لقاءات وحوارات
Interview: Hegazy Meets Indian Steel Technology Tycoon Kiran Shah, CEO of Concast
الاثنين 24 مارس 2025 12:00 مساءً المشاهدة(3227)
Exclusive interview for Steel Network "Arab Steel Platform"
Ahmed Hegazy Meets Indian Steel Technology Tycoon Mr. Kiran Shah, CEO of Concast (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Questions about the company and its history:
1. Can you provide an overview of the history of Concast and its establishment?
Concast (India), founded in 1973, pioneered Continuous Casting technology in India, setting the foundation for the growth of the steel industry both domestically and internationally. This innovation helped establish Concast as a leader in producing high-quality, energy-efficient steel casting machines, becoming a key player in the global market.
2. What were the company’s original objectives, and how have they evolved?
The company was founded in the nascent era of Continuous Casting Machines in India. Subsequent to this pioneering effort the company grew steadily in the decade till the 80’s supplying casting machines to major steel making clusters within the country of India. The 90s saw the emergence of special steel demand and Concast (India) was up to it and delivered several Continuous Casting Machines for the production of squares, rectangles and rounds in variety of steel grades. The turn of the millennium saw Concast (India) spreading its wings to serve the global steel demand in countries neighboring India, the Middle East, Asia, and the African Continent. Today the company has a presence in 48 countries worldwide including Latin America.
3. What key milestones has Concast achieved?
Since its founding in 1973, Concast (India) Private Limited has been a pioneer in continuous casting technology, driving the steel industry forward. In the 1980s, we introduced advanced casting machines that set new industry standards. The 1990s saw our first international projects, establishing Concast (India) as a trusted global partner. Over the years, we have strengthened our capabilities with innovations such as high-speed casters, a 5-strand caster, and a 2-strand caster. These advancements have reinforced our commitment to precision, performance, and sustainable engineering, allowing us to maintain a leadership position in the steel industry worldwide. Today, Concast (India) continues to lead with cutting-edge solutions, backed by decades of expertise, a strong customer-centric approach, and a relentless drive for technological excellence.
Questions about Products and Technology
4. What products does Concast offer in the iron and steel industry?
Concast (India) specializes in high-performance continuous casting machines like Billet Casters, Beam Blank Casters, Bloom Casters, Combi Casters, and Narrow Width Slab Casters, designed for diverse production needs with precision and efficiency. The company also offers upgrades, automation, and metallurgical expertise.
5. How do your technologies improve production efficiency and quality?
Concast (India) provides robust and time-tested continuous casting machines that are integral to producing high-quality steel. Through continuous design advancements and R&D efforts, our machines have evolved to enhance production efficiency and product quality. We offer complete casting solutions tailored to customer needs, focusing on optimizing process control, reducing downtime, and ensuring metallurgical consistency. Our innovations, such as cutting-edge automation and precision engineering, help improve yield, minimize defects, and boost overall efficiency. This commitment to excellence has established Concast (India) as a trusted global leader in continuous casting solutions, known for delivering reliable, high-performance technology to steel producers worldwide.
6. What are the latest technological innovations?
Concast (India) is advancing continuous casting technology with several innovations. We’re developing an advanced stopper control mechanism and a Tundish Turret for Single Strand Narrow Width Slab Casters, improving casting precision. Our latest innovations include Narrow/Mini Slab Casters for high-quality shape casting, enhancing efficiency. We've introduced a box-type hydraulic oscillator for better guiding accuracy and surface quality, as well as hydraulically actuated segments for bulging control in slabs. High-speed billet casters, round sections in smaller machines, and automatic mould filling with AMLC and AutoStart functions ensure error-free startups. In-house electromagnetic stirrers improve the quality of wire rods, rebars, and special alloys.
Questions about Challenges
7. What are the major challenges facing Concast (India) today?
As casting technology has evolved, so has the understanding of end users. The iron and steel industry now demands increasingly higher levels of product quality and production efficiency. Keeping pace with these changing times, the industry also requires greater digitalization and a higher degree of automation. While Concast (India) casters are already highly advanced in both these aspects, there is always room for improvement and further development. At Concast (India), we are confident in our ability to meet and overcome these challenges, continuously innovating to stay ahead of industry demands.
8. How do you address sustainability and environmental challenges?
Continuous Casting is inherently an energy-efficient technology. However, there is always room for improvement. Concast (India), as a conscious and proactive participant in steelmaking processes, continuously takes steps to enhance the efficiency of all energy-consuming devices in our casting machines. We achieve this through innovative design improvements and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring sustainable and environmentally responsible operations.
9. What challenges do you face in the Middle East market?
The Middle Eastern market offers significant growth opportunities, but it also comes with unique challenges. At Concast (India) Pvt. Ltd., one major hurdle is addressing the diverse market needs across the region, as each country has its own regulations and expectations. Another challenge is the competitive landscape, with international players vying for market share. To overcome this, we focus on advanced technology, unmatched service, and sustainable solutions. Additionally, shifts in steelmaking routes and recent policy changes, such as restrictions on Induction Furnace projects in Saudi Arabia, pose challenges. However, we see these obstacles as opportunities for growth and strengthening client relationships.
Vision for the Middle East
10. What is your vision for the Middle East in the coming years?
Concast (India) sees the Middle East as a region of transformative growth. By providing advanced, sustainable steel casting solutions, Concast (India) aims to help regional producers improve efficiency and competitiveness, contributing to the region’s ambition to achieve steel production self-sufficiency.
At Concast, our vision is "To revolutionize continuous casting technology and empower the steel industry to achieve maximum production efficiency." We focus on bringing advanced technologies, tailored products, and best practices to help regional steel producers improve efficiency and competitiveness.
11. How do you plan to expand your presence in the Middle East?
Concast (India) plans to expand by establishing a stronger presence with dedicated sales and service personnel, collaborating with regional partners, and engaging in key industry events. By investing in both technology and local engagement, we aim to position Concast as the preferred partner for the region’s steel producers.
12. What opportunities do you see in the Middle East for the iron and steel industry?
The Middle East's emphasis on infrastructure, energy, and construction presents opportunities for advanced steel production. Concast sees potential in the region’s shift toward self-sufficiency in steel production, offering continuous casting solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality.
Questions about competition
13. What distinguishes Concast from its competitors?
Concast stands out for its innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainability. We continuously improve casting machines to enhance performance and reliability. Our customer-centric approach, tailored solutions, and commitment to quality set us apart in the industry.
14. How do you provide added value to customers?
Concast delivers tailored solutions that meet specific customer needs, ensuring reliability and energy efficiency. Our machines’ precision and innovation, along with exceptional customer service, create lasting relationships, reinforcing trust and satisfaction.
Questions about Projects
15. Can you elaborate on previous projects?
The company has successfully commissioned various high-performance casting systems, including high-speed casters, 2-strand narrow-width slab casters, mini slab casters, rounds, beam blanks, and billet casters, ranging from single-strand to 4 and 5-strand configurations. Concast (India) has also made significant contributions to key projects in the Middle East, providing advanced casting machines for notable plants like EMSTEEL, Watania Steel, and Qaiwan Steel Factory. These installations have enhanced production efficiencies and product quality, cementing Concast (India)'s reputation as a trusted partner in the region.
16. What current projects are you working on?
Current projects include a 3-strand narrow-width slab caster, a 5-strand billet caster, and customized machines for specific customer needs. We face challenges due to increased freight costs and geopolitical issues but remain committed to delivering seamless projects. We have upcoming projects at MMD Group Fabrimetal LDA, Sabaeek Al Hadeed Company Limited, Lamco Industries, The Bright Crescent in Iraq, Rabigh Solb in Saudi Arabia, Solb Tihama, and more.
17. What is your vision for future projects?
Our vision for future projects is centered around high-speed casters with a throughput rate of 30-35 tons per hour per strand, designed to accommodate a maximum radius of 7 meters for 130-160 sqmm. We aim to expand our slab caster range and further strengthen our presence in the Middle East region, meeting the growing demand for advanced steel production technology.
In terms of innovation, we have introduced alloy and stainless-steel casters for various applications, including SBQ (Special Bar Quality), automotive, wire rods, engineering bars, and rebars. These advancements enable us to cater to diverse industry needs, ensuring high-quality production and improving overall efficiency in steelmaking.
Closing Questions
18. How can customers and partners contact you?
Potential customers and partners can reach us via phone (+91 9326933006, +91 9326932937) or email (cil.sales.ccm@primetals.com). We’re also active on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates. We look forward to connecting with you.
21. Any special message for investors and customers?
We assure our investors and customers of our commitment to providing high-performance continuous casting solutions, ensuring excellence and reliability in every project. Our after-sales support remains a key focus to strengthen long-term partnerships.
Personal Questions
19. Your part in Concast’s success in 2024?
In 2024, my role at Concast (India) had been focused on driving innovation and ensuring highest level of customer satisfaction. My focus has been to expand our presence, not only in India but also in Key Regions of MENA and Latin America. It has also been my endeavor to maintain a high level of employee motivation in achieving the various objectives of my company.
20. Your vision for the Middle East in 2025?
For the calendar year 2025, my vision in the Middle East region is to further strengthen Concast (India)'s position as a leading provider of continuous casting solutions. Our Company aims to expand its footprint in this region by partnering with the various steel manufacturers in their journey of expansion and modernization. It will be the goal of my company to introduce cutting-edge technologies, such as high-speed casters and alloy/stainless steel casting systems, to meet the growing demands of the region's evolving steel production landscape. My Company is committed to building lasting relationships with various stakeholders by delivering unmatched quality, technical expertise, and reliable after-sales support, ensuring mutual growth and success in the years to come.
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