industry and the government need to monitor and adapt to changing market dynamics to maintain steady growth.
Responsible supply chain should be major focus given the industry is growing steadily and the companies have to adapt necessary changes in their processes to adhere to environmental obligations.
The upstream value chain needs to grow in tandem with the increasing steel wire demand. Along these lines, Tata Steel Long Products is expected to grow to 13 million tons by 2030 as against the current level of 5 million tons.
Moving towards technologically advanced and value-added product is necessary to stay away from commoditization and be ahead of the market. To address this, we have introduced IHT (Induction Hardened Tempered) wire, Aayush Coating, Knotted Fence, 3D weldmesh, etc.
As a player, one needs to diversify their product offerings or the target market to remain immune to cyclicity in the business. We are constantly reviewing our product offerings/target market to adapt to the changing market dynamics.
We at TATA Wiron, believe growing responsibly and we are focusing consistently on adapting greener process and products to achieve reduced carbon emissions.

What are the key products and solutions offered by the company?

In auto segment, Tata Wiron has helped the import substitution for spring manufacturers by bringing indigenous IHT wire which otherwise was imported. We enjoy 80% market share in IHT 2W/3W suspension segment enabling 90% localization of the category.
In fencing segment, we have added two new products, Knotted Fence and 3D Weld Mesh, which have proved to be a game changer in the fencing segment. Knotted Fence is a uniquely designed and technically superior fencing solution, designed to offer maximum protection through unique cross lock knot improving overall strength of the fence by three times than a conventional fence. Owing to variable spacing, the product is 25% cheaper than like to like Chain Link solution.
Through 3D Weld Mesh, we offer aesthetically superior and robust one-stop fencing solution which is 25% cheaper than traditional brick wall. Superior quality, high durability, easy installation, and complete impenetrability offered by this solution provides convenience and peace of mind to consumers.
At Tata Wiron, we work tirelessly to serve our purpose to attain excellence through purposeful innovations and responsiveness while enabling improvement in quality of life.

How do you track the growth of the company over the years?

Global Wires India's strong presence for seven decades has helped grow and achieve many milestones. Incorporated in 1958 as Special Steels Pvt Ltd to becoming a subsidiary of Tata Steel in 1979 and subsequently, to become a division of Tata Steel in 2002, GWI has come a long way. GWI is planning to double its capacity to one million tons by 2030 by ensuring that changing expectations and requirements of customers are being met.
Keeping pace with the mega trends that are shifting the global world through urbanization, changing economic power, and technology, TATA Wiron is set to take full advantage of boosted infrastructure, automotive, and energy sectors. Our product offerings have all set industry benchmark in terms of quality and to deliver application support expertise.
Growing in volumes in value added product offerings like Motor Tyre Bead (MTB), Low Relaxation Pre-Stressed Concrete (LRPC), Induction Hardened and Tempered (IHT), Knotted Fence, and 3D Weldmesh, GWI seeks to successfully leave its mark. We have been touching lives of millions of customers every day and we take pride in the fact that:
• one in every three tyres in India runs on tyre bead made by GWI
• two out of every 3 flyovers in India stand tall on our LRPC strands
• one in every two eggs in India are laid in a cage made from TATA Wiron
• one out of every two two-wheelers manufactured in India uses TATA Steel suspension wire.
TATA Wiron is poised to grow through entry in higher technology arena while also focussing on scaling up downstream play.

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