# Metal products: Value chain, from upstream to the customer Fabricators making castings, forgings, tubes, fasteners and cans from steel and metals Source page: https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/metal_products/value-chain/ #### Value chain, from upstream to the customer **Criticality to the chain:** 5 · Chokepoint 4 · Critical 3 · Important 2 · Supporting 1 · Commodity service Stage 1 **Metal supplyIntegrated steel mills and electric-arc mini-mills**3 · Important Make flat, long and special steels from iron ore or scrap and sell coils, bars, plates and billets to fabricators, service centres and OEMs.^[1](https://worldsteel.org/media/press-releases/2026/december-2025-crude-steel-production-2025-global-crude-steel-production/) **Why important:** Supply is large and global but China made about 52% of 2025 steel (calculated), and switching grades or mills needs requalification. Technologies Blast furnace and basic oxygen furnace Electric arc and induction furnaces Direct reduced iron Continuous casting and hot rolling Cold rolling and coating lines Depends on Commodities [Fe Iron ore](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/iron_ore/)[Mn Manganese](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/manganese/)[CaO Lime](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/lime/)[Zn Zinc](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/zinc/) Chemicals [O2 Oxygen](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/oxygen/)[Ar Argon](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/argon/)[HCl Hydrochloric acid](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/hydrochloric_acid/) Energy [Kc Coking coal](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/coking_coal/)[HI Energy-intensive industry](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_heavy_industry/)[CDQ Steel plant energy recovery](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_steel_recovery/)[HVAC AC transmission](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_hvac/) Industries [Waste and recycling](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/waste_recycling/)[Transport and logistics](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/transport_logistics/)**Examples:** Tata Steel, JSW Steel, ArcelorMittal, Nucor, China Baowu **Aluminium, copper and zinc rollers and extruders**3 · Important Turn primary and recycled non-ferrous metal into sheet, foil, extrusions, rod and wire for packaging, construction, cables and vehicles. **Why important:** Several large suppliers per metal, but alloy approvals and can-sheet or auto-sheet qualification take months. Technologies Hot and cold rolling mills Aluminium extrusion presses Copper rod casting and drawing Remelting of scrap Depends on Commodities [Al Aluminium](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/aluminum/)[Cu Copper](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/copper/)[Zn Zinc](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/zinc/)[Mg Magnesium](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/magnesium/) Chemicals [NaOH Caustic soda](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/caustic_soda/) Energy [Gas Natural gas](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/natural_gas/)[HI Energy-intensive industry](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_heavy_industry/) Industries [Waste and recycling](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/waste_recycling/)**Examples:** Hindalco, Novelis, Vedanta, Aurubis **Ferroalloy and alloying-element suppliers**4 · Critical Supply ferrochrome, ferromanganese, nickel, molybdenum and similar additions that give stainless and alloy steels their properties. **Why critical:** Ore supply sits in a few countries (chrome in South Africa, nickel in Indonesia, molybdenum in China and the Americas), with no substitute for stainless grades. Technologies Submerged arc furnaces Ore beneficiation Electrolytic metal refining Depends on Commodities [Cr Chromium](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/chromium/)[Ni Nickel](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/nickel/)[Mn Manganese](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/manganese/)[Mo Molybdenum](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/molybdenum/)[V Vanadium](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/vanadium/)[Si Silicon](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/silicon/) Energy [HVAC AC transmission](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_hvac/)[Tc Thermal coal](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/thermal_coal/)**Examples:** Glencore, Eramet, Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys, Tsingshan Stage 2 **Casting and forgingFerrous and non-ferrous foundries**3 · Important Pour molten metal into moulds to make engine blocks, pump bodies, valves, pipe fittings and machine bases for OEMs.^[2](https://themachinemaker.com/show-reports/indias-foundry-industry-to-reach-usd-42-5-bn-by-2029-bharat-foundry-360-insight2025-2047-report/) **Why important:** India alone has about 4,500 foundries, but pattern tooling and customer approval mean a move takes three to six months. Technologies Green-sand and no-bake moulding Investment casting High-pressure aluminium die casting Induction melting Casting simulation Depends on Commodities [St Steel](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/steel/)[Al Aluminium](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/aluminum/)[Qz Silica sand](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/industrial_sand/)[Kao Kaolin & clays](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/clays/)[Mg Magnesium](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/magnesium/) Chemicals [Phe Phenol and acetone](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/phenol/)[PU Polyurethanes (MDI, TDI, polyols)](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/polyurethanes/) Energy [EH Electric heating](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_electric_heat/)[Kc Coking coal](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/coking_coal/)[Dist Distribution grids, mini-grids and interconnectors](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_distribution/) Industries [Machinery and equipment](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/machinery/)[Waste and recycling](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/waste_recycling/)**Examples:** Georg Fischer, Nemak, Kirloskar Ferrous Industries, PTC Industries **Forging shops**3 · Important Hammer or press heated billets into crankshafts, axles, flanges and gears that need high strength, mainly for vehicle and industrial OEMs.^[3](https://themachinemaker.com/news/aifi-showcases-indias-forging-excellence-on-the-global-stage-at-the-24th-international-forging-congress-in-frankfurt/) **Why important:** Several capable suppliers exist, but die-making and part approval for safety-critical parts take months. Technologies Closed-die and open-die forging Ring rolling Induction billet heating CNC finish machining Heat treatment Depends on Commodities [St Steel](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/steel/)[Ni Nickel](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/nickel/)[Ti Titanium](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/titanium/) Chemicals [Lub Lubricant additives](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/lubricant_additives/)[N2 Nitrogen gas](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/nitrogen_gas/) Energy [EH Electric heating](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_electric_heat/)[Gas Natural gas](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/natural_gas/) Industries [Machinery and equipment](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/machinery/)**Examples:** Bharat Forge, Ramkrishna Forgings, CIE Automotive Stage 3 **Fabrication and formingSteel and aluminium service centres**2 · Supporting Buy coil and plate from mills, then slit, cut, bend and hold stock for small fabricators who cannot buy direct. **Why supporting:** Many competing centres in each region; a fabricator can change supplier within weeks. Technologies Slitting and cut-to-length lines Laser and plasma cutting Inventory management systems Depends on Commodities [St Steel](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/steel/)[Al Aluminium](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/aluminum/) Chemicals [O2 Oxygen](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/oxygen/) Energy [Dist Distribution grids, mini-grids and interconnectors](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_distribution/)[ICV Combustion road vehicles](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_road_ice/) Industries [Transport and logistics](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/transport_logistics/)**Examples:** Reliance Steel & Aluminum, Ryerson, Klöckner & Co, Tata Steel (downstream service centres) **Structural steel fabricators and tube makers**2 · Supporting Make steel tubes, hollow sections, beams, towers and pre-engineered buildings for construction and infrastructure. **Why supporting:** A competitive field of large and small firms; buyers can resource within weeks. Technologies ERW and direct-forming tube mills CNC beam lines Robotic welding Hot-dip galvanising Depends on Commodities [St Steel](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/steel/)[Zn Zinc](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/zinc/) Chemicals [Ar Argon](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/argon/)[CO2 Carbon dioxide](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/carbon_dioxide/)[Pnt Paints and coatings](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/paints_coatings/) Energy [Dist Distribution grids, mini-grids and interconnectors](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_distribution/) Industries [Machinery and equipment](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/machinery/)**Examples:** APL Apollo Tubes, Zekelman Industries, Pennar Industries **Fastener, spring, wire and precision-machining makers**3 · Important Produce bolts, rivets, springs, wire products and machined components sold in high volumes to OEMs and distributors. **Why important:** Many suppliers, but safety-critical fasteners need traceable approvals, so switching takes a few months. Technologies Cold heading Thread rolling Wire drawing CNC turning and milling Statistical process control Depends on Commodities [St Steel](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/steel/)[Zn Zinc](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/zinc/)[Ni Nickel](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/nickel/)[Cu Copper](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/copper/) Chemicals [Lub Lubricant additives](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/lubricant_additives/)[HCl Hydrochloric acid](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/hydrochloric_acid/) Energy [Mot Electric motors and drives](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_motors/)[Dist Distribution grids, mini-grids and interconnectors](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_distribution/) Industries [Machinery and equipment](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/machinery/)**Examples:** Sundram Fasteners, Howmet Aerospace (fastening systems), Stanley Engineered Fastening, LISI **Metal can and container makers**3 · Important Form aluminium and tinplate into beverage cans, food cans, aerosols and drums for food, drink and chemical companies. **Why important:** Three or four global groups make most beverage cans, but each region usually has more than one supplier. Technologies Drawn and wall-ironed cans Two-piece and three-piece can lines Internal lacquers High-speed printing Depends on Commodities [Al Aluminium](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/aluminum/)[St Steel](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/steel/)[Sn Tin](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/tin/) Chemicals [Pnt Paints and coatings](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/paints_coatings/) Energy [Gas Natural gas](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/natural_gas/)[Dist Distribution grids, mini-grids and interconnectors](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_distribution/)**Examples:** Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, Ardagh Metal Packaging, Hindustan Tin Works Stage 4 **Finishing and treatmentGalvanisers, platers and heat treaters**2 · Supporting Coat, plate or heat-treat parts on a toll basis so that they resist corrosion or reach the required hardness. **Why supporting:** Many local job shops compete, though environmental permits limit new plating capacity. Technologies Hot-dip galvanising Electroplating Powder coating Carburising and vacuum heat treatment Depends on Commodities [Zn Zinc](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/zinc/)[Ni Nickel](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/nickel/)[Cr Chromium](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/chromium/) Chemicals [HCl Hydrochloric acid](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/hydrochloric_acid/)[H2SO4 Sulphuric acid](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/sulphuric_acid/)[Pnt Paints and coatings](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/paints_coatings/)[N2 Nitrogen gas](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/nitrogen_gas/) Energy [Gas Natural gas](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/natural_gas/)[EH Electric heating](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_electric_heat/) Industries [Waste and recycling](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/waste_recycling/)**Examples:** Bodycote, AZZ, Valmont (coatings) Stage 5 **Equipment and quality enablersMachine-tool, press and welding-equipment makers**4 · Critical Build the CNC machines, presses, lasers and welding systems that every shop in the chain buys and services. **Why critical:** High-end machines and CNC controls come from a few firms in Japan, Germany and Taiwan, with lead times of six months or more. Technologies CNC controls and servo drives Fibre lasers Servo presses Arc and laser welding Industrial robots Depends on Commodities [St Steel](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/steel/)[REE Rare earths](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/rare_earths/)[W Tungsten](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/tungsten/)[Co Cobalt](https://www.materialinsights.org/commodities/cobalt/) Energy [Mot Electric motors and drives](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_motors/) Industries [Machinery and equipment](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/machinery/)[Electrical equipment](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/electrical_equipment/)[Semiconductors](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/semiconductors/)**Examples:** DMG Mori, Trumpf, Amada, Lincoln Electric, Ace Micromatic **Testing, inspection and certification bodies**2 · Supporting Test material and weld quality and certify products and plants to national and customer standards. **Why supporting:** Several accredited labs and certifiers in each market, and buyers can use any approved body. Technologies Non-destructive testing Spectrometry ISO and IATF audits BIS product certification Depends on Chemicals [Rgt Reagents and high-purity lab chemicals](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/lab_reagents/) Energy [Bld Energy in buildings](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_buildings/) Industries [Professional services](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/professional_services/)**Examples:** Bureau Veritas, TÜV SÜD, Bureau of Indian Standards, Intertek Stage 6 **Distribution to usersIndustrial distributors and hardware dealers**1 · Commodity service Stock fasteners, tubes, sheet, tools and fittings from many makers and sell them in small lots to maintenance teams, builders and workshops, online or over the counter. **Why commodity service:** Thousands of distributors and local hardware dealers stock interchangeable catalogue items, so buyers can switch at once. Technologies Vendor-managed inventory and bin replenishment B2B e-commerce catalogues Regional warehouses Trade credit Depends on Energy [Bld Energy in buildings](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_buildings/)[ICV Combustion road vehicles](https://www.materialinsights.org/energy/e_road_ice/) Industries [Transport and logistics](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/transport_logistics/)[Software and IT services](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/software_it/)[Finance: banking, insurance, markets](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/finance/)**Examples:** Würth, Fastenal, Bossard, Moglix ## Other sections - [Overview](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/metal_products/index.md) - [Where ₹100 goes](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/metal_products/cost-mix/index.md) - [Price links with suppliers](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/metal_products/price-links/index.md) - [Example story](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/metal_products/story/index.md) - [Materials drawn on](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/metal_products/materials/index.md) - [Chokepoints and risks](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/metal_products/risks/index.md) - [Sources](https://www.materialinsights.org/industries/metal_products/sources/index.md)