SSAB Americas
Market-leading North American producer of quality steel plate and coil
Fast facts
SSAB Americas is the largest producer and supplier of steel plate in North America, strongly positioned and highly recognized in the region for cost efficiency and quality.
Employees, approximately: 650
Revenue in 2021: 20,680 million SEK
Head of SSAB Americas: Charles Schmitt
Steel shipments in 2021: 1.9 million tonnes
32% Market share in 2021
No. 1 in quality, based on independent survey (Jacobson Report)
Market position
SSAB is the largest producer and supplier of heavy plate in North America, with a market share of approximately 32% in 2021. SSAB maintains a strong market position in the energy and heavy transport customer segments. The US accounts for about 85% of sales, Canada 10% and Latin America 5%.
Market drivers
There is a significant need to reinvest in infrastructure in North America. This means several end-user segments, such as heavy fabrication and construction equipment, are expected to improve. Also, demand from wind energy is expected to remain positive, and the outlook for investment in line pipe projects going forward is also favorable.
Strengths
- Strong North American production base with industry-best quality and a leading cost position
- Modern steel production facility utilizing electric arc furnace (EAF), which uses 99% recycled scrap metal as raw material
- Close partnerships with end users and fabricators to develop unique customized products and solutions like Ecosmart
Strategy
SSAB Americas’ strategy focuses on a high level of service and superior quality while maintaining the lowest cost position and the most flexible setup in the market, as well as leadership in safety.
SSAB Americas’ go-to-market and service model is targeting a diverse customer base with a higher share of fabricators and OEMs than previously. At the same time, the portfolio of products and services are differentiated to facilitate more growth of premium volume, such as products targeted at the energy, offshore, railway and shipbuilding segments.
The mid-term outlook for plate demand is strong, as there continues to be a significant need to reinvest in infrastructure in North America. Long-term, several end-user segments, such as heavy fabrication and construction equipment, will benefit. In addition, demand from wind energy, both onshore and offshore, is expected to remain positive in the long-term.
Strategic targets
- Increase the share of premium products to 39% by 2023 (2020: 30% and 2021: 33%)
- Increase the share of sales to end-users to be more than 50% (2020: 36% and 2021: 40%)
Customers and end-users
SSAB Americas manufactures a wide range of quality steel products including advanced high-strength steels that are used in various industries. SSAB Americas sells products both directly to end customers and to steel service centers. Key customer segments include energy, heavy transport, construction, infrastructure and construction equipment.
Products
SSAB Americas produces heavy plate and coils. SSAB Americas’ steel is 100% recyclable and is made from 94% recycled materials. The durability and high strength of plate and coil produced by SSAB Americas means it lasts a long time, adding years to the lifecycle of products made using SSAB Americas’ steel and reducing customers’ carbon footprint. This long-lasting steel is used for applications such as transportation, where end users can enjoy reduced fuel consumption, and in the energy sector, contributing to the transition to, more renewable energy resources like wind power.
In 2016, SSAB Americas launched EcoSmart, an innovative customer awareness program designed to showcase SSAB’s commitment to sustainability. Nearly 50 customers have been onboarded to the program since its inception. Customers participating in the program receive products and documentation marked with the EcoSmart label, and confidence that SSAB is an environmentally responsible supplier.
Competitors
Domestic steel producers, such as Nucor, Cliffs, Evraz, Essar Algoma and imported products.