Stahl

From crisis to relaunch: Stahl Gerlafingen’s business plan

In an increasingly complex steel market, marked by protectionist pressures, high energy costs, and subsidy-backed competition, even long-established, strategically important sites must rapidly rethink their industrial model.

In recent days, SRF – Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen has reported on how Stahl Gerlafingen is preparing to emerge from the crisis through a mix of temporary support, complemented by backing from the Canton, and structural measures.

Over the past months, the restructuring plan has translated into concrete actions: capacity rationalisation, shift reorganisation, optimisation of the electric arc furnace, increased automation, and a strong drive on energy efficiency.

Among the most interesting initiatives is so-called “hot charging”, feeding billets into the rolling mill while they are still red-hot to reduce subsequent reheating, delivering direct benefits in both energy consumption and costs.

On the asset side, SRF also notes a modernised pusher furnace that consumes significantly less gas and has been designed to potentially operate on hydrogen in the future.

The takeaway is clear: public support can serve as a bridge, but a lasting exit from the crisis depends on competitiveness, productivity and efficiency, coupled with growing attention to demand for “ready-to-deliver” steel and to sustainability in construction, especially in the public sector.

Here the complete article and audio.