[ Cover Story ]
[ Cover Story ]
“ Our large product range is due to the close proximity to the final dimensions of our profiles , which results in many individual , customer-specific solutions ,” explains Jürgen Alex , the member of the management team responsible for sales and production . “ This precise production saves our customers considerable amounts of material and processing time , which is both economical and saves resources .” A significant turning point in the history of Böllinghaus Steel occurred in the mid- 1990s when Hartwig Härtel decided to acquire the rolling mill in Vieira de Leiria , Portugal . This strategic decision proved to be extremely far-sighted , as the Portuguese site now forms the backbone of the company ’ s operational activities . The decision to operate production in Portugal and to continue investing there was supported by the good framework conditions and the logistical links to international steel markets . “ The proximity to deep-sea ports and a good road network is crucial for our ability to deliver , especially to the important American markets ,” explains Philip Torger , Chief Sales Officer at
Böllinghaus Steel . This infrastructure enables Böllinghaus Steel to respond flexibly to customer inquiries and adapt to the requirements of a wide range of industries .
Focus on growth and technical innovations Böllinghaus Steel is currently in a phase of dynamic growth and technological renewal . As part of a multi-year investment program , the company is implementing projects in new rolling technology , new heat treatment technology , automation and further processing . These measures will enable the company to further expand its product range and open up new markets . “ We have a clear strategic direction : we want to grow , and in various dimensions ,” emphasizes Jürgen Alex . “ More materials , larger dimensions , extended heat treatment and deeper processing - we will be investing in all of these areas in the coming years .” One particularly demanding market in which Böllinghaus Steel has successfully gained a foothold is the aerospace industry . “ The aerospace industry places very high demands on materials , processes and management systems . We have already successfully completed the necessary certifications and thus managed to enter this demanding market ,” explains Jürgen Alex . “ With its tight specifications and strict regulatory requirements , this market offers a good environment that opens up long-term growth opportunities for us .” In addition to aerospace , Böllinghaus Steel is also focusing on forward-looking applications such as water extraction and the hydrogen industry . “ Hydrogen is experiencing strong growth as an environmentally friendly energy source . Technical solutions are required for storage , transportation and regulated use , and this will also increase the demand for stainless steel solutions ,” Jürgen Alex continues . Böllinghaus Steel is actively involved in the development of primary materials for stainless steel components for these growing industries .
Digital transformation and process optimization In order to meet the growing demands and increasing complexity of business processes , Böllinghaus Steel has decided to reposition itself digitally . A new ERP system will integrate all production , process , personnel , financial and sales data in one central system . “ The introduction of the system is intended to improve crossdivisional collaboration , streamline business processes and drive digitalization forward ,” explains Nina Härtel . Precise analyses and reports will also provide management with
( from left to right ) Philip Torger , Chief Sales Officer , Nina Härtel , Chief Executive Officer , and Jürgen Alex , Chief Executive Officer .
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