With a production capacity of around 13 million tonnes (MT) of crude steel, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is India's largest steel maker and ranks among the leading steel producers in the world.

Following merger of IISCO during 2005-06, SAIL now owns and operates eight manufacturing plants – five integrated steel plants at Bhilai, Durgapur, Rourkela, Bokaro and Burnpur producing carbon steels, and three speciality steel plants at Salem, Durgapur and Bhadravati making stainless and alloy steels for specific high-end applications . SAIL's subsidiary at Chandrapur is a bulk producer of ferro-alloys.

Unique features
The company also has the distinction of being India's largest producer of iron ore. In fact, owning India's second largest mines network provides SAIL a competitive edge in term of captive availability of iron ore, limestone, dolomite, etc. SAIL's R&D Centre for Iron & Steel at Ranchi, equipped with the latest diagnostic machinery, is considered as being the best of its kind in Asia.

Serving Segments
SAIL manufactures certain items such as rails, wheels/axles for rail coaches and wide plates, enabling it to service several niche markets. The company is also among the select few manufacturers of API grade steel in the country servicing the stringent demands of the oil & gas transportation sector.

Among other key sectors where SAIL steels find application are construction, automobiles, defence, h eavy engineering, fabrication, pipes & tubes, cold-reducing, cycle, drum & barrel, containers, white goods, coated sheets, wire-drawing, agricultural equipment and electrical equipment.

Business Development
The company is presently implementing a growth plan, which aims at increasing steel production to the level of 22 MT by 2010, an increase of nearly 60% compared to the existing levels.

Corporate Social Responsibility
Apart from providing primary medical, health, sports and educational facilities to the people living in and around the SAIL townships, SAIL has been undertaking several initiatives to promote art and culture of the country.