The World Stainless Steel Association (WSSA) during their annual awards ceremony, announced the winners for the year 2024. WSSA recognises good practices and novel ideas across four categories; Market development, technology, safety and sustainability. WSSA considers the companies that have been in practice since 2010 for award nominations.
The gold winners at the WSSA awards across the four key categories were as follows:
Market development: Nippon Yakin Kogyo won gold in this category for their round dot patterned plates that makes handling roll box pallets and similar products smoother as compared to other traditional patterned steel floors, while also reducing noise levels.
Technology: The gold in this category was awarded to JFE steel corporation in collaboration with Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. Developed a water-soluble belt grinding oil for coil grinding lines. Coil grinding or coil polishing is used to provide attractive finishes or to remove surface defects. The oil normally used as lubricant for these coil lines is mineral oil based and is flammable in case of accidents, however this water-soluble oil has better grinding properties and helps reduce the risk of fire hazard remarkably.
Safety: Aperam won gold in this category for the Global machinery safety roadmap, which has helped them reduce the number of alerts reported as well as an improvement in safety knowledge across all levels in the organisation.
Sustainability: Nippon stainless steel corporation won this award for the Shikishima water tower in Maebeshi area. The stainless-steel water reservoir has been recognized as a safe and durable facility that can be used as base for water supply during emergency situations like earthquakes and other natural disasters that have been occurring more frequently across Japan.
The WSSA 2024 awards highlight the exceptional achievements and innovative contributions of companies within the stainless steel industry. The winners all exemplify the industry’s commitment to progress and excellence. These awards not only recognise outstanding accomplishments but also set a benchmark for future advancements, underscoring the vital role of innovation, safety, and sustainability in driving the industry forward.
