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HKPC Develops Novel Steelmaking Technology for Local Traditional Steel Suppliers to Enhance Production Capacity and Satisfy Growing Demand in the Mainland Market of the Greater Bay Area

(Hong Kong, 3 April 2023) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is committed to promoting new industrialisation, helping traditional industries upgrade and transform to perform high-value functions in the industrial value chain by utilising advanced technology in line with sustainable development concept. HKPC and Shiu Wing Steel Limited (Shiu Wing Steel) have recently signed a collaborative research and development (R&D) agreement, laying the groundwork for upgrading and transforming the traditional construction industry.

Shiu Wing Steel, a time-honoured local brand founded by the Pong’s family, has been a leading player in the Hong Kong steel industry for the past 67 years. The company has been instrumental in providing top-quality steel materials for numerous buildings and large-scale infrastructure projects in Hong Kong, thereby contributing significantly to the local infrastructure development. While continuing to focus on regional market expansion, Shiu Wing Steel has recognised the rapid growth of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the resulting surge in demand for steel materials due to ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects in the region. To meet this demand, the company has partnered with HKPC to develop the “Hot Rolling-based Steel Properties Enhancement Technology”, aimed at utilising advanced technology to produce steel materials that adhere to the region's standards and increase production capacity, thus preparing for tapping into the Mainland Market of the GBA.

To expand its market reach in the Mainland Market of the GBA, conformity to the region's strength standards is paramount for steel manufacturers. However, the traditional approach for enhancing steel strength requires the addition of costly materials to the raw materials, which can prove to be a significant challenge for Shiu Wing Steel. The advent of the “Hot Rolling-based Steel Properties Enhancement Technology” marks a game-changing development, addressing the construction industry’s demands in the GBA while simultaneously creating new business opportunities for Shiu Wing Steel. HKPC offers professional R&D support to Shiu Wing Steel, utilising scientific research to effectively control the microstructure changes of materials, resulting in the production of high-strength steel materials that meet both regional standards and the cost-effectiveness objectives, significantly enhancing the competitive advantages of Shiu Wing Steel in the market.

Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC, said, “The professional team at HKPC has a thorough understanding of the needs of Shiu Wing Steel for expanding into other markets and recognises the construction industry's pursuit of high-quality products and advanced technology. We provide comprehensive technical support for Shiu Wing Steel to develop new steel materials that meet the target markets' quality requirements and cost-effectiveness objectives. We hope this project can serve as a reference for the industry, setting an example for promoting smartification and high value-added development in the construction industry.”

Ms Samanta PONG, Executive Director of Shiu Wing Steel, said, “The future development of the GBA requires a substantial amount of construction steel. In the past, Shiu Wing Steel considered not only geographical constraints between Hong Kong and the Mainland, but also cost and technological factors when making business decisions. With the appropriate technical support provided by HKPC, we were able to develop the ‘Hot Rolling-based Steel Properties Enhancement Technology’. The emergence and application of this new technology are expected to create more diversified products and represent a significant step for Shiu Wing Steel in expanding its business in the GBA. We deeply believe that collaborating with other professional enterprises and organisations will yield positive results for both parties. Our partnership with HKPC has brought us new perspectives and professional knowledge, facilitating future innovative development. We look forward to more collaborative opportunities in the future.”

HKPC has provided comprehensive support to Shiu Wing Steel, covering multiple technical aspects, including material science, process research and development, machine design, and smart manufacturing. This has enabled the customisation of new steel materials that cater to the requirements of their target markets. This R&D project showcases how traditional steel suppliers can integrate cutting-edge technology into the construction industry, achieve smart production, add value to the construction industry, and enhance the reputation of the traditional construction industry brand in Hong Kong.

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HKPC collaborates with Shiu Wing Steel to develop the “Hot Rolling-based Steel Properties Enhancement Technology” in order to expand the product market for Shiu Wing Steel. Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC (front row, left), and Ms Samanta PONG, Executive Director of Shiu Wing Steel (front row, right), signed the collaborative R&D agreement. Mr Mohamed BUTT, Executive Director of HKPC (back row, left), Ir Paul POON, Council Member of HKPC (back row, centre), and Mr Alex PONG, Director of Shiu Wing Steel (back row, right) jointly attended the signing ceremony.HKPC collaborates with Shiu Wing Steel to develop the “Hot Rolling-based Steel Properties Enhancement Technology” in order to expand the product market for Shiu Wing Steel. Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC (front row, left), and Ms Samanta PONG, Executive Director of Shiu Wing Steel (front row, right), signed the collaborative R&D agreement. Mr Mohamed BUTT, Executive Director of HKPC (back row, left), Ir Paul POON, Council Member of HKPC (back row, centre), and Mr Alex PONG, Director of Shiu Wing Steel (back row, right) jointly attended the signing ceremony.

For Shiu Wing Steel to successfully enter the Mainland Market of the GBA, it is essential that the
steel strength can conform to the region’s standards. The new technology will produce new steel
materials that meet the requirements of the construction industry market in the region.For Shiu Wing Steel to successfully enter the Mainland Market of the GBA, it is essential that the steel strength can conform to the region’s standards. The new technology will produce new steel materials that meet the requirements of the construction industry market in the region.