Stahl

Operational Discipline Drives Transformation Amidst Volatile Conditions

Even in a volatile environment, transformation is possible, if you stay focused on the fundamentals.

At Stahl Gerlafingen, the relief over confirmed public support was quickly followed by renewed turbulence in energy markets. Electricity and gas prices, both essential for steelmaking, rose by up to 50%, adding around CHF 2 million in additional costs in March alone.

In an interview published in the Solothurner Zeitung, CEO Alain Creteur and CFO Patrick Puddu explained how the company is navigating these challenges while staying on course. As Alain Creteur puts it: “We have done our homework and we are on track.” That operational discipline is also reflected in the financial results. Patrick Puddu notes: “The annual result is even slightly better than forecast.”
Beyond short-term pressure from energy prices, the long-term outlook remains solid. Planned projects could reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 12,000 tonnes per year, while green steel from Gerlafingen would cost end users only a marginal additional cost.

Energy prices remain a decisive factor, but resilience, efficiency and a growing market demand for CO₂-reduced materials, especially in public construction, can turn today’s uncertainty into tomorrow’s competitive advantage.