Sustainability
CSRD readiness at ovako driving transparent and responsible reporting
As the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) reshapes ESG standards, Ovako is taking early, structured steps to align with future requirements. From robust governance to third-party verification, learn how we’re building a transparent, future-ready reporting strategy ahead of the 2026 mandate.
Customer case
NiKrom III: A Greener, Stronger Coating for Hydraulic Rods
NiKrom III is Ovako’s next-generation coating for hydraulic piston rods—delivering superior durability and corrosion resistance without hexavalent chrome. Proven in harsh mining environments and ready for large-scale adoption.
Sustainability
How CBAM is changing the rules for the steel industry
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is redefining global steelmaking. Discover how CBAM affects emissions, import costs, and what it means for steel producers like Ovako—and why cleaner, low-carbon technologies are the way forward.
Research and Insights
Unlocking steel’s secrets with dilatometry
Heating and cooling change the structure of steel in ways we can’t see. Dilatometry measures these transformations in real time, helping engineers optimize steel properties for strength, efficiency, and sustainability.
Customer case
The art of crafting Hultafors axes with Ovako steel
Discover the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge Ovako steel in Hultafors axes. Hand-forged for exceptional durability, sharpness, and longevity, these axes are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike. With Ovako steel, Hultafors ensures top performance and an environmentally-conscious design, giving you a tool that’s tough, reliable, and built to last for generations.
Career
Together We Build the Future Locally
We are happy and proud that Ovako has once again been nominated as a "Career Company" for 2025. This nomination is not only a recognition of our work at the corporate level but also a testament to the efforts being made locally at our sites in Hofors, Hällefors, Smedjebacken, Boxholm and Hallstahammar.
About Ovako
Over a century of innovation and sustainable steelmaking at Imatra steel mill
Since 1915, Imatra Steel Mill has shaped Finland’s industrial history. From pioneering electrometallurgy to sustainable steel production, its legacy of innovation continues to drive progress. Discover its remarkable journey.
Sustainability
Five questions to challenge your steel supplier on sustainability
Discover the five critical sustainability questions to ask your steel supplier, from reducing emissions in heating processes to using 100% fossil-free electricity. At Ovako, we back our claims with facts, paving the way for a more transparent and sustainable steel industry. Read more and make informed choices today.
Employee Stories
Meet Kazuki Fukushima
This summer, Kazuki “Kazu” Fukushima became the latest engineer to join Ovako in the collaboration with our owners Sanyo Special Steel. Kazuki will be a part of the technical side of PU Black Bar and help us with various challenges around technical issues, productivity and more. He is the first engineer from Sanyo to join Business Unit Hofors-Hellefors and will be staying in Sweden for a couple of years. We asked Kazu five questions to get to know him better.
Career
Apprenticeship Opens New Career Paths at Ovako
Ovako’s apprenticeship program offers a hands-on way to become a professional in metal refining. Henri Luostarinen and Marjo Saarela both started this journey with different backgrounds but share the same goal: to gain a new profession in a stable and diverse industrial company. Read more about their learning experiences
Sustainability
How circularity is redefining resource management in steel production
Discover how Ovako is leading the way in circularity with 97% recycled steel, innovative recycling practices, and a commitment to reducing CO2 emissions by over 80%. Learn about our role in shaping a sustainable, circular economy for generations to come.
Research and Insights
Exploring hybrid steel 60 advancing rolling contact fatigue resistance in bearings
Discover how Hybrid Steel® 60 improves rolling contact fatigue (RCF) resistance, offering superior performance in high-stress bearing applications. Learn about the groundbreaking research led by Tania Loaiza Uribe and its implications for the heavy vehicle and electric vehicle industries.
Career
Ovako – nominated to the Career Company Award 2025
We are very pleased that Ovako has been awarded the Career Company Award 2025 (Karriärföretagen) and Sweden's most attractive employer. The Career Company award is presented to employers who offer unique career and development opportunities for students, Young Professionals but also Senior Professionals.
Industry Solutions
Visualizing metal flow to improve steel properties
Ovako's innovative approach to visualizing metal flow during hot working processes helps optimize steel properties like strength and fatigue life, offering insights that align with computer simulations for better results.
About Ovako
Discover Stålverket – Ovako’s New Podcast!
Step into the world of the steel industry with our new podcast Stålverket. We bring you inspiring stories from engineers, insights into sustainable production, and a unique glimpse into life at our high-tech steel plants.
Sustainability
Green steel - the uncomfortable truth
Green steel is generating a lot of media buzz, but just what does that really mean? What factors should customers consider for sustainability? Vendela Stenius, Ovako’s Sustainability and Communications Specialist, explains why we ground our claims in hard facts and never actually talk about “green steel”.
About Ovako
Ovako's Nomination for Career Company of the Year 2024
Ovako is proud to be recognized for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and creating an inclusive workplace where employees can grow and make a positive impact.
Sustainability
CO2 emissions have halved from Imatra mill
The carbon emissions roadmaps for the Imatra mill have been updated. The update was completed as a thesis project by Jere Oravuo, who works as a customer service engineer at Ovako Imatra.
Steel Portfolio
Down Under Pressure
Hydraulic Steels brings Ovako Cromax steel to the Australian market. Ovako chatted with Stephen Holt, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Hydraulic Steels Australia. Stephen shared his insights on the business, the Australian market, and the future with Ovako.
Industry Solutions
BRS Student Racing Team Boosts Performance with IQ-Steel® in Formula Student
Discover how the BRS Motorsport team improved their Formula Student car’s performance with Ovako’s IQ-Steel®. Learn about their innovative gearbox design and their success in the 2023 competitions.
Research and Insights
Direct-quenching steel helps the forging industry eliminate energy-intensive reheating steps
Dr Steve Ooi, Group Technical Specialist Ovako R&D, outlines how innovative direct-quenching steels can enable forged components to achieve the ideal combination of strength, ductility and toughness without needing secondary heat treatment. It’s an approach that can save energy and carbon emissions while also boosting productivity.
Research and Insights
How to predict the corrosion resistance of steels alloyed with aluminum
Discover how our innovative Hybrid Steel® achieves superior corrosion resistance despite high aluminum content, with a new Corrosion Resistance Index (CRI) developed to predict performance where traditional PREN falls short.
Employee Stories
From the city to Hofors, Tim and Sigrid’s new life at Ovako
Tim and Sigrid swapped the hustle of city life for the calm of Hofors, where they found rewarding careers at Ovako and a quality of life they never expected. Discover how this dynamic duo embraced the change, balancing work, nature, and a close-knit community.
Customer case
Unic Transmissions: High-Performance Drive Shafts and Gearboxes for Motorsport
Discover how Unic Transmissions crafts lightweight, high-performance drive shafts and gearboxes for motorsport using ultra-clean Ovako IQ-Steel. Trusted by championship-winning teams, their bespoke components deliver superior strength and reliability for both electric and combustion race cars.
Employee Stories
From molten steel to big dreams, Jane Jönsson-Valencik’s journey at Ovako
Jane Jönsson Valencik’s journey at Ovako is anything but ordinary! From glowing molten steel at 1,650°C to tackling production puzzles, she thrives in the heart of the action. Discover how this process engineer turns challenges into triumphs while loving life in Hofors!
Employee Stories
Women redefining the steel industry
At Ovako, we are dedicated to diversifying our workforce, particularly by boosting the presence of women
Employee Stories
Anders Lugnet reflects on Ovako’s New Hydrogen Facility in Hofors
Discover how Ovako’s innovative hydrogen plant in Hofors, led by Anders Lugnet, is transforming steel production with world-first electrolyzer technology, reducing CO2 emissions by 20,000 tons annually."
Sustainability
Fossil-free hydrogen plant is key to decarbonizing steel production
In September 2023, Ulf Kristersson, the Swedish prime minister came to Ovako’s Hofors mill for the official inauguration of the world´s first fossil-free hydrogen plant for heating steel before rolling. Anders Lugnet, Ovako’s Technical Specialist, Energy-& Furnace Technology, explains how this development offers significant potential for global emissions reduction.
Employee Stories
Young Professional Network
The Young Professional Network at Ovako is helping its young talents grow and work together.
About Ovako
Shaping a new brand for our sustainable steel future
Just as our ancestors did, we take responsibility for the future and for the generations to come. Ovako’s new brand is just one important step in aligning our journey with the ambitions of our people, customers, partners and owners as we work together to create steel for a decarbonized society.
Customer case
Plowing into the future
To run a profitable business, farmers need strong, reliable and lightweight plows. Using steel provided by Ovako and other suppliers, the Kverneland Group’s factory in Klepp, Norway, is producing plows that meet farmers’ demanding requirements.
Product Forms
Forged-rolled production delivers major increase in diameter for black bar
Ovako is now able to combine the advantages of forging and rolling processes to produce black bar at outer diameters up to 230 mm. Jimmy Gran, VP and Head of Product Unit Black Bar - Ovako BU Hofors- Hellefors, explains the benefits of the new production flow.
Customer case
Tracks for sustainable forestry
Today’s forestry machine operators can command a premium for products with a low environmental footprint. According to consulting firm McKinsey, consumers in Europe and the US will pay at least five percent more for green buildings, furniture and packaging. Meanwhile, the industry is under pressure to report and improve its performance as environmental legislation becomes tighter.
Employee Stories
Meet Ammar Arrafeh
Meet Ammar Arafeh, Head of Customer Support at Ovako. From his early studies to his current role, Ammar values Ovako's innovative technology, sustainable practices, and supportive team culture. Learn how he thrives in a collaborative environment and balances work with quality family time.
Employee Stories
Meet Leon Baker
Meet Leon Baker, an apprentice electrician at Ovako. After a rewarding internship during school, Leon joined Ovako full-time to kickstart his career. He enjoys the variety of tasks, learning from experienced colleagues, and the dynamic workdays. Outside of work, Leon stays active, spends time with friends, and unwinds.
Employee Stories
Meet Alexander Wallin
Alexander Wallin, Strategic Account Manager at Ovako, is driven by the company’s strong values, world-leading products, and focus on sustainability. He enjoys building relationships with customers and collaborating across teams to win new business. When not negotiating or meeting with clients, Alexander stays active through strength training and cross-country skiing, and spends time with his four children.
Employee Stories
Meet Nicklas Magnusson
Nicklas Magnusson, Ovako's Decarbonization Manager, is focused on advancing sustainability in steel. With a background in construction, he was attracted to Ovako's commitment to cutting emissions, particularly through projects like the hydrogen initiative in Hofors. His role involves managing the climate agenda, collaborating with customers, and staying on top of regulations. Outside of work, Nicklas enjoys family time in the countryside, woodworking, and socializing with friends.
Employee Stories
Meet Carl-Filip Olsson
Inspired by a supportive internship experience, Carl-Filip now thrives in a dynamic role where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. Outside work, he enjoys bandy, golf, and pursuing a hunting license.
Employee Stories
Meet Arun Takur
Meet Arun Thakur, Process Engineer at Ovako, who turned his thesis project on machine learning in steelmaking into a dynamic career. Arun thrives on solving challenges in billet manufacturing, collaborating with teams, and enjoying sports and outdoor activities in his free time.
Employee Stories
Meet Amanda Wikstrom
Meet Amanda Wikström, HR Business Partner at Ovako, who turned her dream internship into a fulfilling career. Passionate about people and problem-solving, Amanda thrives on Ovako’s innovative, collaborative, and empowering work culture
Employee Stories
Meet Sara Saketi
Sara Saketi, Senior R&D Engineer at Ovako, explores wear mechanisms to enhance steel components and collaborates with universities on innovative projects. Outside of work, she enjoys family activities like football, swimming, and cycling.
Employee Stories
Meet Joona Niskala
Joona Niskala, an Electrician at Ovako, joined in 2019 for the opportunity to work in industrial electrical maintenance. He enjoys problem-solving and learning new skills in a constantly evolving field. Outside of work, Joona stays active with friends, the gym, cycling, and gaming.
Sustainability
Circularity and carbon footprint as future key properties
There are currently over 100 different definitions of circular economy and the Ellen MacArthur foundation provides one of them. In 2005, Ellen MacArthur set the fastest time for a solo sailor to circle the world. Five years later, she set up the foundation in her name to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Sustainability
Safety now and in the future
Safety first is Ovako’s philosophy for every aspect of our operations. In recent years this has led to a strong improvement in our Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) that are now well below the industry average. In fact, we have reduced injuries with sick leave by 95% over the last seven years explains Phetra Ericsson EVP HR, Communication & EHS Ovako Group.
Research and Insights
Why we care about fatigue
Designers of critical components are on a constant quest for materials that are lighter, stronger and capable of handling ever greater and more complex loads. They especially value high mechanical strength. Yet it is metal fatigue that causes the majority of premature failures in service. To combat this, Ovako has focused on developing clean steels in which the small inclusions that give rise to fatigue failure are closely controlled. Patrik Ölund, Head of Group R&D at Ovako explains how this is done.
Research and Insights
Hybrid Steel – combining strength, weldability and corrosion resistance
Traditionally, steels were classified into four categories: tool steel, stainless steel, engineering steel and maraging steels. That mold was broken in 2017 with the launch of our Hybrid Steel – a new family of grades with an innovative alloying philosophy. The result is that the key properties of each category are available in one high-performance steel.
Steel Portfolio
IQ-Steel replacing remelted steel
“Industry is facing a challenge from growing lead times for remelted steel”, says – Stefan Czeczor, Dip -ing. Manager Technical Customer Support. Stefan continues “in some cases, suppliers are quoting lead times of two years, with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 20 tonnes or more and with no flexibility to vary order quantity or dimensions.”
Sustainability
Sustainability in transport is not always what it seems
The carbon footprint of a material is just one aspect of a product’s environmental impact. How it is transported also influences the carbon footprint – and the impact can be surprising. Ted Lundström, our Head of Global Logistics, explains why.
Services
Steel Navigator: a tool to find value
Björn Olsson, Group Application Specialist and segment manager for rock tools, explains how the Steel Navigator is a platform that helps customers maximise value and highlights future developments.
Sustainability
Innovative thinking led to environmental benefits
In early 2022, Ovako´s steel mill in Hofors began looking at alternative solutions to address the growing challenge with the amount of magnesite brick that needed to be disposed of and sent for landfill. If they could find a solution to recycle the exhausted bricks instead, there would be many potential benefits.
About Ovako
Ovako creates a sustainable IT organization
As a leading European manufacturer of engineering steel, we at Ovako see a well-functioning IT organization as a central part of the business. Ovako wants to create a sustainable IT organization for the future by strengthening the team with additional expertise.
Research and Insights
Hydrogen plant ramping up
When our electrolyzer ramps up to start full-scale production after the summer break, it will enable us to cut our CO2 emissions by 20,000 tonnes per year by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. As one of the largest electrolyzers in Europe, the plant has a capacity of 8 tonnes of hydrogen per day and a power rating of 20 megawatts.
Sustainability
Ovako strengthens world leading sustainability position
On January 9, Nicklas Magnusson joined Ovako as Process Development Manager - Climate & Environment. He will now report to Katarina Kangert, Ovako's Head of Sustainability and EHS.
Employee Stories
Sharing competences with our Japanese colleagues
Ovako employees in the Nordic region can get the opportunity to travel to Japan for up to three weeks, or possibly longer for R&D projects.
Customer case
Pumping Iron
With more than a thousand world records under its belt, Eleiko has long been the barbell of choice among weightlifters worldwide. How did a small, family-owned Swedish company that specialized in waffle irons become the world’s most highly regarded barbell? And what role has Ovako’s steel played in this success story?
About Ovako
Women in steel
As we are celebrating the International Women´s Day worldwide we would like to highlight some of the women in our company who is changing the steel industry to something more modern and relevant.
Employee Stories
Metal processing professionals - with safety first attitude
Last December, for the first time, Ovako Imatra mill started up training for the vocational qualification in process industries focusing on metallurgical industry. In addition to practical experience at the workplace, the apprenticeship trainees will complete four study modules. As in all Ovako operations, the starting point for the apprenticeship training is our key priority – safety.
Customer case
Easy Rider
For Tinsley Bridge Ltd., a leading manufacturer of steel torsion and suspension bars for the automotive industry, its product goals have always been optimum strength and light weight – a challenging combination.
Sustainability
Celebrations Carbon Neutral for over a year
Since the 1st of January 2022 we counterbalance all our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission and became carbon neutral. We will gradually decrease the offset mechanism as we continue to invest in new technology and improve our processes.
Customer case
Driving world-class performance
In the competitive world of car racing, teams are always looking for ways to reduce the weight of their cars without sacrificing reliability. To this end, Mats Karlsson, owner and founder of a workshop specialized in designing transmission components for racing cars, has been producing components that are 40% lighter and with twice the lifespan compared to products manufactured from standard steel.
Employee Stories
Sebastian Smed
Sebastian Smed started his personal journey at Ovako as a summer temp in 2010 - but Sebastian is actually the fourth generation in an unbroken line of the Smed family to work at Ovako in Hällefors. Ever since that summer, he has continued progressing within the company and in addition to his role as a process operator at the rolling mill, Sebastian is also a safety and union representative for IF Metall
Employee Stories
Julia Hermansson
Julia Hermansson has been a controller at Ovako Hällefors since 2017. Her role as a controller includes preparing and following up business plans, budgets and financial statements to analyze and evaluate operational performance. When the opportunity arose for a job that turned out to be a good fit with where she was in her life and education, she jumped at the chance to apply - a decision she has never regretted!
Employee Stories
Keeping customers on course with new sales unit for Nordics and Baltics
We have merged our sales units covering Scandinavia, Finland and the Baltics to create a new unit serving customers in our home market of the Nordic and Baltic countries. The new team includes around 15 people in direct sales, as well as a further 40 at Ovako Metals in Tampere, Finland, which provides stock services for our own steel products, as well as stainless steel, copper and brass.
Exhibitions and Digital events
When is the best time for a coffee?
A series of trade shows for the engineering contracting industry has prompted us at Ovako to reflect on the value of meeting face to face. We joined the Alihankinta Subcontractor, Tampere in September, MSV International Engineering Fair in Brno in October and Wire in Dusseldorf in June and are currently planning for the Elmia Subcontractor fair in Sweden on 15 – 17 November.
Product Forms
Specialist steel supplier cutting costs with SP-Bar
French industrial manufacturer BSA Groupe has boosted its efficiency by switching to Ovako’s SP-Bar as a raw material for peeled bar. BSA processes steel products and other alloys for manufacturers in the automotive, pharmaceutical, construction, aerospace, nuclear and defense industries.
Steel Portfolio
How the M-Steel process enhances machinability
Machinability of steel can have a big impact on the bottom line. By optimizing machine operations, a manufacturer can extend tool life, increase output and minimize waste.
Research and Insights
Grinding away the mythology of recycled steel
Thomas Björk, PhD, Group Technical Specialist, Ovako Sweden AB, outlines a recent research program that shows both recycled steel and ore-based steel are equally good as raw materials for automotive crankshafts.
Steel Portfolio
Hybrid Steel benefits at a glance
In the high-stress and elevated temperature applications found in mechanical power transmission systems and engines, the choice of material for critical components makes a huge difference to performance, reliability and lifetime.
Steel Portfolio
Hybrid Steel 50 forges ahead for near net shape forming
Hybrid Steel 50, the latest addition to Ovako’s ground-breaking family, offers exciting possibilities for component manufacturers to dispense with the need for quenched and tempered steel. Instead, they could forge their component to near net shape, machine it in a soft condition and then achieve the final hardness required with a simple aging treatment.
Customer case
Hultafors produces superior wrecking bars with Ovako boron steel
Wrecking bars are invaluable tools for prying apart objects and pulling out nails. Yet, despite its sturdy appearance, a poor-quality bar made from inferior material can snap unexpectedly under pressure, putting workers at risk. That’s why Hultafors, the Swedish hand tool maker, uses high-strength Ovako boron steel for its best quality wrecking bars. The benefit is not only in increased safety, it also enables Hultafors to produce wrecking bars with claws that are thin for great access but still really strong.
Research and Insights
Vacuum Tank Degassing facility drives new opportunities
Aristotle said, “nature abhors a vacuum”. But our customers are loving the impact of vacuum treatment on the high-quality steel produced by our Smedjebacken mill in Sweden. This follows a €11 million investment in a Vacuum Tank Degassing (VTD) facility that started operation in the summer of 2020. It is the final piece of the jigsaw that enables Ovako to supply customers who need high-performance, reliable and cost-effective steel for demanding applications, especially in the automotive industry.
Services
Digital audit process helping to keep steel production on track
We have overcome travel restrictions during the pandemic by working digitally to achieve the annual quality management certifications for our mills. Maintaining certifications is essential for us to continue supplying our customers. Therefore, we have turned to web conferencing and video calls in place of the usual in-person approach.
Industry Solutions
How to specify the right type of wear resistant steel
In the tough environments of the mining, construction and agricultural industries, wear is a fact of life. However, with clever design and specification of wear resistant WR-Steel, engineers can design machines to withstand challenging conditions for longer. As a result, operators will get more life from their machines, reduce repair and maintenance spend, and avoid downtime.
Industry Solutions
A quick guide to mechanical wear and tear
Abrasive wear shortens the life of equipment in agriculture, construction, mining and other industries. When a machine experiences excessive wear and tear, it has to come out of service and go for repair or be replaced completely.
Services
Material Data Sheets – find the best steel grade for your application online
Our Material Data Sheets (MDS) module is an important extension to Ovako’s digital Steel Navigator. With just a few clicks of a mouse it enables you to search a database of hundreds of steel grades to compare options and select the best steel for your specific application.
Services
Ovako’s Piston Rod Predictor can ensure your design never buckles under pressure
We have developed a unique online tool, called the Piston Rod Predictor, to compare the resistance of different steel grades to buckling in piston rod applications. The emphasis is on buckling because it is the key design consideration for hydraulic cylinders, especially in single-action, push-only applications.
Research and Insights
First in the world to heat steel using hydrogen
Together with Linde Gas AB, Ovako have completed the world’s first successful full-scale trial in a production environment of using hydrogen to heat steel before rolling. The use of hydrogen in combustion would have a great positive effect on the environment since the only emission generated is water vapor.
Steel Portfolio
When the going gets hot – Hybrid Steel® gets going
Ovako has developed Hybrid Steel to merge the unique properties of tool steel, maraging steel and stainless steel into one high-performance steel grade that also offers the production economy of conventional engineering steels.
Steel Portfolio
R&D is the strength behind Hybrid Steel® – meet Steve Ooi
Steve Ooi is an Ovako Group R&D technical specialist based in England, at the University of Cambridge’s prestigious Maxwell Centre. We asked him to tell us about his background and to answer some questions about the particular benefits of Hybrid Steel.
Steel Portfolio
Hybrid Steel® – a step-change in steel metallurgy
Jan-Erik Andersson, Senior Group Technical Specialist, Ovako R&D answers our questions about the new Hybrid Steel family.
Sustainability
Products that prove their environmental credentials
Sustainably-sourced steel can help OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) deliver climate-smart products and reduce their overall carbon footprint – and in turn attract environmentally conscious customers and respond to tightening legislation.
Research and Insights
Making steel strong – the inside story
To make our steel strong, Ovako takes precise control of three key factors: 1. How the steel is cooled from its molten state 2. Its microstructure – the very small scale structure seen under a microscope 3. Its chemical composition – both the carbon content and other alloying elements
Employee Stories
Safety as the number one priority
Ovako’s Safety week forms part of our systematic safety work, and this year it concludes on the World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Sustainability
There is a difference between steel and steel
As a leading player in the manufacture of high-quality steel, Ovako will mark Materialens år 2019 (Materials Year) by contributing to raise awareness of steel.
Employee Stories
Focusing on gender equality
Our co-workers are Ovako’s most important asset. For us, it is primarily about finding the right skills for the right role at the right time.
Sustainability
We make more than steel
At Ovako, we are known for our clean and sustainable steel made from recycled steel scrap. We are proud to recycle about 800,000 tons of scrap each year, which makes us one of the largest scrap recyclers in the Nordic countries.
Employee Stories
Meet Anneli Anhelm
Anneli Anhelm, head of technical customer service and product development, tried out a number of opportunities before she knew what she wanted to work with.