Automated loading machine solution for Tata Steel in United Kingdom

About the Project

Tata Steel Europe is a major player in the global steel industry, providing a wide range of high-quality steel products for the construction, automotive, and infrastructure sectors. With operations in the UK and the Netherlands, Tata Steel serves demanding markets worldwide. As one of the largest steel producers in Europe, the company is committed to operational efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.

The Problem

Before integrating SmartTEH’s Container Loading System, Tata Steel UK faced significant challenges related to the containerization of their steel products. Their reliance on third-party companies for container loading made operations prohibitively expensive, particularly for international projects. This dependency not only affected their competitive pricing but also led to operational inefficiencies, including delays, product damage, and missing shipments.

Previously, Tata Steel utilized another loading system on-site, but this approach failed to meet the company’s expectations regarding speed and practicality. These issues became more critical when the company began tendering for large-scale projects, such as a significant African construction project that required over 160 containers of material. The cost of offsite containerization was so high that it threatened the competitiveness of their bids.

The Solution

Faced with escalating containerization costs and the need for greater control over their logistics, Tata Steel decided to bring the process in-house by adopting SmartTEH’s automated Container Loading System. This advanced system provided a moving floor solution that optimized the process of loading cargo into shipping containers directly at their facility.

SmartTEH’s system offered key advantages such as faster loading times, better control over product quality, and reduced product damage during transport. The automated system eliminated the need for manual handling and significantly reduced reliance on external providers, improving both the cost and efficiency of the operation. The investment paid off quickly, with Tata Steel reporting a full return on investment within just 18 months

The result

Since implementing SmartTEH’s solution, Tata Steel has experienced substantial improvements in several critical areas:

1. The automated system has vastly improved the speed at which containers are loaded, allowing Tata Steel to handle larger volumes with greater efficiency. This has been particularly important for time-sensitive projects where meeting deadlines is crucial.
2. By automating the containerization process, Tata Steel gained more control over the quality of its products. The system’s precision loading reduced the risk of damage and minimized instances of missing products, leading to fewer customer complaints and a smoother overall operation.
3. The ability to containerize in-house significantly lowered Tata Steel’s operational costs. By cutting out third-party service providers and reducing labor-intensive manual processes, the company became more competitive in its pricing and gained a significant edge over rivals in international tenders.

Client thoughts

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