60 years of Stainless Steel leadership: Sassda’s enduring leagacy 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 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.
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 manufacturing in South Africa.
South Africa was on its way to becoming the chromium alloy workshop of the western world. One of the most significant innovations of this era was the development of 3CR12 – a weldable, corrosion-resistant ferritic stainless steel – by MS&A in 1981. This revolutionary material found widespread application in the manufacture of coal wagons, locally and internationally, showcasing South Africa’s leadership in stainless steel innovation.
The formation of Columbus Stainless
The 1990s marked another significant chapter in the industry’s history with the formation of the Columbus Stainless joint venture expansion project in 1992, followed by the establishment of Columbus Stainless in 1995. By 2002, Columbus Stainless had attracted international attention with Acerinox of Spain acquiring a significant stake in the company. This strategic partnership further cemented Columbus Stainless’s place in the global market and signalled a new chapter in South Africa’s stainless steel story.
Sassda: A champion for the industry
Parallel to these industrial milestones, Sassda was formed in July 1964 with a clear mission: to unite stockists and fabricators and promote the image of stainless steel. Sassda’s first public display at the Johannesburg Building Centre in October 1964 and the inaugural issue of Stainless Steel magazine in 1965 marked the beginning of a legacy of advocacy and industry development.
Over the decades, Sassda’s contributions have been monumental. The first stainless steel symposium in 1969 brought industry leaders and experts together, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and innovations. The creation of new sectors, such as the Catering Equipment Association in 1975, and the launch of the stainless steel mark in 1973 (still in use today) are testaments to Sassda’s role in driving the industry forward.
Modern achievements and commitment to sustainability
From 2010 onwards, Sassda has continued to tackle the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving world. Initiatives like the campaign to limit water losses using stainless steel in the Drakenstein municipality and the development of mobile life cycle cost software in 2017 exemplify Sassda’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. The push to localise stainless steel beer kegs in 2022 further highlights Sassda’s dedication to promoting local manufacturing and reducing environmental impact.
Sassda’s real value to the industry was also demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic when the association successfully negotiated a 50% activity level with government. This achievement helped cement growth in the industry between 2019 and 2022, showcasing Sassda’s ability to adapt and thrive in challenging circumstances.
Looking ahead: The future of South Africa’s stainless steel industry
In 2023, Sassda launched new tools for grade selection in atmospheric corrosion conditions and initiated ambitious plans to increase local consumption of 3CR12 in infrastructure projects. Looking to the future, Sassda is playing a crucial role in the development and implementation of the Steel Master Plan, which will provide a roadmap for the next five to 10 years for the South African steel industry.
Celebrating Sassda’s 60th anniversary, the industry not only reflects on a legacy of brilliance and sustainability but also looks forward to a future filled with promise and potential. The journey of the South African stainless steel industry is far from over – with Sassda at the helm, the industry is poised for continued innovation, growth and excellence.