World leader in advanced steel
The steel industry was historically a necessity in the formation of an industrial country.Today, we see how it is again playing an important role in building tomorrow’s society, especially towards a fossil-free and sustainable future. In Dalarna, the transformation occurs thanks to its tradition, heritage, and ability to improve the production process and technology continuously.
Sweden’s steel companies continuously develop new steel grades and products. In many cases, Sweden is a world leader in the development and production of advanced steel. As Sweden aims toward becoming the world’s first fossil-free welfare state, the steel industry plays a vital role in such transformation. According to Jernkontoret, the Swedish steel industry intends to create climate benefits with efficient and climate-smart steel products through sustainable production solutions.
In 2020, Sweden produced 4.4 million tonnes of crude steel and achieved SEK 53 billion in export value.
Excellence in several fields
Within the segment of high-strength steel and special steel applications, the steel industry of Dalarna holds a dominant position. SSAB, a world-leading producer of high-strength steel, world-class stainless-steel products of Outokumpu and the leading European producer of long unique steel products, Ovako, are all found in Dalarna. The presence of world-class producers enables the continuous development of successful new segments. The region is at the forefront of roll forming and hydroforming steel sheets for customers with exacting requirements on tailored designs.
Research & innovation
There is a solid and influential R&D centre in steel in Dalarna. At Dalarna University, researchers are exploring applied industrial materials science, focusing on processing, metal forming and surface treatment technology. Dalarna university offers a unique Master Program in Materials Sciences in industrial processes and product development. The research comprises the fields of metalworking, metal forming, tribology and surface engineering. The focus on industry collaboration and technology transfer enables new technologies and applications to gain a foothold in the market rapidly.
Center of excellence
Sustainable Steel Region (formerly known as Triple Steelix) was established on 1st January 2021 by Jernkontoret, the Swedish iron and steel producers’ association, IUC Dalarna, IUC Stål and Verkstad. Sustainable Steel Region serves as a regional innovation platform focusing on the already world-leading power area Advanced Steel.
Sustainable Steel Region focuses on the following goals:
- foster innovation and develop new companies towards the demand for transformation in the regional steel industry, which creates a foundation for the emergence of a new high-tech industry.
- carry out innovation projects which can result in new solutions which can be spread out worldwide by existing and new companies
- strengthen the exchange of knowledge, competencies, and expertise among companies
Why Dalarna?
The steel industry has traditionally been one of Dalarna’s core industries because of the prosperous mining operations dating back centuries. The presence of world-class producers enables the continuous development of successful new segments. This success is based on continuously improving production processes and developing materials to make the steel lighter, more rigid and more substantial to create more innovative new products. Moreover, Dalarna is where leading companies, academia and clusters gather to enable R&D and innovation to support the steel industry’s transformation into climate-neutral towards the climate roadmap 2045.
Please contact us for information about investment opportunities in Dalarna!
Materialrevolutionen
