About the project
Tata Steel is a leading global steel producer, offering a wide range of high-quality products for the construction, automotive, and infrastructure sectors.
With operations in the UK and the Netherlands, Tata Steel serves demanding markets worldwide and stands among Europe's largest steel manufacturers. The company is dedicated to driving operational excellence, sustainability, and innovation in everything it does.
Initial challenges
Before integrating SmartTEH’s Container Loading System, Tata Steel faced significant challenges in containerizing its steel products. Relying on third-party companies for container loading made operations costly – especially for international projects. This dependency not only impacted their competitive pricing but also led to operational inefficiencies, including delays, product damage, and missing shipments.
Previously, Tata Steel used a different loading system on-site, but it fell short of the company’s expectations for speed and practicality. These limitations became even more pressing when Tata Steel began bidding for large-scale projects, such as a major construction project in Africa that required over 160 containers of material. The high cost of off-site containerization severely impacted the competitiveness of their bids.
Solution
Automatic Container Loading System
To reduce rising containerization costs and gain greater control over logistics, Tata Steel brought the process in-house with SmartTEH’s Automated Container Loading System. This advanced moving-floor solution enables cargo to be loaded directly into shipping containers at their facility.
SmartTEH’s solution delivered key advantages – faster loading times, improved quality control, and reduced product damage during transport. By eliminating manual handling and minimizing reliance on external providers, the automated system significantly improved both cost efficiency and operational reliability. The investment quickly paid off, with Tata Steel achieving full ROI within just 18 months.
Results
Since implementing SmartTEH’s solution, Tata Steel has seen substantial improvements across several key areas:
- Faster loading and higher efficiency: The automated system has dramatically increased loading speed, enabling Tata Steel to handle larger volumes with greater efficiency – especially critical for time-sensitive projects where meeting deadlines is essential.
- Improved quality and reliability: Automation has given Tata Steel tighter control over product quality. The system’s precision loading minimizes the risk of damage and missing items, resulting in fewer customer complaints and smoother overall operations.
- Reduced costs and stronger competitiveness: Bringing containerization in-house has significantly lowered operational expenses. By eliminating third-party providers and reducing manual labor, Tata Steel improved cost efficiency and strengthened its position in international tenders.
Client feedback
Container Loading System at Tata Steel
Frequently asked questions about the system
Can the Container Loading System unload cargo?
Do you deliver worldwide?
How do you transport the Container Loading System?
Do you offer spare parts?
We don’t provide upfront pricing for spare parts, as needs can vary from case to case. In most situations, there’s no need to buy them in advance. Our systems use high-quality components from globally recognized brands, so replacements are typically easy to source from local dealers if needed.
