60th anniversary retrospective
60 years of Stainless Steel leadership: Sassda’s enduring leagacy in South Africa
The genesis of South Africa’s stainless steel industry The story of South Africa’s stainless steel industry begins in 1961 with the registration of RMB Alloys. In that year, RMB Alloys took over the Driehoek plant from Scaw Metals and began producing low-carbon ferrochrome, a critical component in stainless steel production. Under the guidance of Rand Mines, the controlling shareholder, RMB, embarked on experiments with stainless steel production, setting the stage for the birth of a new industry. By 1962, RMB’s directors had a bold vision: to build a state-of-the-art ferrochrome plant outside Middelburg, harnessing South Africa’s rich reserves of raw materials. This vision materialised in 1964 when the plant neared completion, and personnel moved to Middelburg in batches, marking the dawn of a new era in stainless steel manufacturing in South Africa. The Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) has travelled a remarkable journey, alongside the evolution of South Africa’s stainless steel industry from its modest beginnings to a global force, over the past 60 years. The 2024 Sassda & Columbus Stainless Awards celebrate the milestones that have defined the industry on this journey and the key contributors to its legacy of excellence and sustainability
The birth of Southern Cross Steel The momentum continued in 1965 with the establishment of Southern Cross Steel, a unique and integrated specialty steel manufacturing unit. By December 1966, Southern Cross rolled its first plate from stainless steel ingots, officially entering the market as a local producer of plate and sheet by May 1967. The following year, a merger between Southern Cross and RMB Alloys led to the formation of Middelburg Steel & Alloys (MS&A), solidifying South Africa’s position in the global stainless steel market. The 1970s: a decade of growth and innovation The 1970s was a period of tremendous growth and expansion for South Africa’s stainless steel industry. By 1977,
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Issue 3 – 2024
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