The Australian Stainless Steel Development Association said that its PacRim Stainless 2008 conference will be held in Townsville, Queensland from October 30th to 31st 2008.

The steel industry is being challenged by the recent emergence of many new grades of stainless steel and requires innovative solutions to help it access and use these materials effectively.

Multiple speakers will be presenting at the conference, headed by Mr Juha Rantanen president & CEO of Outokumpu.

Papers will be presented on opportunities in various countries, stainless steel in the food and minerals processing sectors, Australian innovation, stainless steel clusters, and the role of steel in the Queensland Water Grid. The conference will also be the site of a Fabrication Forum which aims to generate discussion among fabricator delegates. It will deal with issues such as procuring work from local government, lean manufacturing, and how to sponsor overseas skilled workers.