Ratan Tata, chairman, Tata group, inaugurating "De Brug", research & development centre, at IJmuiden, Neterlands

Corus Research, Development and Technology (CRD&T) officially opened its new building at Corus in IJmuiden in the Netherlands, called "De Brug", (meaning "the Bridge") in the presence of Mr. Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Steel.

Designed by Jan Elissen of Saarberg, Van der Scheer & Partners, the new building features a characteristic front made of steel, which stretches between the two wings of the building, like a bridge and can house 200 researchers. The building has an open, modern and transparent character designed to inspire researchers to exchange information and develop new ideas and it will form the knowledge centre for Corus in IJmuiden.

In his remarks Philippe Varin, Chief Executive of Corus, told STEEl GRIPS, “We’re delighted to have Mr. Ratan Tata with us to open the new building for Corus RD&T in IJmuiden. Both Corus and Tata Steel have a shared vision of the role of RD&T in improving the competitive position of our enterprise and adding value to our customers through world-class technology. Work done here and at Corus’ other RD&T centres will form the basis of a lot of the innovation and technological development for our enlarged group. In that sense, the name of the new building, “De Brug”, meaning “bridge” is relevant in more ways than one.”

CRD&T employs over 900 researchers, of which 500 are based in IJmuiden at Corus’ integrated steelworks. CRD&T finds solutions for the market to improve and innovate the application of steel. Process and product innovations are focused on quality, applicability and sustainability. CRD&T cooperates with universities and research institutes all over the world, like the NIMR (Netherlands Institute for Metal Research) and through the Corus’ business units, co-operates with major customers in the automotive, transport, construction and packaging markets.