[ Cover Story ]
[ Cover Story ]
“ Böllinghaus lives this family corporate culture . That ’ s why it ’ s important to us to give something back to our employees . Not only through financial benefits such as a company retirement plan , but also through gestures of appreciation such as the annual Christmas party or birthday presents ,” emphasizes Nina Härtel . Flexible working hours and continuous training are further measures that contribute to high employee satisfaction . In Portugal , where Böllinghaus Steel is the largest employer in the region , the promotion of young talent plays a central role . “ There are few steelspecific training opportunities there . That is why we invest in the qualification of talented people from our own ranks ,” explains Torger . Cooperation with universities and educational institutions is essential in order to secure the next generation of skilled workers . The company also offers dual study programs and internships in Germany to get young people interested in Böllinghaus Steel .
Böllinghaus Steel in the European stainless steel market : between opportunities and challenges Böllinghaus Steel has established itself as a major player in the European stainless steel market and contributes to strengthening the steel industry with its production facilities in Portugal and the use of predominantly European raw materials . The company offers a broad and specialized product portfolio , making it an important supplier of highquality stainless steel profiles . However , despite this strong position , Böllinghaus Steel faces considerable challenges . The European stainless steel market is increasingly burdened by cheap imports from Asia . These imports come from countries where production costs are significantly lower due to cheaper raw materials , lower electricity prices , less stringent environmental regulations and government support . Jürgen Alex explains : “ These unequal competitive conditions make it difficult for European companies to remain competitive .” The high energy costs in Europe , exacerbated by the war in Ukraine , pose a massive challenge for the production of electrical steel in particular , as electricity is the biggest cost driver here alongside alloying costs . These market distortions are leading to increased dependence on imports ,
Böllinghaus is a European company with headquarters in Hilden , Germany and a production facility in Portugal , as well as sales offices in the USA and Italy .
as production outages and capacity bottlenecks in Europe are unable to meet demand . “ The more imports overstocking the market , the more prices come under pressure , which further weakens domestic production . We are therefore consciously focusing on primary materials from Europe to counteract this trend ,” emphasizes Jürgen Alex . Philip Torger , CSO at Böllinghaus Steel , adds : “ The current market conditions are made even more difficult by the fact that the European Union has not introduced sufficient regulatory mechanisms to protect domestic producers . We have to constantly adapt and play to our strengths to survive in this difficult environment , but we would also like to see more support and political protection .”
Facts and figures :
Founded : 1889 Management : Headquarters : Production site : Sales offices : Employees : Products :
Hartwig and Nina Härtel and Jürgen Alex Hilden , Germany Vieira de Leiria , Portugal Chicago , USA and Milan , Italy around 300 worldwide Stainless steel profiles ( hot-rolled flat steel and square steel and cold-drawn flat , square and hexagonal steel ) and special profiles
Contact : + 49 2103 88 010 - 0 info @ boellinghaus-steel . com
Despite these adverse circumstances , Böllinghaus Steel has shown itself to be resilient and adaptable . “ For me , true success does not lie in individual achievements , but in the ability to demonstrate resilience over more than a century and to constantly realign ourselves ,” explains Nina Härtel . “ In an industry that is characterized by constant ups and downs , we have shown that we are able to stay on course and maintain our partnerships even in difficult times . This loyalty and the partnership-based relationship with customers , suppliers and employees have enabled us enabled us to overcome challenging times and to look optimistic about the future . Our previous generations , in particular my father Hartwig Härtel , have significantly shaped this foundation .”
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