Global Stainless Steel Expo

Virgo Communications & Exhibitions’ newest event adds to its diverse portfolio. 

The Global Stainless Steel Expo (GSSE), a new event in the portfolio of Virgo Communications & Exhibitions, will be held at Jio World Centre, BKC, Mumbai, on March 22-24. The three-day exhibition will be a focused international business-to-business (B2B) exhibition-cum-conference connecting all stainless-steel stakeholders under one roof: the manufacturers, buyers, influencers, regulators, various industry associations and media. The main objective of the exhibition is to create a mega platform for the stainless-steel industry to connect, network and explore business opportunities not just in India but across the globe. 

G Raghu, director of Virgo Communications & Exhibitions, said:

“GSSE will serve as the largest face-to-face meeting point for the stainless-steel industry to achieve trade objectives and generate business. The event will be hosted by strictly adhering to all safety measures concerning COVID-19. The new state-of-the-art venue, Jio World Convention Centre, will provide an international experience to all exhibitors and visitors. The exhibitors are more than eager to meet face-to-face with their industry peers to forge new collaborations and enhance usage of stainless steel.”

GSSE 2022 will have participation of leading manufacturers of long and flat products, duplex, bars, pipes, tubes, sheets, coils, finished goods, machinery, technology, tools and welding equipment from India and overseas. The visitors’ profile includes industries like architecture, building and construction, automotive, transportation, dairy, white goods, water and waste management, gas and energy, pharmaceutical/medical devices, food processing/wine/alcohol/beverage, hospitality/lifestyle, oil, HVAC and refrigeration, infrastructure, defense, cookware/utensils, laminate/hardware, 3D printing and much more.

The concurrent conference, CEO Forum, with the theme “Stainless Vision 2030,” has a knowledge-packed agenda with extremely topical sessions on “Boosting Application in Architecture, Building and Construction Sector,” “Enabling Application in Water Re-Cycling, Water Distribution and Waste Management,” “Powering the Automotive, Railway and Surface Transportation Industry in India” and “Fueling New Applications for End-User Industries and Emerging Markets,” among others. 

The event has a special significance for the elevator and escalator (E&E) industry because stainless steel is extensively utilized in many facets, from the structure of the elevator car to the handrails inside it, beams above it (the crosshead), the sling extending down, as well as the guide rollers or guide shoes attached above and below it, springs inside that help regulate the speed, wire ropes, LOP and COP. Load-bearing steel shafts are preferred for maximizing usage of limited available space, combining functionality and aesthetics. 

Similarly, stainless steel plays a key role in the steps used in escalators and moving walkways, as well as the decking and balustrades. From quick and hassle-free installation to eliminating rust, stainless steel is an element that incorporates multiple benefits to all stakeholders involved from real estate and infrastructure developers to maintenance teams and end users.   

Automobile manufacturers and the railway system, along with construction and infrastructure, remain the biggest consumers of stainless steel globally. Stainless steel is often used in the treatment and design of the external façade of buildings. It is one of the preferred materials for the construction of load-bearing structures, supporting components and fittings, bridges, and other utilities, such as flyovers, elevated roads, metro lines, etc., most of which are strong demand-drivers for the E&E industry. 

Explaining the importance of this element and the event, Vijay Sharma, director, Jindal Stainless, said: 

“As the exclusive title partner of GSSE, we are looking forward to meeting fellow stakeholders in the stainless-steel ecosystem, including suppliers, users, traders, associations, regulators and makers. Together with these partners, we intend to leverage this event to discuss issues pertinent to the growth of India’s stainless-steel industry, and solutions needed to raise the bar for the whole country.” 

GSSE 2022 will also have Outokumpu, Ratnamani, Laxcon Steel and Minox Metal as Gold Partners. Other participants include Aperam, Tubacex, Synergy Steel, Chandan Steel, Ambica Steel, Rajputana Stainless, Divine Tubes, Scoda Tubes, Welspun, Balaji Niryaat, Suncity, Shiv Ganga, Vizinox, Avtar Steels, Phoenix Foils, Moonlight, Navbharat Tubes, Salem SS Suppliers, Hisar Metal, Shree Tubes, Panchratan Steels, Quality Foils, Maiden Forgings, Moonlight Tubes and others.

Emphasizing that ease of travel is achieved in both vertical (high-rise buildings) and surface movement for passengers and cargo through elevators and escalators, Vijay Bhandari, director, Minox Metal, Bangalore, highlighted that while achieving the convenience factor, it is also important to add comfort, aesthetics, higher payload and easy maintenance. He explained: 

“This is why stainless steel becomes the obvious choice of material, as its basic character is lightweight, hygienic, a longer-service life, ease of fabrication, and a wide range of surface finishes helps in achieving all these at a reasonable budget. While the passive layer of chromium protects the surface of the stainless steel, the latest technology allows it to enhance the pleasing aesthetics from polished to decorative, matte/satin to color surfaces.” 

GSSE is supported by Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) as Lead Association, Pegasus Consulting as Knowledge Partner, Stainless Bazaar as Digital Partner, Stainless Steel Pipe & Tube Manufacturer Association (SSPTMA), Metal and Stainless Steel Merchants Association (MASSMA), All India Stainless Steel Industries Association (AISSIA), Stainless Steel Merchants Association (SSMA), Process Plant & Machinery Association of India (PPMAI) and Non-Ferrous Metals Association-Karnataka (N’MAK).

He opined that the GSSE Platform created by Virgo is apt for the E&E industry, as it would present key manufacturers and service providers to interact with while urging the community to participate actively and get the benefits.

Rajeev Sherry, managing director, Outokumpu India, and steering committee member, said: 

“We are upbeat as business activity has picked up and there is pent-up demand for quality stainless steel. GSSE is an apt platform to showcase impressive, efficient and state-of-the-art solutions to potential customers.”  

GSSE 2022 will be a crossroads where the entire stainless-steel industry will come together to showcase the latest developments in the industry and share knowledge and expertise. One can participate in discussions on new age cutting edge technology and familiarize themselves with the best technology from across the world. 

With adequate safety precautions in place, the exhibition will be hosted with necessary care to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Specific requirements for service providers, exhibitors and visitors are being flawlessly implemented. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to be followed for holding B2B trade shows, issued by the Department of Commerce, Government of India, are also taken into consideration.