Swiss Steel Group processes more than 2.2 million tonnes of scrap every year in its various plants. The company places a strong emphasis on the significance of precise alloying additions, which are sourced from metal processing, to create high-quality steel. In its pursuit of exceptional steel, the company utilizes new scrap materials that contain known alloying additions.
This approach allows for meticulous control over the composition of the steel, resulting in the production of premium-grade products. Scrap, once considered as waste, has now been redefined as a valuable raw material. It has shed its former label and has emerged as a critical resource in the production of steel.
Acknowledging the environmental and efficiency challenges associated with transporting scrap materials across Europe, Swiss Steel Group actively promotes and champions the development of regional circular economies. The company’s strategic approach focuses on minimizing transportation distances and establishing strong local footholds, which in turn significantly contribute to sustainable practices within the industry.
A key aspect of Swiss Steel Group’s commitment to sustainability lies in its collaborative efforts with scrap dealers, who have evolved from being mere price negotiators to becoming indispensable system service providers. By engaging in close collaboration with these dealers, the company has been able to enhance the quality of scrap materials.
One of the key strategies employed by Swiss Steel Group is the incentivization of scrap dealers based on the quality and punctuality of their deliveries, rather than solely focusing on the quantity of materials. This approach has been facilitated by the adoption of a five-stage process maturity model, which has helped the company streamline its operations and improve overall efficiency.
Scrap dealers have evolved into significant ‘big data’ service providers, deeply ingrained in the steel industry’s ecosystem. Their role in collaborative efforts, such as the digital twin project involving universities and scrap suppliers, highlights the company’s dedication to innovation.
This pioneering project, backed by Swiss government funding, leverages big data for anticipating incoming scrap types, thereby enhancing delivery efficiency, production processes, and steel quality. The implications of this initiative extend beyond the steel sector, demonstrating the potential of data-driven solutions in diverse fields.
Swiss Steel Group, headquartered in Emmenbrücke, Switzerland, is a leading global supplier of special long steel. With a history spanning over 150 years, the company focuses on providing innovative solutions and high-quality products to customers in the automotive, industrial, and engineering sectors.
Swiss Steel Group operates several production and distribution sites across Europe and the United States, ensuring proximity to key markets and customers. The company is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, continuously investing in technologies to reduce its environmental footprint.
