NEWS RELEASES - 2002
STAINLESS AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS INDUSTRY'S COMPETITIVENESS, INNOVATION AND DETERMINATION
Once again the Stainless Steel Awards programme has highlighted the competitive nature, innovation and determination of the South African stainless steel industry.
Despite competing against leading global players under the spotlight of the world stage, South African companies have snatched the majority of awards in what must be the most competitive and largest stainless steel awards programme held anywhere.
According to Sassda executive director, Dr Oliver Damm, once again the awards attracted entrants from around the world and both the local entries and those from overseas were of a high standard.
"This year there were finalists and winners from Finland, India, Australia, France and from Canada," said Damm. "However the majority of awards were won by South African companies and the overall winner, which is drawn from all the entries and possibly sets the highest standard, was won by SATCA, the South African Tank Container Association. This award is particularly significant since it recognises the success that our industry can achieve on the international stage through effective cooperation and organisation."
"This really
highlights what the Awards programme is all about," says Damm. If
the overall objective is to encourage creativity, competitiveness and productivity
in the stainless steel industry then the Awards programme has certainly
succeeded in its objectives.
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"But let us not forget those that entered and were not rewarded with an
award. It is unfortunate that despite the fact that we now have nominees as well
as winners in each category, we cannot acknowledge all the entrants. However
this is what competition is all about and just as all the entrants have reflected
a steely determination to excel in their businesses and to participate on a global
scale in terms of awards entries, we are confident that the standards will continue
to grow and that in the future the awards programme will continue to play a major
role in encouraging and rewarding excellence in the industry.
"So to all the entrants and all the winners and nominees, we salute you and congratulate you on your achievements," said Damm. "We look forward to welcoming your participation again in the future, even if you did not win an award in this round. In our quest for excellence, we must continue to measure ourselves against the best."
"A very special word of appreciation must also go to our generous sponsors, namely Afrox, Barloworld - SST, Columbus Stainless (Pty) Ltd, Fischer South Africa, Franke Kitchen Systems, International Chromuim Development Association (ICDA), National Product Development Centre (NPDC), NDE Stainless, Nickel Development Institute (NiDI), Rimex Metals UK (Pty) Ltd, Stalcor, Steloy Castings and VRN Stainless. Thank you all for your enthusiasm and support for this prestigious event. Once again the South African stainless steel industry, and industry at large, has demonstrated that it need stand back for no one."
