TPi October 2011

business & market news

HSS certified producer programme The Steel Tube Institute of North America (STINA) has announced that, with the completion and distribution of its structural steel tubing Certified Producer Program Procedural Guide, it is officially launching an industry-wide, hollow structural section (HSS) product certification programme. The STINA Certified Producer Program is designed to provide assurance that HSS, that is identified with the Certified Producer’s Mark, has been manufactured by producers who meet nationally recognised manufacturing standards, and who have passed the programme’s audits and product testing. steel tubing (HSS), which may be produced anywhere in the world and travel through a series of distribution channels before it reaches the project site. In addition, the documentation and standards were often self-certified. To improve the process, the Steel Tube Institute of North America and its HSS producers decided to create a system to authenticate and certify the testing procedures and documentation that accompany the product. The STI’s HSS members wanted to assure their customers that the HSS they were specifying and buying was made to the various standards, such as ASTM, that they expected.

certification programme include most of the leading US and Canadian producers of HSS: Allied Tube and Conduit, Bull Moose Tube, Evraz, Hannibal Industries, Independence Tube, JMC Steel Group, Leavitt Tube, Maruichi Steel Tube, Searing Industries, Southland Tube, Valmont Tubing and Vest. The Steel Tube Institute of North America was formed in 1930 when a group of manufacturers joined forces to promote and market steel tubing. Their goal was to mount a cooperative effort that would improve manufacturing techniques and inform customers about their products’ utility, versatility and competitive advantages. This, along with providing a forum for the discussion of issues impacting the industry, remains the basic motivation for the Institute’s efforts. STI’s membership consists both of active members (producers of steel tube and pipe) and associate members (companies that supply raw materials, equipment and support services). Members obtain information about new products and production techniques; develop a rapport and exchange information with companies in the industry; and work to support and advance the steel tubing industry.

The Procedural Guide, which has been distributed to STINA’s HSS Committee members, covers the rules and guidelines of the programme, including programme eligibility, the application and qualification process, and procedures for verification. The STINA Certified Producer Program is a voluntary programme administered by Intertek, one of the world’s largest product testing and certification companies. The programme provides an identification mark for producers who pass the audits and product tests. “The STINA Certified Producer Program is a very positive development for our industry,” said Bill Wolfe, STINA’s executive director. “HSS manufacturers who obtain and use the STINA Certified Producer Program Mark will build confidence and trust in their products with new and existing customers alike.” Previously, it was nearly impossible to track the chain of supply of structural

The HSS certification process will include an engineering evaluation of each of the participating companies’ manufacturing locations and the testing at Intertek’s Verification Center of sample tubes that have been produced at the participating companies’ mills. According to Mark Menzer, Intertek’s regional vice president, a participating company will receive certification after it successfully completes Intertek’s initial assessment of its facilities and product testing. “After a company receives Production Certification, Intertek will visit each of their facilities up to twice a year to review receiving records of steel coils, production processes, post production test reports and to obtain samples of manufactured tubes for testing by Intertek,” explained Mr Menzer.

Steel Tube Institute of North America – USA

stina@steeltubeinstitute.org www.steeltubeinstitute.org

STINA’s HSS Committee members participating in the development of the Intertek – USA www.intertek.com Stellar acquires EIL enlistment certificate

range for OD to 273.05mm and WT to 12.7mm.

petroleum refineries and other industrial projects.

Zhejiang Stellar Pipe Industry Co Ltd, a sub-company of Stellar Tube & Pipe Group Co Ltd, has attained approval from Engineers India Limited (EIL). EIL, which works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP & NG), Government of India, was set up in 1965 to provide engineering and related technical services for

In 2010 Zhejiang Stellar Pipe Industry Co Ltd also gained qualification from Petrobras of Brazil.

Zhejiang Stellar Pipe Industry started the EIL enlistment application in October 2010, and received the certificate from EIL in July 2011. With this certificate, Stellar is qualified to directly or indirectly supply EIL associated projects with stainless steel seamless pipes, covering the

Stellar Tube & Pipe Group Co Ltd – China

sales@stellarpipe.com www.stellarpipe.com

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Tube Products International October 2011

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