Tata Steel in Europe has been recognised with its first supplier award from underground mining equipment supplier, Joy Global (Tianjin) Mining Machinery, for the supply of its branded abrasion-resistant steel, Abrazo.  Joy Global (Tianjin) selects just two suppliers each year, from the 50 key suppliers it works with, on the basis of a combination of delivery, quality and value. Tata Steel, via its Dalzell site, was the only steel mill this year to receive recognition. Joy Global (Tianjin) uses Abrazo in the production of its armoured face conveyors at its TEDA (Tianjin Economic Development Area) site.

The award ceremony was held in Tianjin, and the commendation was presented to Tata Steel’s Commercial Manager for Tata Steel Lifting and Excavating International Asia, Allan Liu, by Joy Global Underground Mining LLC’s Director Global Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management, Andy Nixon. Abrazo, Tata Steel’s wear-resistant roller-quenched steel range, is described as “perfect for mining and construction equipment.” Uses in mining include for buckets and cutting edges, truck body linings, armoured-face conveyors, chutes, hoppers and conveyor parts. Available in three guaranteed hardness wear-plate grades – 400, 450 and 500 BHN – Abrazo is ideal for machinery working in harsh conditions, which must run constantly for many hours and transport heavy loads efficiently. Liu said: “The Joy Global (Tianjin) supplier award recognises not just excellent product quality and reliability, but also a joined-up, efficient supply chain. We are working continuously to improve both our products and our service to customers, and positive feedback such as this is a definite sign we’re on the right track.”