Hazira – Surat (Gujarat) [India], March 15:  ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), a joint venture of ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, two of the world’s leading steel manufacturers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for implementing the Government of Gujarat’s “Van Prahari” project, an initiative championed by Mukesh Patel, Hon’ble MOS Forest and Environment, Climate Change, Water Resources & Water Supply, Government of Gujarat to safeguard forest resources. 

The MoU was signed with SM Techno Consultants Pvt Ltd, a leading IT solutions provider, on Wednesday, marking a significant leap towards modernizing forest protection efforts in Gujarat.

Van Prahari, a visionary initiative, has been recognized as a project of national importance that highlights the state government’s commitment and proactive approach towards safeguarding forest resources. The initiative is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India vision, and offers instant access to crucial information, transforming forest protection.

By leveraging technology, the Van Prahari project enhances forest protection measures and facilitates real-time monitoring and management. At the heart of the project lies the Garuda module, a technological marvel with features such as vehicle entry monitoring, scanning, and instant alert sharing. This innovative system provides modernized check posts, swift tracking of suspicious vehicles, and aids in the detection and investigation of forest-related offenses. It utilizes artificial intelligence for efficient forest patrolling and wildlife sighting recording to ensure a more effective approach to first conservation.

Initially, the Van Prahari project involved the modernization of forest check posts at 8 locations in 6 districts of south Gujarat. It also includes the development of a field-level management information system for effective decision-making and usage at the level of range forest officers to strengthen forest conservation measures. 

The project has successfully addressed challenges such as wood theft during its pilot phase in the Tapi district. The initiative not only aims to combat forest crimes but also to build a collaborative and technologically advanced approach to the preservation of forest resources and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the coming generations.

Mukesh Patel, Hon’ble MOS Forest and Environment, Climate Change, Water Resources & Water Supply, Government of Gujarat, Sandip Desai, Hon’ble MLA, Choryasi, Dr. Anil Matoo, Head – Human Resources Operations, IR & Administration, AM/NS India, Santosh Mundhada, Executive Director – Projects, AM/NS India, Hazira, Dr. K Sasi Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Surat, Puneet Nayyar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Tapi, Anand Kumar Deputy Conservator of Forests, Surat, and were present at the MoU signing ceremony.

Hazira – Surat (Gujarat) [India], March 14:  An associate of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) – a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, has been awarded the prestigious Rajya Shram Award by the state government.

The Rajya Shram Awards were presented by Government of Gujarat’s Industries, Civil Aviation, Rural Development, Labour, and Employment Minister Balvantsinh Rajput in Gandhinagar on Monday.

AM/NS India’s associate Sonalal Ray, who is serving in the Control of Mechanical Department, was presented the Rajya Shram Bhushan Award, which is presented to workers for making exceptional contributions in productivity/production and showing innovative abilities of high order.

Ray was nominated for his idea and indigenous approach to the fastest revival of electric arc furnace 3, which was under Break Down Due to slew bearing failure. As a result of his idea, the furnace power was resumed in eight days against an estimated 11 days.

The state government presents the Rajya Shram Awards to encourage and recognise innovative work done by industrial workmen in the field of production, productivity, industrial peace, presence of minds and steps in the domain of health, safety and environment. The awards have four categories, viz. Rajya Shram Ratna, Rajya Shram Bhushan, Rajya Shram Vir, and Rajya Shram Shri / Shram Devi.

Surat (Gujarat) [India], February 6:  Mukesh Patel, Minister of State for Forest and Environment, lauded ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) for diversifying its workforce, especially in roles traditionally held by men.

Speaking at a recent event to mark the handing over of two trucks to the Forest Department by AM/NS Ports Hazira Limited, a subsidiary of AM/NS India, the Minister welcomed the inclusion of 300 women, including engineers, in its workforce by AM/NS India in the past year. The Minister noted that it was heartening to see the company going beyond conventional roles, and employing women as drivers, safety marshals and crane operators.

The Minister also lauded AM/NS India for its decision to hire more than 100 women from local villages after providing them specialised training saying it would help in empowering the local community.

He praised AM/NS India’s efforts for its broader impact on local communities through the Academy for Skill Development, where hundreds of youths from nearby villages have been imparted technical and practical skills. The initiative has created employment opportunities for them.

Hazira-Surat, December 04, 2023: Team Hazira of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) emerged the winner of the AM/NS India inter-location cricket tournament, organised at AMNS Township in Hazira from November 29 to December 2, 2023.

The exciting T20 cricket tournament organised by the HR and Admin Team of AM/NS India at Hazira witnessed the participation of 11 teams from various locations of AM/NS India. A total of 13 matches, including 10 league matches, 2 semifinals, and final, were played during the tournament.
Team Hazira took on Team Khopoli in the final match on December 2. Team Hazira posted a score of 179 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs. In response, Team Khopoli managed to score only 73 runs for the loss of 9 wickets, handing Team Hazira a big win.

Dr. Anil Matoo, Head - HR Operations, IR and Administration at AM/NS India, said, “We are thrilled to witness the cricketing talent and sportsmanship displayed by all the teams in this tournament. The event not only showcased the incredible talent within AM/NS India but also highlighted the value of teamwork. I congratulate Team Hazira for their outstanding performance, and appreciate all the participants for making this event a grand success.”
Nirav Patel, Captain of Team Hazira, was named the best batsman of the final match. Yash Patel was named the best bowler and man of the match. The honour of man of the series went to Viral Patel.

Dr. Matoo handed over the trophy to the winning team. The presentation ceremony also included Santosh Mundhada, Executive Director – Projects, Hazira, Capt. Yogeshkumar Gaur, Head - Human Resource, Hazira, Baiju Masrani, Head – Operations, Hazira, and Deepak Sindkar, Head - Bulk Raw materials, Hazira.

The other participants of the tournament include teams from AM/NS India locations at Barbil, Vizag, Paradeep, Pune, Dabuna, Gandhidham, Rest of India, Mumbai, and Port & Power.

Surat - Hazira, November 22, 2023: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) – a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, two of the world’s leading steelmakers – has announced the launch of a new television commercial titled 'Banaunga Main, Banega Bharat'. The campaign aims to evoke collective enthusiasm for and pride in India's progress and its diverse skilled workforce, who are powering the country’s development.  

With a focus on engaging and motivating young people, the advertising film showcases recent national triumphs that underscore India’s advancement in areas such as high value-added manufacturing, science, and technology.

Building on AM/NS India’s growing brand value, underpinned by the 'Smarter Steels, Brighter Futures’ brand promise, this initiative serves as a platform to strengthen AM/NS India’s position as a leading player in the sector. It also reflects the company's dedication to manufacturing steel which plays a fundamental role in driving the overall development of the country.

MR. DILIP OOMMEN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ARCELORMITTAL NIPPON STEEL INDIA (AM/NS INDIA): “Building on our last year’s ‘Reimagineering’ campaign success, the latest endeavour reflects our unwavering commitment to contributing to a New India. In its journey towards the goal of Amrit Kaal, India is embracing steel-intensive growth through the Make in India program to ascend to new heights of prosperity. We are proud to be part of the country's progress – a bright spot in the world economy – with our brand promise 'Smarter Steels, Brighter Futures."

The advertising film has been created by Creativeland Asia, and will be rolled out by iProspect - a unit of Dentsu India - in the television and digital media space.

Click on the link to watch the captivating film: 

AM/NS India and Schneider Electric to collaborate to produce academic programs in Smart Manufacturing and automation to arm young people with the skills of tomorrow.

Surat, June 06, 2023 – ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) – a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, two of the world’s leading steelmakers – and Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a state-of-the-art smart campus at Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The campus will be developed for New Age Makers Institute of Technology (NAMTECH), an ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India’s education initiative aimed at delivering an integrated model of high-quality engineering and technical education, with special emphasis on manufacturing and sustainability. NAMTECH will start operating in an interim campus in the Research Park at IIT Gandhinagar from August 2023.

Commenting on the association, Deepak Sharma, Zone President-Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, said, “The MoU aims to transform the Smart Manufacturing and Sustainable Energy segment through professional training of young minds. This strategic partnership opens avenues for us to provide comprehensive training to young individuals from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with digital skills to thrive as proficient technicians and engineers. As part of the MoU, we will leverage our solutions to foster the development of digitally skilled technicians, empowering them to contribute effectively in a digitally-driven world. Together, we envision transforming the education sector and empowering the youth of India to become industry-ready professionals, poised to contribute to the nation’s growth and development.”

NAMTECH and Schneider Electric will collaborate to design and deliver short- and long-term academic programs, starting with a Professional Master’s Program in Smart Manufacturing and a Professional Technologist Program in Automation. They will also work in tandem on the design and delivery of a smart campus and several technical labs at the campus in Ahmedabad.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Dilip Oommen, Chief Executive Officer, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS INDIA) said, “This initiative reinforces our commitment to fostering innovation and equipping young people with essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the digital era of manufacturing. We are pleased to partner with Schneider Electric and look forward to drawing on their industry knowledge and expertise in designing cutting-edge training labs and smart campus for the upcoming NAMTECH institute. Together, we aim to provide the necessary skills to the next generation of manufacturing leaders to help shape a sustainable future for India.”

The partnership will also work to launch programs in the areas of academic and capability development to ensure the delivery of student services, such as providing industry experts as faculty members, organising industry visits, and creating internship and employment opportunities for students in India and abroad.

Hazira-Surat, 5th June 2023: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, two of the world’s largest steelmakers, kick started the World Environment Day celebrations by organising a beach cleaning activity at Suvali beach in Surat. The event took place on Thursday and marked the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

The beach cleaning activity, organised under the aegis of “Mission LiFE” in collaboration with the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) by AM/NS India’s Environment and CSR team, brought together 200+ volunteers, employees, officials, school children, and the local community members, who joined forces to make a positive impact on the local ecosystem.

GPCB Regional Officer Dr. Jignasha Oza, Capt. Rituparn Raghuvanshi, Head – AM/NS Ports, Hazira, Sankara Subramanian, Head – Environment, AM/NS India,  Kiransinh Sindha, Lead – CSR, AM/NS India, Hazira and Principal of Navchetan International School Hasmukh Patel graced the occasion.

The dignitaries delivered speeches emphasising the significance of environmental conservation and urged everyone to contribute to the cause. They lauded the volunteers, AM/NS India employees, and local villagers for their active participation in the beach cleaning effort.

“At AM/NS India, we recognise the environmental crisis our planet faces and we are committed to doing our best in preserving the environment. We are very happy with the enthusiastic participation of our employees, school children and local villagers in the beach cleaning activity. This event serves as the foundation for a series of events we have organised to celebrate World Environment Day. These events are designed to create a positive impact on the environment and will continue for nearly three weeks. I am confident that they too will receive a very good response,” said Mr Subramanian.

Armed with biodegradable bags, gloves, and a shared commitment, the volunteers split into smaller groups and covered a 2 km stretch of the beach. Carefully navigating the shoreline, they collected and disposed of the litter that had accumulated on the coast.

AM/NS handed mementoes to the volunteers to express appreciation for their active participation in the event and for making it meaningful and successful.

Among other events, AM/NS India has organised a poster competition for employees and associates from June 1 to 10, and a Sujhaav or suggestion competition from June 2 to 10. Also 1100 Trees will be carried out inside the Hazira plant complex and in Hazira village for plantation on World Environment Day. A competition for students of government school in Hazira has been organised the next day.

An offline quiz completion on June 7, an exhibition on waste to best in the AM/NS India township on June 8, a plastic waste collection drive in Hazira and online session on plastic recycling in the steel sector on June 9, and a garden competition on June 12 are some of the other events organised as a part of the World Environment Day celebrations.

A poster competition for school children and a training session for children by GPCB will be organised in the third week of June. The celebrations will conclude on June 20.

Hazira-Surat, 31st May 2023: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), a joint venture of ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, organised a Nukkad Natak (street play) to raise awareness about the need for reducing plastic waste ahead of World Environment Day on June 5.

The Nukkad Natak was conducted at Navjagruti Vidyalaya in Hazira by the Environment Team of AM/NS India on Monday. It was organised as a part of its initiative under the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a program introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 in Glasgow.

Gujarat Pollution Control Board’s Regional Officer Dr Jignasha Oza, Head of Environment at AM/NS India Sankara Subramanian, AM/NS India Hazira CSR Lead KiransinhSindha, School Principal Dr Mitesh Kumar Parekh, and Hazira village’s deputy Sarpanch Rohit Patel were among the guests who graced the occasion. Over 150 individuals, including school students and their parents, witnessed the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Subramanian, said, “Raising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic waste is key to driving behavioral changes towards reducing the consumption of plastic, and we are committed to promoting environmental awareness. The street play was to spread the message in a simple but effective manner. We are very happy with the response to it.”

The program included various activities centered around plastic waste reduction. It included a street play on the theme ‘Say No to Plastic’ by students of Navjagruti Vidyalaya. One of the girl students also delivered a speech on plastic awareness. The event also featured another street play by the teachers and students on the themeof ‘Reduction of Plastic Usage’.

The event proved to be highly insightful and engaging, promoting the core principle of the 3R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) for plastic waste reduction.

Hazira-Surat, 17th May 2023: AMNS International School in Hazira-Surat's ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) township is celebrating a triumphant 100 percent pass rate in the recent Grade X CBSE examinations. Eight particularly commendable students have made headlines by achieving a perfect score of 100 in the challenging Sanskrit subject.

Among the 92 students who contributed to the school's stellar achievement, Asmita Amte emerged as the top performer with an impressive 97.8% overall score. Not far behind were Jainam Panchal with 97% and Udayan Sastri with 96.8%.

The eight Sanskrit wizards - Asmita Amte, Jainam Panchal, Udayan Shastri, Divyanshu Rai, Shambhavi Srivatsava, Arnav Mangoli, Khushboo Yadav, and Ayushi Ranjan - made their mark by securing a perfect score in the subject. This remarkable achievement was almost mirrored by three other students who scored an outstanding 99 out of 100 in Sanskrit.

In addition, the school boasted high scores in other subjects too, with one student securing 99 out of 100 in both English and Social Science, and 98 being the highest score in Mathematics and Hindi.

Sunita Matoo, Principal of AMNS International School, expressed her admiration and congratulated the students and faculty. "Our students have upheld our tradition of exceptional performance in CBSE board exams. I congratulate them all for their outstanding results and wish them the best for their future studies. This success story wouldn't be possible without the dedicated efforts of our teachers," she noted.

The overall performance of the school was equally noteworthy. More than 80% of the students scored 80% or above, around 12% of students secured between 70 and 80%, while the remaining 7% managed to score above 60%.

Hazira-Surat, 28thApril2023: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), a joint venture of ArcelorMittal andNippon Steel, two of the world’s leading steel manufacturers, signed an MoU with Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, an Institution of Eminence (IoE), to leverage their MBA ManufacturingManagementProgrammefor itsemployees.

The agreement with BITS Pilani will help facilitate leading higher education opportunities for AM/NS India’s engineers in manufacturing management without needing them to take a careerbreak. Besides providing a unique upskilling opportunity, for AM/NS India’s employees to hone theirmanagement and technical skills, it will also fulfil AM/NS India’s need for a wider talent pool ofprofessionalshavingaholisticunderstandingoftechnologyandmanagement totakeupleadership roles.

Dr.AnilMatoo,HeadofHumanResources,IR&AdministrationatAM/NSIndia,said,“Weareelated to announce our collaboration with BITS Pilani for the two-year MBA Manufacturing Managementprogram, with an aim to develop and groom our young talent. AM/NS India believes in providingcontinuous learning opportunities to employees through leading institutions and this collaboration isanotherstepinthisdirection.BITSPilaniisanInstitutionofEminence, especially knownforprovidingtechnicaleducationofthehigheststandards.Withitsrobustcurriculum,thisprogramwillhelpingroomingourengineerstohandlechallengingassignmentsandcreatingacompetitiveedgeforus.”

Elaborating about the collaboration, Prof. G. Sundar, Director, BITS Pilani, said, “It gives me great delight that the working professionals of the AM/NS India will be enrolling in the MBA Manufacturing Management program. Continuing higher education, reskilling and upskilling of professionals is critically important in helping them adapt to the rapid developments and manage various key aspects, such as production, new technologies, strategic planning, and operations, in a holistic and effective manner —thereby, aiding their organization in gaining the edge too in today’s highly competitive manufacturing sector.”

TheMBAManufacturingManagementprogramis afour-semesterWorkIntegratedLearning Programme with online classes on the weekends, allowing employees to study whileworking. The participants will get access to engaging study material and the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Theycan attend the lectures from any location using the state-of-the-art digital technology and will alsobe able to access recorded lectures later. The program emphasizes experiential learning andwillallowthe learnerstoapplyconceptslearnt intheclassroom in real-worksituations.

Hazira, Surat, 18th April 2023: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), a joint venture of ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, two of the largest steel manufacturers in the world, has received recognition with the ‘Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER) Awards 2023’ for promoting sustainable practices and reducing their environmental impact. The South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI), in association with Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), had organized “Environment Conclave” on Saturday at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC) Campus, Sarsana, Surat. 

Mulubhai Bera, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Environment, Forest & Climate Change (EFCC), Government of Gujarat and Mukeshbhai Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State, EFCC, Government of Gujarat, and Eminent speakers from GPCB, CPCB, IIT, CEE & NGT were present at the event. Shri Santosh Mundhada, Executive Director, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India was the Guest of Honour.

“AN/NS India is committed towards the environment and has made a significant investment in reducing emissions by using world-class technologies. We are proud to receive this prestigious recognition from SGCCI for the AM/NS India Hazira plant,” said Santosh Mundhada, Executive Director, AM/NS India.

“There are various innovative initiatives taken by AM/NS India at its Hazira steel complex as a part of its commitment to enhance sustainability and remain environment friendly. Hazira has one of the largest gas-based sponge iron (DRI) plants in the world which is the leading technology for de-carbonization & making Green Steel. Our initiatives for achieving Zero Liquid Discharge, usage of 200 MW of Renewable Power in steel making are going to reduce carbon footprint further,” Mr. Mundhada added.

 “AM/NS India is using a slurry pipeline and sea route for its raw material transport which is highly energy efficient. Moreover, AM/NS India recycles all waste gases in the steel manufacturing process and reduces energy consumption for a better and healthy environment. We are proud that a joint initiative taken by AM/NS India along with CRRI (Central Road Research Institute) to build India's first Steel Slag road was successfully executed at Hazira. It has replaced 100% natural aggregates by steel slag thus protecting the environment. This has reduced overall thickness of road, making it more economical and stronger as compared to conventional aggregate road. This has been recognized by India book of records & Asia book of records”, he added.

Hazira-Surat, 14thApril 2023: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), a joint venture of ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, two of the largest steel manufacturers in the world, observed Fire Service Week from April 7 to 14 by organising several events aimed at promoting fire safety at Hazira.

The events were organised in the run-up to the National Fire Service Day, which is observed on April 14 in the memory of brave firefighters who lost their lives while battling a massive fire at Bombay Dockyard in 1944. The theme of the Fire Safety Week this year is “Awareness in Fire Safety for Growth of National Infrastructure (AGNI)”.

AM/NS India observes Fire Service Week each year to enhance awareness about fire safety among employees and associates with the help of different programmes.

AM/NS India organised a host of programmes including competitions to determine the best departments in fire prevention, fire safety quiz, and tabletop scenario-based emergency preparedness and response during the week. A scenario-based group practical firefighting competition was also organised as a part of the observance of Fire Service Week. The contestants were presented with prizes and certificates at the end of the competitions. Special appreciation awards were also given to various individuals for their contribution toward emergency preparedness and best fire prevention practices.Santhosh Mundhada, Executive Director - Projects, Hazira, AM/NS India and Baiju Masrani, Head - Operations, Hazira, AM/NS Indiawere the chief guests at the concluding program organized at the end of the Fire Service Week.

“At AM/NS India, the safety of employees comes before everything else with a commitment to provide a safe working environment. AM/NS India has a near-perfect track record when it comes to fire safety because of the high awareness levels among employees and their sense of ownership when it comes to safety. We are confident that we will continue to maintain our excellent record in the future too,” said Capt. (IN) Sujoy Kumar Ganguli, Head of SecurityVigilance & Fire Services at AM/NS India, Hazira.