EXPORT AMBITION: Pictured (L to R) are a member of Chamber International’s export team, Nina Sulainis, and Kloeckner Metals UK business development director, Barrie Salter, at the company’s base in Leeds.

A global export drive is being launched by the UK’s largest independent steel stockholder and processor, Kloeckner Metals UK, to capitalise on growing overseas demand for British size and grade materials.

Leeds-based Kloeckner Metals UK, which has been trading for more than 40 years and re-branded from ASD Metal Services three years ago, is working with overseas trade specialist, Chamber International, for advice and support as it starts to convert overseas enquiries into an export campaign.

Kloeckner Metals UK has 15 UK sites, where it stocks 60,000 tonnes of steel, and supplies ferrous and non-ferrous products sourced from accredited West European mills.

Along with sister business, Westok, a specialist steel fabricator and designer that pioneered UK use of its patented cellular fabricated beams, Kloeckner supports a wide range of sectors, including nuclear, oil and gas, renewables, construction, material handling, mining, automotive, marine and defence.

Kloeckner’s portfolio includes specialist products, such as reversing mill plate range, Corten, a specialised weathering product; pre-painted steels, and offers value-added services, such as tube and flat laser profiling, which represent first-stage manufacturing, saving customers cost and time, and are expected to be valued by overseas customers.

Kloeckner Metals UK director, Barrie Salter, says: “During the last 18 months we’ve seen a steady flow of enquiries for UK size and grade materials from around the world. We believe that this is an indication that there is an export market for our products and value-added services and that the time is right to try to capture our share.

“We will initially be led by converting enquiries but are also interested in South Korea for its ship building and the UAE for its oil and gas industry as both sectors have substantial requirements for steel.

“We have started an online shop as part of digitalising the supply chain and are investing in higher value-added business and making efficiency savings. We are also establishing an in-house export team and are receiving first-rate support from Chamber International through its export training and practical help from its individual specialists. We believe we can build a serious export business.”

Kloeckner Metals UK is part of Klöckner & Co, one of the world’s largest independent producers and distributors of steel and metal products with a network of around 170 locations in 13 countries, and 120,000 customers. 

Chamber International director, Tim Bailey, says: “Kloeckner Metals UK’s wide product range and innovative approach in creating value-added products and services means it is well placed to capitalise on overseas demand and build export sales. We are pleased to be assisting company at this early stage.”

Chamber International helps hundreds of new and experienced exporters throughout the UK with a wide range of specialist services to make exporting easier and more cost effective.