• COVER STORY: BÖLLINGHAUS STEEL •
The company is investing in new capabilities, including larger rolling mills and advanced materials for industries such as aerospace and medical technology.“ We are developing larger products that no one else can produce,” Kouba says, reflecting a willingness to explore new opportunities even without guaranteed outcomes.
Customer engagement will continue to play a central role in identifying those opportunities.“ That’ s where I learn the most: when I visit customers and end users and see how they use our material. That’ s when new ideas start to take shape,” Löwendick explains. By staying close to end users, Böllinghaus Steel can anticipate trends and develop solutions that meet emerging needs.
Production site in Vieira de Leiria, Portugal.
In North America, the outlook is particularly promising. The region’ s size, diversity, and demand for high-quality stainless-steel products make it a natural focus for continued growth. At the same time, the company’ s established presence in Chicago provides a solid foundation for expanding its reach.
A legacy of partnership After more than a century in business and a decade in Chicago, Böllinghaus Steel’ s success can be traced to a powerful foundation: putting the customer, or rather the partner, at the center of everything it does.
“ Our success comes in tomorrow’ s order and the order the day after that,” Kouba says, emphasizing the importance of long-term relationships.
This forward-looking mindset, combined with a commitment to quality, adaptability, and innovation, ensures that Böllinghaus Steel is well positioned for the years ahead. As markets evolve and new challenges emerge, the company’ s ability to adapt and its dedication to partnership will remain its greatest strengths.
In many ways, the 10-year anniversary of the Chicago office is not just a milestone, but a reflection of what Böllinghaus Steel has become: a global player with local roots, a manufacturer that delivers quality, timely solutions, and a company that continues to evolve in pursuit of the next opportunity.
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The latest rolling mill for large dimensions.
FACTS & FIGURES
• Founded in 1889 in Remscheid, Germany
• Fifth generation of the Härtel family ownership
• Years in business: 137( as of 2026)
• Employees worldwide: 250 +
• Global locations: Germany, Italy, Portugal, and the United States
• Stainless steel profiles: hotrolled flat and square steel; cold-drawn flat, square, and hexagonal steel; special profiles
Stainless Steel World Americas | June 2026 | ssw-americas. com 9