December 03, 2008
Shougang on recruitment drive to match relocation plans
Chinese steel major Shougang Iron and Steel Group announced during a press conference that it is planning to recruit at least 81 talents both from China and abroad as a part of its relocation and restructuring plan. As per report, the recruits could receive an annual income of up to CNY 240,000 and get CNY 300,000 for the purchase of an apartment. The figures are remarkable in a China where the per capita income is only CNY 11,759.
Mr Zhang Guobao vice minister of the National Development and Reform Commission said that government departments concerned and Shougang would form a coordinating group to help the company hunt for talent. He said "Shougang doesn't have sufficient talent as its relocation is an unprecedented move in the world's steel industry.”
Chinese government decided to move Shougang's steel production to Tangshan in the neighboring Hebei Province before 2010. The decision was made to meet the needs of hosting the 2008 Beijing Olympics and improve air quality as Shougang has long been blamed as the Beijing’s worst polluter with chimneys belching out thick clouds of smoke. According to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Environmental Protection the shifting of Shougang can reduce the emissions of more than 18,000 tonnes of inhalant particles each year.
After the shift, Shougang's current headquarter will mainly engage in research and development, non steel businesses and environmental industries. It will be incorporated into Beijing's urban development to create a central recreation center in the western region.
After the relocation, most of Shougang's steel will be produced in Shougang Jingtang Integrated Steelworks Ltd, a JV with Tangshan Iron & Steel Group. Shougang will hold a 51% stake in the tie up. Shougang aims to use the shift as an opportunity to turn its focus to refining and top grade steel. The group in March started constructing a 9.7 million tonne steel plant on a tiny island in neighboring Hebei Province with Tangshan Iron & Steel Corp. It will raise its steel production to 20 million tons annually by 2010. The group also aims to double its turnover and profits by 2010 from 2005.
Shougang Group now has an annual steel production capacity of more than 8 million tons in Beijing and 4 million tons in Hebei. Last year, Shougang's crude steel production reached 10.54 million tons.
