The Science of Success
BlueScope Steel Technical Services
24 November 2004
When it comes to making the best products, able to stand up to the harshest weather that Australia has to offer, BlueScope Steel has long relied on science to give it the edge.
To do this, the company actively recruits the finest scientific minds in the field and currently works with 60 of the country's leading scientists, physicists and metallurgists, all of whom ensure that technology and innovation remain a central driving force within the business.
Products that demonstrate these values cover Australia and have made COLORBOND® steel a benchmark building material, synonymous with strength and durability. BlueScope Steel ensures this by rigorously testing its products to make sure they stand up better to the extremes of the Australian climate than any other product. This testing also allows the company to offer its renowned 25 year warranty, a commitment that clearly demonstrates the faith BlueScope Steel has in roofing made from COLORBOND® steel.
"To address the different climatic challenges facing Australians, we bring in leading specialists who can best harness science and move us forward as a company", explains Geoff Warner, Vice President Research and Development at BlueScope Steel. "This is especially important as our customers' homes need long term protection and the knowledge that their houses will not be affected from years of relentless sun, wind, rain and hail."
Also, research by BlueScope Steel specialists has helped assess and enhance the recyclable properties of its products as well as their thermal efficiency, considerations that have become increasingly important in today's market. While science has helped the company maximise these practical factors, it has also allowed the COLORBOND® steel range to expand to a palette size of 20 contemporary colours, maximising its aesthetic value.
More than a third of new homes built in Australia now boast a roof made from COLORBOND® steel and a sizeable majority of new factories, industrial and commercial plants and storage facilities use COLORBOND® steel for Roofing, cladding or in some other application.
"Any building material facing the great Australian outdoors needs to be carefully planned", says Cheryl Aldrich, Principal Research Scientist at BlueScope Steel. "We are constantly researching, testing and improving the performance and durability of our products. For a scientist, this is a great challenge and one where success can be seen far and wide, on buildings of all types across the country."
