TPi July 2017

business & market news

New cooperation on steel A strategic partnership has been signed by Oliver Jung, chief operating officer of Schaeffler AG, and Qian Gang, CEO of steel manufacturer CPS (CITIC Pacific Special Steel).

growth, it is important that we not only strengthen the business relationship with our long-standing partner, but also extend it along the entire value added and supply chain in a sustainable manner,” said Mr Jung. CPS management would like to increase sales in overseas markets such as Korea, Japan, the USA, Southeast Asia and the EU. CPS has a chain of production plants strategically located on the Yangtze River, and uses the latest manufacturing technology. In conjunction with Schaeffler, CPS is hoping to develop innovative materials and continuously optimise its manufacturing and logistics costs for rolling bearing steels. Improved risk control is also one of the objectives of the strategic partnership. Schaeffler AG – Germany www.schaeffler.com CITIC Pacific Special Steel Group – China www.cp-ssteel.com

The two companies want to strengthen their business relationship both economically and technologically. The Chinese CITIC Pacific Special Steel Group is a major Chinese manufacturer of special steel. Schaeffler is one of the largest globally active automotive and industrial suppliers of precision components and systems for engines, transmissions, chassis applications, and rolling and plain bearing solutions. CPS has been a Schaeffler supplier for 13 years. The company primarily supplies the Chinese market, including the 13 Schaeffler production plants in China and the Asia Pacific region, but also locations in the USA and Europe. In addition, CPS supplies more than 50 Schaeffler suppliers, with increasing annual growth rates. Since 2012, Schaeffler has increased the quantity of special steels it purchases

from CPS by an average of 13 per cent year after year to approximately 140,000 tons. Growth rates are also expected to be around 10 per cent during the next few years. The Schaeffler Group is also planning a new production location in Xiangtan, China, as expansion at the existing locations has reached its limits. Initial operation of the plant, which will produce automobile parts and precision bearings, is planned for the end of 2018. “In view of Schaeffler’s future development and global course for CPS CEO Qian Gang and Oliver Jung, chief operating officer at Schaeffler, sign the strategic partnership agreement Photo credit: Schaeffler Christopher Hudson, president of energy, DMGEvents Global Energy, commented, “It was the first time for Gastech in Japan, and it didn’t disappoint. A major milestone in history was made in the world’s largest LNG market of Japan, where the country’s biggest energy companies came together as one consortium to collaborate for Gastech. The conference has played host to a unique alliance between Japan’s most influential companies and has brought together hundreds of businesses from the up-, mid- and downstream sectors of the supply chain.” Business leaders from companies such as Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Total and ConocoPhillips were among those who took to the stage to address the delegation. Specialist conference streams focused on driving diversity

Global gas and LNG conference concludes The Gastech gas and LNG conference and exhibition welcomed more than 20,000 attendees over four days. The conference was attended by 2,500 delegates from around the world, and hosted 200 international speakers, across both commercial and technical disciplines. in the workforce, and attracting young talent to the industry. The Gastech exhibition spanned six halls and featured 600 companies from 50 countries, multiple networking lounges and product showcase theatres.

Returning to Europe, following three editions in Asia, Gastech 2018 is scheduled to take place in Barcelona, Spain (17-20 September 2018). The move to Spain reflects the resurgence of gas and LNG in Europe. The event will be hosted by Enagás, Repsol, Gas Natural Fenosa, Tecnicas Reunidas and Sedigas. DMG Events Global Energy – UK

The in-depth sessions and panel discussions focused on topics that are currently of importance to the industry, and explored how gas suppliers are adapting to the changing global market, and key trends influencing the sector. The proceedings commenced with a welcome address by Yosuke Takagi, Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with members of the Japan Gastech Consortium.

info@gastechevent.com www.gastechevent.com

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL July 2017

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