GENERAL NEWS
Apply now for Swedish Steel Prize 2025
Nominations are now open for the Swedish Steel Prize 2025 , a prestigious international steel industry award , which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year . The last day to apply is 15 December 2024 .
The Swedish Steel Prize recognizes those who improve their business , industry or society through the creative use of steel . Welcoming entries from across the world , it aims to inspire engineers , designers and inventors to explore “ the unlimited potential of steel .” The competition promotes the sharing of innovative solutions that lead to a better and more sustainable world . It was founded by Nordic steel company , SSAB , in 1999 .
“ The Swedish Steel Prize is a celebration of innovation , engineering and knowledge sharing ,” said Eva Petursson , Chair of the Swedish Steel Prize Jury and Head of Research and Innovation at SSAB . “ We are looking for applications that push the boundaries of our imagination , showing how
Last year ’ s winner of the Swedish Steel Prize , Green Buffers .
steel can help to solve challenges in our society .”
The Swedish Steel Prize is open to companies and institutions . It is awarded to the method or product that best displays how the properties of steel have contributed to a significant innovation . To qualify , the products nominated must be viable from a business perspective and exist at least in the form of a prototype while the methods must be tested and documented for use in production . All
entries are assessed by an independent jury based on an entry ’ s level of innovation / creativity , sustainability , performance and competitiveness .
The winner will be honoured at an award ceremony in Stockholm , Sweden , during the Swedish Steel Prize Days from 6-8 May 2025 . Over these three days , industry peers come together to discuss and draw inspiration from new steel technologies and their applications . Prize money of SEK 100,000 is donated by SSAB to a charity .
To apply , please visit www . steelprize . com and submit your application before 15 December 2024 . n
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. steelprize . com
www . ssab . com
ISMR ’ s stand in Hall 14 at EuroBLECH 2024 .
Innovation meets resilience at EuroBLECH
Amidst ongoing global challenges , the sheet metal working industry showcased its dedication to progress and growth at the 27th International Sheet Metal Working Technology Exhibition , EuroBLECH 2024 . With 38,946 trade visitors from 114 countries and 1,317 exhibitors , the event in Hanover , Germany ( 22-25 October 2024 ), reaffirmed its role as the world ’ s leading platform for innovation and business in this sector .
“ A sense of cautious optimism dominated the halls , with many exhibitors securing substantial orders . Despite the slowing global economy , there was widespread agreement that key markets will eventually bounce back and grow , together with a clear commitment to driving the necessary transformational change . Determined to focus on new opportunities , the industry has been intensifying its push for innovation . The proactive stance on technological progress was matched with a notable willingness from buyers to consider
new investment ,” said show organiser , RX , highlighting innovation and resilience in global sheet metal markets .
“ The four-day event delivered massively on visitor quality , with the majority of visitors classifying as key decision-makers . The number of unique visitors increased by 3 %, with a strong presence from Germany which has recently gained in market importance for certain technology sectors . Besides Germany , the top visitor countries in 2024 were the Netherlands ; Italy ; Poland ; Sweden ; Turkey ; Austria ; Spain ; Belgium ; Denmark and Switzerland . There has been significant growth in visitor numbers from Asia ( Japan , Taiwan , India ) and South America ( notably Argentina ), pointing towards promising new markets for the sheet metal working industry ,” it continued .
76 companies were shortlisted for the prestigious EuroBLECH 2024 Awards . Six winners were chosen by public vote .
ISMR celebrated its 25th anniversary at
EuroBLECH 2024 with giveaways on its booth H92 in Hall 14 . Copies of ISMR ’ s October issue were hand-distributed at all the hall entrances .
“ This year ’ s event marked a strategic milestone for many companies as it delivered , once again , an impressive showcase of technological advancements in a promising business environment . We thank all our participants for making EuroBLECH such a vibrant platform for exchange and growth – their enthusiasm and active engagement in meaningful conversations , ideas and business ventures is what drives our industry forward ,” concluded Evelyn Warwick , event director of EuroBLECH , on behalf of RX .
EuroBLECH 2026 is set to take place from 20-23 October 2026 in Hanover , Germany .
To read our full report from this year ’ s EuroBLECH exhibition in Hanover , see page 22 of this issue . n
www . euroblech . com
ISMR November 2024 | ismr . net | 7