The Special Plate Plant (SPP) of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant is a flagship facility dedicated to the production of armour-grade and quenched & tempered (Q&T) steel plates for strategic defence, naval and research applications.
During the last fiscal year, the department generated revenue exceeding Rs. 300 crore through its specialized products. In a significant achievement, SPP successfully developed and dispatched 4 mm 2 PIE armour-grade plates for Ordnance Factory Medak, demonstrating its technological capability and commitment to meeting the evolving requirements of India’s defence sector.
Commissioned in 1969, the plant has a rich legacy of supplying high-quality steel plates to India’s defence forces and naval establishments. With the commissioning of a new Quenching & Tempering (Q&T) Furnace and an additional Heat Treatment Line, the plant’s production capacity has been enhanced from 250 tonnes per month to 1,250 tonnes per month.
SPP plays a pivotal role in supporting the nation’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by catering to the requirements of defence and research organizations. Over the years, it has supplied steel for several prestigious indigenous defence projects, including INS Vikrant, INS Kamorta and INS Taragiri, among others.
The plant has also supplied substantial quantities of Spade Grade and Jackal Grade plates to Heavy Vehicles Factory and Ordnance Factory Medak for the manufacture of armoured vehicles. In addition, Jackal Grade plates have been supplied to Vehicle Factory Jabalpur for anti-mine protected vehicles. Other notable achievements include rolling plates for the Agni Missile Programme supplied to Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited and producing and dispatching naval-grade steels such as DMR-249A, DMR-249B and DMR-301 under the guidance of Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory.
As a pioneer in the production of heat-treated armour-grade steel plates for ordnance factories and the Indian Navy, the Special Plate Plant continues to contribute significantly to India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Through its advanced capabilities, technological excellence and unwavering commitment to quality, SPP remains a vital partner in strengthening India’s defence preparedness and national security.
