Timeless Strength

AMANUEL GEBREMESKEL The introduction of a quality certification programme will uplift the entire steel industry

In the face of evolving challenges within the steel industry, the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (Saisc) is taking decisive steps to ensure the sector’s resilience and sustainability.

Specifically, amid concerns about quality and training in the steel value chain, Saisc CEO Amanuel Gebremeskel emphasises the importance of addressing these issues to safeguard the future of the downstream steel industry, which employs over 

half a million people.

Gebremeskel notes that quality is a pressing issue in the steel sector, particularly as the decision to keep AMSA’s long products division operational, but without firm lead-times, introduces challenges in project planning and material procurement.

With this in mind, Gebremeskel believes steel could be sourced from “anywhere and everywhere” – with importers searching for the best prices and most viable logistics. However, this, inevitably, brings up the issue of quality.

This potential diversification of steel sourcing necessitates stricter quality control measures to ensure the integrity of materials Gebremeskel adds.

To address quality concerns, the Saisc is developing a quality certification programme that aims to uphold rigorous standards throughout the steel supply chain.

This initiative, which will be rolled out in the next two years, will include the introduction of a steel quality certification brand mark or stamp, signifying adherence to high-quality standards.

Drawing inspiration from international best practices, this programme fills a significant gap in the region’s quality assurance framework, Gebremeskel notes.

“The Saisc has always recognised the dire need for quality standards monitoring and measurement for steel products and projects in the region. The introduction of a quality certification programme will uplift the entire steel industry,” he explains.

The programme will involve comprehensive training for staff at companies seeking Saisc quality certification, followed by rigorous monitoring of product and project quality by Saisc experts. This approach aligns with the instituteʼs commitment to 

promoting quality as a unifying factor within the industry.