What helped TISCO expand steel production during the First World War?

Dorabji Tata established the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) in the year 1907. One of the biggest and oldest steel producers in India. The growth of the Indian steel industry and India’s industrialization both benefited greatly from TISCO. Jamshedpur has now been considered a “Steel City” as the production of steel took place at their plant in Jamshedpur. 

The TISCO company began to grow more by creating various products of steel that will be useful in building cars and manufacturing units. In 1939 TISCO created the first stainless steel product. Along with its production in steel, TISCO has also been involved in various other social activities such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection. For their contribution in various fields, the company has also received many awards.

Steel Production by TISCO In World War I

What helped TISCO expand steel production during the First World War? 

During the First World War, steel was in high demand because the military required a lot of metal for buildings, vehicles, and weapons. TISCO played a crucial role in meeting this need and raising steel output during the war. In the mid of the war, there was a large growth by TISCO in steel production. By providing finance and raw materials, the government assisted TISCO in increasing its steel production. Also, the government awarded TISCO contracts to supply steel for the war effort, aiding in the expansion and success of the business.

In order to increase the profit and output, TISCO made more investments in new gears and equipment such as rolling mills. Also, the business established novel production techniques, such as the Bessemer process, which facilitated quicker and more effective steel production. The business was able to hire individuals from all around the nation and train them in the specialized abilities needed for making steel. Due to this, TISCO was able to boost output and satisfy the demand for steel during the war. 

Reasons for Expansion of Steel production during the First World War

1. Government Support: During the First World War, The British colonial government supported TISCO, which enabled them to get access to infrastructure, raw materials, and money that lead to their ultimate expansion of steel. 
2.  Increased demand: As steel was used for weapons and other military-required hardware, there was a huge demand for steel from TISCO. 
3. Skilled workforce: Many employees working at TISCO had received their training in Europe, therefore they had a skilled and talented workforce which help them to adopt many new technologies for good production. 
4. Diversification: During the World War, TISCO expanded its business by not just providing steel but other necessary goods, which indirectly helped them to expand its business. 
5. Integration of supply chains: TISCO integrated its supply chain so that it can make sure that steel factories remained functional and effective during the war. 

Benefits that  TISCO gained after the expansion of steel production during the First World War?

1. Increased demand for steel: During the war, steel was required for ships, infrastructures, and military equipment. At the time during the war, there were only a few steel production makers in India, therefore there was an increase in demand for steel from TISCO.
2. Higher profits: TISCO was able to produce steel in large amounts therefore after increasing the prices of steel TISCO made higher profits during World War. 
3. Improved technology: There was a need to produce steel in large amounts during World War, therefore TISCO invested in new modern machinery and technology to fulfill the needs of war. 
4. Improved reputation: While producing steel for the military there was a need for human resource workers, which provided the local people with jobs, as in result TISCO improved its reputation. 

FAQs On TISCO’s Expansion during First World War

Question 1: How did TISCO’s expansion during the First World War impact the Indian steel industry?

Answer: 

 TISCO’s expansion during First World War had a very significant impact that it represented India as major player in global steel industry market and reduced the dependence that India had on other countries in order to get the steel. 

Question 2: What difficulties did TISCO encounter during First World War?

Answer: 

TISCO had to face number of challenges during First World War such as low availability of raw materials, lack of skilled labors at initial phase, supply chain disruptions and adjustment of labor for the modern adopted technologies for the production of steel. 

Question 3: What was the impact of TISCO’s expansion during the First World War on the city of Jamshedpur?

Answer: 

The expansion of TISCO steel had a great impact on Jamshedpur city during First World War as it provided many employment  opportunities to the local people and also had their attention on other local infrastructure such as building school hospitals and other facilities for the local people.