FOCUS ON TUBE more durable and more resource-efficient worldwide , with high quality at fair prices . In short , how we can make mobility lighter , safer and more sustainable ,” said BENTELER .
It has now added seamless , hot-rolled tubes and pipes for the safe distribution of hydrogen to its portfolio , dubbed BENTELER HYRESIST . Designed for the construction of hydrogen distribution networks , the range helps to make the alternative energy source more readily available and , it hopes , Germany ’ s targeted CO₂ neutrality goal of 2045 more quickly achievable . Green hydrogen is considered an attractive energy option in industry . As a result , the rapid expansion of nationwide distribution networks for hydrogen is pressing , both in Germany and throughout the EU .
“ The expansion of our portfolio also underlines our sustainable orientation . We have initiated a programme aimed at reducing our CO₂ footprint in tube production . In addition to procurement and production , the product portfolio also plays a strategic role in this ,” emphasised Christian Wiethüchter , CSO and COO , BENTELER Steel / Tube .
BENTELER harnessed the expertise of both its divisions , Automotive and Steel / Tube , to expand its portfolio of tubes for rotor shafts to include individual , lightweight component solutions . A current example is its entry into the rotor shaft component business , which includes e-mobility applications .
The core element of an electric powertrain is the motor , the main component of which is the rotor shaft . By using tube instead of solid material , significantly less material is
BENTELER rotor shaft component .
BENTELER HYRESIST hydrogen tubes .
The Minister for Economic Affairs , Innovation , Digitalisation and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia , Germany , Prof . Dr . Andreas Pinkwart , visited BENTELER ’ s Paderborn factory in April 2022 . Also pictured are Ralf Göttel , CEO of the BENTELER Group , and Marco Kollmeier , Managing Director , BENTELER EV Systems .
required in the manufacture of rotor shafts , which saves weight . BENTELER Steel / Tube produces both welded-drawn and seamless-drawn precision steel tubes for the manufacture of rotor shafts . Because of the hard steel used and individual tube thicknesses , these solutions are particularly light , safe and flexible to adapt .
“ In addition to the product , innovative manufacturing processes are also becoming increasingly important . Our modular approach to finished rotor shafts offers maximum flexibility and innovative mechanical machining ,” added Dr . Rainer Lübbers , Head of Business Unit Engine & Exhaust Systems , BENTELER Automotive , about the strategic development .
The metal processing specialist has also developed a new car door concept that removes the need for a B-pillar . This production-ready product is lighter and offers improved safety and material features . It is based on an aluminium structure made of AlSiMg grade alloy .
Moving forwards
Despite the difficult market environment in 2021 ( characterised by price increases in energy and material costs , the global semiconductor shortage and high market volatility ) BENTELER succeeded in achieving the goals it had set . The results of its efforts are reflected in its annual financial statements for 2021 , where it increased sales ( from € 6.4- billion to € 7.3 billion ) and EBITDA year-on-year ( from € 160 million to € 332 million ). It intends to continue along the path of profitable growth .
“ In recent years , we have learned to respond quickly , agily and effectively in a rapidly changing , disruptive market environment . For example , we have mastered various tools to make our costs more flexible . We are now building on this transformation expertise and our improved resilience ,” commented Ralf Göttel , CEO of the BENTELER Group .
“ At the same time , we have strengthened our core competencies by optimising our product portfolio , processes and global footprint accordingly . We continued to gain speed by working collaboratively both internally and with new external partners . We use this momentum to respond quickly and flexibly to changes in the market and new customer needs – actively , on our own initiative . Because as a team , we enjoy shaping mobility ,” he continued .
The Steel / Tube Division ’ s market was above expectations in the previous year , especially with demand in the oil and gas sector . It increased sales year-on-year by around 50 % to € 1.1 billion . By systematically continuing the transformation and implementing internal measures such as improving cost management , the division was able to significantly improve its performance . Despite sharply increased raw material prices , the Steel / Tube division ended 2021 successfully .
BENTELER ’ S Automotive division was able to increase sales by around ten per cent to € 6.2 billion and earnings significantly , compared to the previous year , through improved cost management , efficiency enhancement programmes and the successful implementation of flexibility measures .
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