UK acquisition for SSAB
Swedish steelmaker strengthens downstream services with acquisition of Scottish Hardox specialist
SWEDISH steelmakers SSAB have bought a Scottish fabrication and service-based engineering company specializing in Hardox wearparts and high-strength steel plates as part of plans to develop their downstream services for customers.
Stirling-based JL Steel Services Ltd have a current output of around 400 tonnes a year and while there are no specific plans to increase this, the company does intend to expand the range of products served.
Chris van Beurden, vice-president - wear services EMEA for SSAB, said: ‘The company aims to expand its downstream capability with extra locations. Currently we have 117 centres in 43 countries, and while our expansion plans do not necessarily mean acquisitions, the circumstances in this case warranted it.
‘JL Steel Services have know-how and experience that we didn’t have in the company. We want to increase the number of products we offer and then use this site to test them and then spread that experience and knowledge to our other sites.
‘JL Steel Services have equipment for the cutting and machining of abrasion-resistant Hardox plate and, in addition, have mobile workshops which provide welding, installation and maintenance services on site for the end-customers.’
