Launch slated for next month

Metaljunction, a 50:50 venture between the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Tata Steel, is planning to enter the primary steel e-commerce business from next month.

Metaljunction Services Limited (MSL) Managing Director Viresh Oberoi said Mr. Oberoi said Metaljunction would launch the e-commerce business for primary steel for SAIL from next month. Metaljunction would add the primary steel products of SAIL under its brand name and prices as fixed by the company in its list of e-commerce business.

Metaljunction has been engaged in e-selling of Tata Steel's secondary materials, including idle assets and lazy capitals. Mr. Oberoi claimed that there had been a significant increase in the buyer base, especially for secondary materials, adding 300 new customers since December 2004. In order to facilitate more buyer participation, Metaljunction had initiated logistic, finance and e-cash management services, he said.

Earlier, Tata Steel Managing Director B Muthuraman inaugurated the Metaljunction branch office here on Saturday.
Tata Steel's pilot project

Tata Steel, which has entered the organised retailing by starting a pilot project 'Steeljunction' in Kolkata, is working on a business plan to develop this line of activity to other cities as well. The company, depending on the success of the pilot project, is keen to expand the retailing business to other cities as well, Tata Steel Chief (Retail Initiatives), Sumit Ray, said on Saturday.