Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) has decided to use the electronic trading platform B2B Center to choose equipment repair services. This will ensure the openness of tender procedures, as well as automating the collection of proposals from potential contractors and expanding the customer base.
“We have successfully tested the capabilities and functionality of B2B Center through more than 100 purchases. Each piece of equipment has its own requirements when it comes to repair, so it is important for us to choose the best contractors in the market,” said Pavel Vasev, Head of Procurement at MMK. “An independent platform attracts potential contractors, creates equal competitive conditions for them and also helps to prepare the documentation. The next step will be to integrate our information system with that of B2B Center in order to streamline the process and make it more convenient for our specialists.”
Currently MMK uses contractors for repairs on boilers of power grids, generators, steam lines and rolling mills. Contractors are also used to modernize cooling systems and to install new structures and equipment on the site.
“For many years MMK has been working with us as a supplier and participated in procurement tenders of other customers. We have now signed a long-term contract in the field of electronic procurement to meet the needs of the company. Everyone will benefit from this. Our customers and suppliers will have access to the procurement of one of the country’s largest steel mills, whilst MMK can automate its offers to contractors and will be able to choose the best offers on the market,” commented Andrey Boyko, Commercial Director at B2B.
The agreement was signed during the meeting of the Public Council of the “Competitive Procurement Leader” Awards, established by B2B-Center.
“Since the awards were established in 2012, communication between its participants and independent experts has been held in absentia,” said Pavel Vasev, Head of Procurement at MMK. “This year the management of MMK invited the Public Council to meet in person and talk to each other about the achievements of their companies, as well as to share new, interesting ideas and common practices.” Representatives of eleven companies, including Evraz, Severstal, ChelPipe, SIBUR and others, were present at the meeting. (MMK/Ukrainian metal)