New coated steel, ZAM, which was introduced into the product line of Nisshin Steel Co., Ltd.'s Toyo Works last year, has been awarded the Nikkei Industrial Daily Award for Excellence in the 2000 Nikkei Superior Products and Services Awards, which are sponsored by Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc.

The Nikkei awards have been given every year since 1982, making this the 19th anniversary. Products and services are selected on the basis of their technological superiority, cost performance, contribution to the company's business results, potential for further development, uniqueness, and positive effects on industry and society. A wide variety of products and services offered around the country are evaluated, and a shortlist is drawn up through a series of selection rounds. This time, of the approximately 15,000 products assessed, 17 were presented the Nikkei Award for Supreme Excellence and 32 were presented the Nikkei Award for Superiority.

ZAM is steel coated with a stable layer of aluminum and zinc combined with magnesium. It is highly commended for its longevity, high resistance to corrosion, and resource conservation, as it can achieve the same result as traditional steel with a lighter coating.

The prize giving ceremony was held on February 7 at the Hotel Okura, Tokyo. President Tanaka and Mr. Matsunaga, general manager of Marketing & Products Development Department, attended and received the certificate of commendation and a bronze memento presented by President Tsuruda of the Nihon Keizai Shimbun. The chair of the judging committee, Yoshikawa Hiroshi, professor emeritus at Tokyo University, commented on this year's contest that the diversity in products and services seemed to reflect the increasing personalization of consumer needs. A party attended by many of those involved, which was a big success, followed the prize giving ceremony.

This award will help our company-wide efforts to advertise and market the cost-effective and environmentally friendly nature of ZAM to our customers in the coming days.

The Toyo Works also received the Nihon Keizai Shimbun's Superior High-Tech Facility Award last year.