 High Performance Metals is the largest division in the BÖHLER-UDDEHOLM Group, with a 69.2% share of total sales. The special steels and special alloys such as nickel-based materials are manufactured by seven companies: Böhler Edelstahl GmbH & Co KG in Kapfenberg (Austria), Uddeholm Tooling AB in Hagfors (Sweden), Villares Metals S.A. in Sumaré (Brazil), Buderus Edelstahl GmbH in Wetzlar (Germany), Böhler Bleche GmbH & Co KG in Mürzzuschlag (Austria), Böhler Ybbstal Profil GmbH in Bruckbach (Austria) and Böhler-Uddeholm Specialty Metals, Inc. in South Boston (USA). The division also operates vacuum heat treatment facilities in a number of countries.
The most important segment in this division is tool steel, where BÖHLER-UDDEHOLM is the market leader with a global share of roughly 34% by value. The second largest segment is high-speed steel, where the Group ranks second in the world with approximately 26% market share by value. Other major products include gvalve steels, special engineering steels, special grades and nickelbased alloys as well as high-alloy sheets, wire and profiles.
The key customers for the High Performance Metals Division in Europe, the Americas and Asia are the automotive and automotive supplier industries, tool and machine tool manufacturers, the energy industry and oil field equipment producers, aircraft and aerospace industries, consumer goods and electronics industries, and medical technology firms as well as the chemical and petrochemical sectors.
A major competitive advantage for BÖHLER-UDDEHOLM is the Group’s wholly owned worldwide sales and distribution organization. It allows for fast and flexible reaction to the needs of customers on site and provides not only steel and materials but also a wide range of services and technical know-how, which help to strengthen customer loyalty.
Main markets:
Europe, America and Asia
Further information is available in the Annual Report 2006 in chapter "High Performance Metals Division" (as PDF file for download)
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BÖHLER Edelstahl GmbH
