Anglo-Indian forging tie-in

Wednesday, 1 April 2009

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and Sheffield Forgemasters have made a technology transfer deal concerning large power plant components.

 

This pump casing for a Westinghouse AP1000 was made by Sheffield Forgemasaters

Over a ten-year period BHEL will buy technology and expertise from Sheffield Forgemasters, said the British company, which will also oversee the construction of new steel-making and forging facilities for hydro, nuclear and thermal power components in India.

 

Both the firms are in strong nuclear new-build markets and both are seen as potential major players in the tight global market for large nuclear components. "This is all about extending our reach and benefiting from sharing our knowledge," said Graham Honeyman, chief executive of Sheffield Forgemasters.

 

Sheffield Forgemasters anticipates the business with BHEL to be worth £30 million ($43 million) plus the benefits of building links for later deals. BHEL will pay for the knowledge transfer and also a royalty on sales of the new products.

 

BHEL is a state-run company that has provided much of the equipment for India's indigenous nuclear power program. With the recent opening of nuclear trade with India, companies like BHEL and Larson & Toubro are now able to use their expertise in the global nuclear supply chain.

 

Sheffield Forgemasters provides nuclear-grade forgings and is currently considering adding a 15,000 tonne press, which could produce even the largest nuclear components. A decision on this investment is eagerly awaited.