National Tubes Limited (NTL) was established in 1964 to contribute to the well being of the nation by producing high quality import-substitute gas/oil line pipes according to the specifications of American Petroleum Institute and water line pipes according to British Standard, said Dr. Md. Amirul Momin, Managing Director, NTL, in an exclusive interview with The Guardian.
Since then NTL remains firmly committed to all of its stakeholders, especially to its customers, business associates, shareholders and, above all, to the people of Bangladesh.
Terming the NTL a unique enterprise in Bangladesh, the Managing Director mentioned that NTL reflects utmost integrity, transparency and accountability at all levels and its marketing products are manufactured under uncompromising quality.
In this context, a high profile executive, Dr. Momin said that they aspire to achieve continuous improvements for customers’ satisfaction with modern technology, innovative vision and motivated workforce through strategic management of human resource.
He then added that the strategy of the company is to expand its production facilities and diversify its products to cater to the future needs of the country. He, in this context, informed that introduction of modern technology in production and quality control activity is also under active consideration.
Dr. Momin also welcomed all to visit NTL website and called upon all to pass their opinion, ideas and comments through their website, so that they can constantly aspire to improve the activities of NTL.
In an exclusive interview, he replied to several questions, focusing on history, activities, problems, potentials, contributions and future plans and commitment of NTL. His deliberations are interesting, informative and educative as well. The excerpts of his valuable interview are presented here for The Guardian readers at home and abroad.
The Guardian: Please give us a brief introduction to the founding history of National Tubes Limited (NTL) through which it has come to its today’s glorious position.
Managing Director: The history of National Tubes Limited (NTL) is long and colourful. It was established in 1964 in the private sector by Adamjee Group, named National Tubes and went into operation of galvanizing plant (nominal diameter 1/2” to 4”) in the same year.
After the independence of Bangladesh, it was nationalized and placed under Bangladesh Steel & Engineering Corporation (BSEC) in 1972 and treated as an enterprise of BSEC.
Company name was changed to National Tubes Limited in 1980 and the second manufacturing mill (nominal diameter ½” to 4”) went into operation in 1980 and the 3rd manufacturing mill (nominal diameter 4” to 8”) went into operation in 1982.
It is the only government owned steel pipe producer in Bangladesh. In 1989 the enterprise was transformed into a public limited company by off-loading 49 percent shares to the general public and 51 percent shares are holding by the government.
In 1992 NTL was authorized to use API Monogram (License No.5L – 0025) for manufacturer of plain end line pipe PSL 1.
In 2001 NTL was listed as one of the best ten companies in stock market evaluated by the DSE.
In 2002 it was authorized to use “BSTI monogram” on GI, MS (A class) pipes.
In 2004 NTL obtained ISO 9001 certification for quality management system applies to the manufacturer of line pipe and in 2004 it also obtained API specification Q1 for quality management system applies to the manufacturer of Line Pipe. Now a sovereign Board of Directors manages the company with a management team of high quality professionals, engineers, technical and general staff.
The Guardian: And discuss the mission of NTL on the basis of which the organization was planned to launch.
Managing Director: Behind the establishment of NTL, a noble mission worked. It is mainly to contribute to the well being of the nation by producing high quality import-substitute Gas/Oil line pipes according to the specifications (Spec. QI & 5L) of American Petroleum Institute (API) and water line pipes (GI) according to British Standard (BS – 1387 & BS-729). It is also firmly committed to all its stakeholders.
The Guardian: In this context, would you discuss the vision of NTL?
Managing Director: NTL vision for the future encompasses a presence in major market in Bangladesh. It envisions building a unique enterprise reflecting utmost integrity, transparency and accountability at all levels and marketing value-added products manufactured under an uncompromising quality programme, remains devoted to continuous improvements for customers’ satisfaction with modern technology, developing innovative and motivated workforce through strategic management of human resource and training. And to achieve maximum satisfaction by providing customers with products that can meet according to their quality recruitment.
The Guardian: Would you mention the location and land amount of NTL?
Managing Director: The factory of NTL is situated on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. It occupies 14.31 acres of land at 131-142 Tongi Industrial area, 20 km north of the capital city of Bangladesh.
The Guardian: Please inform us about the various units and products and production capacity of NTL?
Managing Director: National Tubes Limited consists of 3 units. The first unit with 6000 metric tons per year welding capacity was established in 1964 and abandoned in 1993 due to exhaustion of its useful life.
The second unit with product range-1/2 inch to 4 inch diameter was established in 1980 with welding capacity of 9000 metric tons.
The third unit with product range 4 inch to 8 inch diameter was established in 1982. The welding capacity of this unit is 30000 metric tons and the total welding capacity both operative units is 39000 metric tons per year.
The Guardian: In this context, would you give us a comparative statement of NTL productions of last few years?
Managing Director: The following diagram shows below the scenario of NTL’s productions of last 34 years.
The Guardian: Would you reflect the key features of NTL?
Managing Director: You know NTL has achieved a high name and fame for its outstanding performance and success at home and abroad. So, its company features are, of course significant. Some of its key features are here.
w Installed production Capacity: 39,000 Metric Ton per year.
w Production Range : ½” to 8” nominal diameter pipes
w Galvanizing Capacity: Maximum 8 Ton per hour.
w Production process: Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) process, employing high frequency system is used for manufacturing the pipe. Pipes are galvanized by Hot Dip Galvanizing process.
Length of pipe: Black pipes ½” to 4” nominal dia and all sizes of G.I. pipe are manufactured in 6.1 meter (20 ft) standard lengths with 10% of total supply in non-standard or short lengths. API pipes of 4” to 8” nominal dia are manufactured in 12 meter (40ft) standard lengths with 10% of total supply in non-standard or short lengths.
w End Finish: G.I. Pipes are taper threaded as per BS-21 Pipe thread Black pipes are plain ended (bevelled).
The Guardian: Please say what API pipe is?
Managing Director: The API refers to American Petroleum Institute. The gas linepipes which are manufactured according to API prescribed standard is called API pipe.
The Guardian: Does anyone can purchase pipe from NTL?
Managing Director: Yes, anyone can purchase pipe either from dealer or from NTL commerce directly.
The Guardian: Would you give us a full idea about API pipe and it’s marking system?
Managing Director: API line pipes are annealed as per prescribed requirements in continuous roller hearth type furnace. The one and only company of Bangladesh is NTL which produces API line pipe with API Spec 5L PSL 1 standard. Under this standard the every step of production is strictly maintained. The world class lab facilities with lab expertise ensure the maximum quality product. This pipe is used mainly for gas transmission, domestic gas line, Oil and water line, different industries for various purposes. This pipe is also served for other purposes such as building structures, dredging, supply and exhaust piping.
Marking System
The finished pipes either paint stenciled or die stamped as per desire of the buyers.
But when no special requirement from buyer, pipes are paint stenciled only.
Pipe marking contain following information:
w Name of the Manufacturer.
w Number designation of International Standard.
w Monogram of the Standard.
w Year and Month of production.
w Specified outside diameter.
w Specified wall thickness.
w Pipe steel grade (steel name).
w Product Specification level designation.
w Type of pipe.
w Heat number.
Example: Spec 5L-0025 Jan 13 6 5/8 7.1 BPSL1 HFW V35602
The Guardian: Please tell us something about GI pipe and its marking system?
Managing Director: GI pipe, i.e. the galvanized pipes is used for water lines both in domestic and commercial basis. National Tubes Limited is committed to produce quality pipe for long lasting in water lines. Galvanizing is done according to the British Standard BS-729 which is equivalent to DIN 2444 and IS-4736.
Marking System
GI pipe marking is similar to the MS Pipe
The stamping contains the following information.
Name of the Manufacturer in full forms
1. BDS Standard and BSTI Logo
1. Example: National Tubes BDS 1031
The Guardian: Would you also tell us something about MS pipe and its marking system?
Managing Director: National Tubes Limited produces Mild Steel pipes to be used for various purposes. Mostly, the MS pipes are used in water and oil lines. Today’s building structure are widely done by MS pipe. It can also be used in dredging, supply, exhaust line and different purposes. General purpose Mild Steel Pipes are produced according to the British Standard BS-1387 and Bangladesh Standard BDS -1031.
Marking System
Marking on the Mild Steel Pipe
MS Pipe is permanently stamped by roller.
The stamping contains the following information.
1. Name of the manufacturer in full forms
1. BDS Standard and BSTI logo
Example: National Tubes BDS 1031
The Guardian: Please discuss the number of workers currently working in NTL to run its overall official and production activities effectively?
Managing Director: Currently, we have about 392 officers and worker working in NTL.
The Guardian: In this context, would you discuss what facilities, i.e. salary structure, residential, medical, gratuity, pension, risk allowance and etc are available at NTL for its employees, especially for workers and their family members?
Managing Director: All facilities are provided as per government service rule but there are some incentives which are provided to be based on the production target and profit.
The Guardian: Would you also discuss the current assets, liabilities, profit and loss of NTL, including land and capital?
Managing Director: NTL has current assets of about Tk.100 crore, liabilities of about Tk. 18.5 crore and the enterprise is profitable at present. The following diagram shows below the scenario of NTL’s profit and loss of last 34 years.
The Guardian: Keeping this in mind, would you discuss the future plans of NTL?
Managing Director: Now NTL is manufacturing only quality API, MS and GI pipe and supplying to different Gas Company and others. As per customer demand, some initiatives are taken to manufacture pipe fitting like nipple, elbow, service Tee, regulator, and valve pit cover and so on. In future, we have planned to take necessary initiatives to manufacture of anti-corrosion tap, Gas valve, Gas matter and so others.
The Guardian: If you don’t mind, please explain the initiative to start the Gas line fittings manufacturing?
Managing Director: Oh sure, a cell named “Planning, Development and Implementation (PDI)” is formed in this purpose. Some hard working expert engineers are involved to cultivate new items. I directly look after PDI cell activity and really they are doing excellent job for this. PDI cell’s planning, design, future thinking, market statistics are unique and I hope within a short time PDI cell will able to activity contribute NTL as well as Bangladesh.
The Guardian: In the end, what is your message?
Managing Director: We are firmly committed to all of our stakeholders, especially to our valued customers, business associates, shareholders and above all fellow citizens of our beloved Bangladesh.
NTL is a unique enterprise, reflecting utmost integrity, transparency and accountability at all levels. Its marketing products are manufactured under uncompromising quality. We aspire to achieve continuous improvements for customers’ satisfaction with modern technology, innovative vision and motivated workforce through strategic management of human resource.
The strategy of the company is to expand its production facilities and diversify its products to cater to the future needs of the country. Introduction of modern technology in production and quality control activity is also under active consideration.
We welcome your opinion, ideas and comments on our website as we constantly aspire to improve our work and call upon all to keep in touch with us.
In the end, we welcome all to our website. Thank all and especially The Guardian for its interest in our works.
Profile of Dr. Amirul Momin
Dr. Md. Amirul Momin was born on 07 December 1959 in a respectable Muslim family in the village of Juranpur under Damurhuda upazila of Chuadanga district. His fathers name is Md. Moazzem Hossain Mollick and mother is Zariman Nessa.
He passed Secondary School Certificate in 1974 from Dhamurda High School and Higher Secondary School Certificate in 1976 from Rajshahi Govt. College. He received B.Sc. in Metallurgical Engineering in 1983 from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET). He attended Bangladesh Manage-ment Development Centre and received Post-Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management in 1989. He obtained M. Sc. in Metallurgical Engineering in 1995 from BUET and earned Ph.D. in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering marks) in 2006 from BUET.
This high profile engineering expert and present Managing Director of National Tubes Limited, an enterprise of Bangladesh Steel & Engineering Corporation (BSEC), started his profession just after being graduate in 1983. During his long career he worked with different organizations and held various responsible positions.
He is playing the duty of Managing Director of National Tubes Limited from 30/06/2011 to till date. Prior to joining this position, he was General Manager (Com) at National Tubes Limited.
Dr. Momin also worked with Bangladesh Steel & Engineering Corporation for a long time. He was Addl. Chief Engineer (Research & Planning Division) at Bangladesh Steel & Engineering Corporation.
He served Chittagong Steel Mills Limited also for a long 12 years.
He was also Metallurgical Engineer of Karnaphully Industries Limited, Chittagong from January 1984 to August 1984 and Project Engineer of Weight & Measure International Pvt Limited, Feni from August 1983 to December 1983.
Dr. Momin attended numerous training programmes at home and abroad. He received training in Japan, Turkey, India and Thailand.
Professional experience cover: 1. Steel Manufacturing: 13 years’ experience on steel manufacturing technology and achieved recognition as a steel manufacturing expert. 2. Research Planning: 10 years’ proven track record on research and planning oriented works in BSEC. 3. Pipe Manufacturing: 5 years’ experience on pipe manufacturing Technology.
Dr. Momin has already participated in more than 100 seminars and workshop on versatile Engineering issues organized by IEB, IUT, BUET, BSME, BIM, ICMA, DMC, NPO and various renowned organizations.
He has a number of international publications. These are: 1. Reduction behavior of different size fractions of Teknaf ilmenite at 4th International Mechanical Engineering Conference, December 2004. 2. Reduction Behaviour of pre-oxidized Teknaf Ilmenite at 4th International Mechanical Engineering conference, December 2004. 3. Alteration of ilmenite in the Teknaf deposit of heavy Minerals at the 2nd International Conference on SPPM 2004.
His thesis works are: 1. Characterization of Bangladesh Ilmenite in the process of its up- gradation into Synthetic Rutile, submitted for Ph.D. Degree. 2. Study on the Formation of Oxides during Hot Rolling of Mild Steel (MS) Billet, submitted for M.Sc. thesis project. 3. Project report on training needs and assessment, submitted as thesis paper for Post-Graduate diploma in Personnel Management. 4. Carburization of low Carbon Steel, submitted for B.Sc. thesis project.
He is Fellow of Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (F-3858), Fellow of Bangladesh Society of Mechanical Engineers (F-99018M), General Secretary BSEC Engineers Association, Executive Member of Engineering Professional Services and Social Welfare Committee of IEB and Executive Committee Member of APO Society.
