According to OneSteel Market Manager Brad Reed, when supplier BlueScope Steel detected a quality issue in its steel rolling process, the quick response from all companies involved and Enertrade’s detailed planning meant the project stayed on track.

“In any business there are occasional problems that can cause issues even in the most organised of projects,” said Mr Reed.

“When we were 90 per cent completed in the manufacture and coating stage, BlueScope detected an issue with its steel rolling process, which of course had ramifications for us.”

“BlueScope immediately quarantined the steel at its facility and we also quarantined all pipe and steel associated with the batch which could have had a potential quality issue.”

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According to Mr Reed, the odds of the steel quality issue adversely affecting the performance of the pipe were minimal, but that was never a consideration for OneSteel.

“We made the decision to scrap all the pipe made from the identified batch of steel. The cost was in the millions of dollars, but we are a manufacturer of the highest quality pipe and we simply won’t compromise our reputation or the success of a customer’s project.”

Assisting OneSteel in managing the issue was the quick action taken by BlueScope and the project contingencies put in place by Enertrade.

“OneSteel and BlueScope were able to work together to achieve a positive outcome because Enertrade was so professional in its approach to the project – the procurement and construction phase was well mapped out and expectations were clear from the beginning.”

“There’s no doubt we’ve been presented with challenges on this project, but because of the professionalism and dedication to quality of both Enertrade and BlueScope Steel, we again delivered quality coated pipe to the agreed specification, on time.”