For decades steel processors have had to contend with a range of hazardous health and safety issues when cleaning steel before it can be shipped to manufacturers.
 | | Jim Spencer, Digby Jones & Mark Anderson |
Toxic acid, dangerously high temperatures and tonnes of unsafe waste were just some of the problems. However the Dudley based Servosteel has unveiled a brand new method of steel cleansing that has the potential to change processing on an international scale. New technology The new system - called SCS - represents a gigantic leap forward in environmental terms as it utilises a combination of high speed nylon brushes and water jets, making it completely eco-friendly.
 | | The SCS system |
The result is a massive coup for Black Country industry as it has safeguarded 100 jobs and placed Dudley firmly on the map in the manufacturing world. Managing director of Servosteel Jim Spencer first heard about the new technology a year ago. "Another member of the Black Country steel trade quite literally walked into my office," he said. "He showed me a piece of steel, and said: 'What do you think of that?' I'd never seen anything like it in my life.'" Amazed by the smooth and shiny appearance of the material, Jim quickly discovered that an American firm - The Material Works Ltd - had developed a unique piece of machinery to prepare steel before it's shipped to manufacturers. Leading the way
 | | Steel moving on the SCS system |
After extensive research and a £3.4 million investment, Servosteel has acquired exclusive three year rights on the SCS system. Jim said: "This is a major investment for us but our goal is simply to protect our employees' future, create opportunities and benefit the general community." Sir Digby Jones, former Director General of the CBI said: "For me to come home and see this system up and running is heart warming. "Jobs and industry are being safe-guarded in the Black Country. The company should be commended for championing a world leading technology. Such initiatives lead to a growth in sustainable jobs and an increase in prosperity." Jobs for life Engineer Ian Cole is delighted with the results:
 | | Ian Cole |
"This is a major step forward, the most significant I have ever seen," he says. "It is a major coup for the Black Country and Dudley in particular. "It is very reasonable to say that one day all steel processing in the country will be done this way if the technology takes off – and The Black Country has led the way. "It's a safeguard. I'll have a job for the rest of my life now!" | 
