MRTC gets passing marks for imported steel products

The Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), government’s primary materials testing laboratory for steel products, has given passing marks to the reinforcing steel bars imported from China by Mannage Resources Trading Corp. (MRTC).

In a certification dated July 22, MIRDC’s test results showed that MRTC’s rebars more than adequately meet the lab’s bendability, tension and strength tests in accordance with Philippine National Standards ( PNS) 49:2002 covering steel bars for concrete reinforcement.

The results validate similar checks conducted by TUV Rheinland, SGSCSTC Standards and Technical Services Co., Ltd. in Shanghai, China and Philippine Geoanalytics, Inc., an accredited testing laboratory of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Even during the manufacturing stage, MRTC’s steel bars were checked every 32 pieces or every two tons to ensure it meets strict quality and strength tests. Philippine national standards require testing every 20 tons, MRTC president Lawrence Sy said.

MIRDC’s test result is a vindication of sorts for the country’s newest steel trader. Release of MRTC’s shipment of 5,000 metric tons of 12mm Grade 275 weldable deformed steel bars in Subic faced numerous delays after the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) questioned its payment of duties and the steel’s quality.

After passing all regulatory hurdles, MRTC filed graft charges against customs officials, PISI president Roberto Cola, and Federation of Philippine Industries officers Jesus Arranza and William Ranaga before the Office of the Ombudsman for causing unnecessary delays in the shipment’s release.

“From the beginning there was never any doubt on our steel’s quality. It passed all quality and safety checks by internationallyknown testing centers with flying colors. It’s obvious that PISI’s unreasonable objections was just a way to make it difficult for us to compete in a market largely dominated by its members,” Sy said.

With safety and quality issues behind them, Sy said his company is ready to compete and would soon introduce multiple sizes and other steel products to the local market.