Distinctive Features of Logistics Strategies for Global Steel Producers in Different Countries: the Case of Tata Steel in India and the United Kingdom

The inbound and outbound logistics for firms operating in steel industries are very crucial owing to the large volume and cost that are required for the movement of raw material and finished goods in the industry. The challenges for the firms compound when the firm operates in multi nations. Such conditions frame the need for strategies to manage the global logistics network. In this study, the unique features of logistics strategies applied in the global steel producing company are analyzed with the case study of Tata Steel and its division in India and the UK. The findings of the study include the need for logistics strategies for different countries to enhance firms’ ability of the firm to react to market changes in different countries. Differentiation of domestic logistics of different countries requires firms to formulate strategies to form a combined network to be orchestrated on a global platform. Some strategies that Tata Steel employs in THE UK and India include EOQ, ABC, JIT, and lean methods to manage raw material. The finished goods are managed through an agile framework, IT solutions such as ERP and SAP, VMI, and make-to-availability and make-to-order strategies among others. The major difference in major differences in logistics for the UK and Indian divisions of Indian Steel was found to occur due to inherent and economic conditions that exist in the countries.