Steel firm embarks on journey to capitalise on growing overseas demand

A global export drive is being launched by the UK’s largest independent steel stockholder and processor, Kloeckner Metals UK, to capitalise on growing overseas demand.

Leeds-based Kloeckner Metals UK has been trading for more than 40 years and re-branded from ASD Metal Services three years ago. The UK firm has a £210m annual turnover and 800 staff at 15 UK sites, where it stocks 60,000 tonnes of steel and supplies ferrous and non-ferrous products sourced from accredited West European mills.

It is now is working with overseas trade specialist, Chamber International, for advice and support as it starts to convert overseas enquiries into an export campaign.

Along with sister business, Westok, a specialist steel fabricator and designer, Kloeckner supports sectors including nuclear, oil and gas, renewables, construction, material handling, mining, automotive, marine and defence.

UK director, Barrie Salter, said: “During the last 18 months we’ve seen a steady flow of enquiries for UK size and grade materials from around the world. We believe that this is an indication that there is an export market for our products and value-added services and that the time is right to try to capture our share.

“We will initially be led by converting enquiries but are also interested in South Korea for its ship building and the UAE for its oil and gas industry as both sectors have substantial requirements for steel.

“We have started an online shop as part of digitalising the supply chain and are investing in higher value-added business and making efficiency savings.”

Kloeckner Metals UK is part of Klöckner & Co, one of the world’s largest independent producers and distributors of steel and metal products with a network of around 170 locations in 13 countries, and 120,000 customers.

Chamber International director, Tim Bailey, added: “Kloeckner Metals UK’s wide product range and innovative approach in creating value-added products and services means it is well placed to capitalise on overseas demand and build export sales. We are pleased to be assisting company at this early stage.”

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