SSAB 2026:– A strong industry is built together

The rapid changes of recent years have tested industry’s ability to adapt. At the same time, the pandemic, geopolitical uncertainty and changing market conditions have made one thing increasingly clear, says Helena Norrman, EVP & Head of Group Communications at SSAB: resilience is not created through a single measure – a strong industry is built together.

– The past few years have shown that resilience is about much more than efficient supply chains. It is also about having a strong industrial base, close customer relationships and the ability to adapt when conditions change, says Helena.

Global presence but Nordic roots

SSAB has its roots in Sweden and Finland, and today also has production in the United States. According to Helena Norrman, this industrial presence provides stability when the world around us changes and has further strengthened the company’s conviction in the importance of long-term investment.

– For us, it is about continuing to invest in production, skills and innovation. At the same time, we are investing in the steel production of the future in Sweden, strengthening industrial capacity, security of supply and our long-term market position, says Helena Norrman.

A transformation that strengthens competitiveness

A central part of SSAB’s development is the transformation of its steel production. The company sees sustainability and competitiveness as two issues that are increasingly interconnected. Demand for products with a lower climate footprint is growing across many industries, while companies also need to strengthen their position in a changing market. In 2025, SSAB delivered approximately 90,000 tonnes of SSAB Zero™ and is continuing its transformation towards fossil-free steel production.

– We see the transformation as both a climate issue and a competitiveness issue. It strengthens our customers’ comparative advantages, reduces dependence on imported coal and contributes to a more resilient European industry, she explains.

The properties of the materials also play an important role. By providing steel that enables stronger, lighter and more resource-efficient products, SSAB aims to help strengthen competitiveness throughout the value chain.

Innovation happens together with customers

At the same time, the transformation is about more than new production methods and materials. For SSAB, collaboration with customers is an important part of the innovation process.

– Innovation rarely happens in isolation. One of our greatest strengths is our close collaboration with customers, where we combine our materials expertise with their application expertise. By bringing together different areas of knowledge and perspectives, we can develop new solutions that reduce weight, improve performance and use resources more efficiently.

The ability to combine different areas of expertise will be particularly important looking ahead, Helena Norrman says. She sees strong opportunities for Swedish industry to remain competitive through innovation, specialisation and technological leadership – but this will require continued investment.

– We need to continue investing in research, skills, electricity supply and modern infrastructure. The countries that can combine sustainability, productivity and competitiveness will be the industrial leaders of tomorrow, she says.

The industry of the future needs more perspectives

Skills are another important part of industry’s long-term strength and position. Among other initiatives, SSAB collaborates with schools and universities and offers summer jobs and trainee programmes to attract new employees. At the same time, the industrial transformation is changing the skills that are needed.

– We want to show that today’s industry is high-tech, innovative and full of opportunities for development. The transformation also means that we need even more people with new perspectives and skills.

A meeting place for the entire value chain

As an ambassador for Elmia Subcontractor 2026, SSAB wants to contribute its experience and perspectives on some of the issues currently shaping the future of manufacturing. This is also where this year’s theme, Resilience powered by industry, becomes tangible: in an industry with the ability to continue developing, investing and transforming even when conditions change – and to do so together.

For a company that works closely with customers and other stakeholders throughout the value chain, bringing people together is an important part of development. Helena Norrman explains:

– Elmia Subcontractor is one of the Nordic region’s most important meeting places for manufacturing and the entire industrial value chain. As an ambassador, we look forward to contributing our perspectives on competitiveness, innovation, resilience and industrial transformation, as well as meeting customers, partners and other stakeholders who together are shaping the industry of the future.

You will find SSAB in stand A05:34 during the fair.

Photos: SSAB/Oskar Bouveng