As concerns mount over the quality of imported steel finding its way into New Zealand, Steel & Tube’s attention to quality, consistency and compliance has provided the construction industry with some welcome reassurance.
Steel construction has become a popular solution in the Christchurch rebuild, thanks to new seismic engineering techniques and steel’s outstanding performance in the recent earthquakes.
But developers and building owners are being warned to be wary of some steel products fabricated offshore, which may not comply with New Zealand standards for welding, painted coatings and steel compliance. Such products may not only run afoul of a raft of legal, building warranty and compliance issues, they can undermine the value, structural integrity and safety of any project that uses them.
When selecting steel, it is vital to use a supplier that openly provides evidence to prove product is genuine, traceable and compliant, says Peter Donohue, Steel Group Product Manager at Steel & Tube.
“We have systems in place to trace the origin and genuineness of all our steel products, including mill certification providing product grade, mechanical properties, chemical composition and third-party accredited testing laboratory,” he says.
He adds that Steel & Tube constantly monitors its supply chain and reviews its compliance processes to ensure the quality, consistency and reliability of steel are never compromised.
By working closely with Steel Construction New Zealand and local and international steel mills, Steel & Tube is leading the distribution chain with supply of steel, mesh and allied products to suit the changing codes and standards, such as the new seismic requirements in the New Zealand Building Code.
“Our ability to offer seismic-rated products to the market along with steel beams, columns, structural-steel sections, reinforcing and mesh that can be certified is critical in the post-earthquake environment,” says Mr Donohue.
Ultimately, it is about providing certainty and surety to our customers in the construction industry.