History
The Research Center was established in late 1959 primarily as a laboratory for the Product Research Department which had been organized as a corporate function three years earlier. Originally the Corporate Product Research Department was involved in the development of new products for all of the divisions of the Corporation. Through a gradual evolution and various reorganizations, the Center has become oriented towards buildings technology and is part of BlueScope Buildings North America.
The Research group is charged with the identification and development of new products through applied research. This is accomplished through continuously monitoring developments and activities throughout the buildings industry. Emphasis is placed on identifying customer needs, evaluating new materials and coatings and developing basic product design concepts. The Research function is conducted through a highly skilled specialized research team supplemented on an as-needed basis with outside consultants and institutes. The use of outside resources reduces the need for maintaining a broad range of highly specialized skills within the department. In addition, outside consultants and institutes can furnish a broader, more diversified base of knowledge.
