SSAB to establish R&D facility in China

SSAB, Stockholm, Sweden, will build a research and development facility in Kunshan, China, as part of a strategy to establish a strong footprint in Asia.

The center will focus on workshop expertise and application development of high-strength steels. Chinese customers will receive training on how to use the material in the best way to help enhance production efficiency and improve product structural design. The new facility is expected to begin operations in third-quarter 2011.

The company also is building a finishing line in Kunshan to help improve delivery performance, shorten lead-times, and offer value-added service to Chinese customers. In the new finishing line, semifinished plates from Sweden and the U.S. will be cut, blasted, and painted based on customer orders. The existing plate center will be equipped as a Hardox® wear parts center, offering value-added service to the aftermarket. The finishing line is expected to be brought into commission in the middle of 2011.