BlueScope (ASX:BSL) Forms Technical Alliance with Nippon Steel (TYO:5401)

Sydney, July 28, 2010 AEST (ABN Newswire) - BlueScope Steel (ASX:BSL) has signed a long-term joint collaborative technical agreement with Japan's Nippon Steel Corporation (TYO:5401) to develop next-generation coated steel products for global building and construction markets. Under the agreement, the two companies will undertake joint research and development.

This agreement is the first step toward introducing the next generation of coated steel technology and the new technologies will enable BlueScope to offer superior performing products, especially for building and construction markets, said Paul O'Malley, BlueScope's Managing Director and CEO.

The products will be launched initially in Australia and then rolled out across the company's global footprint. The new technology will not only improve corrosion performance but will also substantially improve the environmental credentials of these products.

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Michelle Liang Asia Business News Asia Bureau Tel: +61-2-9247-4344 Email: michelle.liang@abnnewswire.net