Like many other energy-intensive production companies, STEP-G is currently facing huge challenges in terms of maintaining its production operations while at the same time implementing and expanding its adopted sustainability strategy in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. For this reason, the decision was taken last year to offset 100 per cent of the CO2 emissions linked to the Group’s consumption of gas. Although large quantities of gas are consumed during production of extruded aluminium profiles, this process can be made carbon-neutral through the use of green gas. All STEP-G locations in Germany were switched to 100 per cent green electricity back in early 2022.
Markus Ogawa, Managing Director of STEP-G, said “I am convinced we have made the right decision by switching to green gas at all our German locations. We see it as our responsibility to set an example in the market and also at our locations and the surrounding areas. For this reason we are relentlessly pursuing our sustainability strategy in order to help reduce CO2 emissions for both current and future generations.”
Aluminium profiles are now routinely used in various industries and have thus become an integral part of our economy and our daily lives. In automotive manufacturing, for example, extruded profiles and components are used in both conventional and electric drive systems. Due to their unique properties, including low weight, excellent mouldability and high strength (for crash-tested parts), aluminium profiles are essential components in modern vehicle construction. They are also ubiquitous in other sectors, such as the rail vehicle industry, machinery construction, the construction industry and distribution. This investment in and funding for our European locations is a fundamental prerequisite for maintaining security of supply and reducing CO2 emissions through localised value chains and shortened transport routes. By using 100 per cent green gas and green electricity, STEP-G is strengthening its German locations and improving not only its own carbon footprint but also that of its customers.
ST Extruded Products Group, or STEP-G, is one of the world’s leading producers of extruded aluminium profiles. With production sites in Germany, Belgium and China, STEP-G is a multinational company. The three German press plants in Bitterfeld, Bonn and Vogt are highly specialised and offer a comprehensive range of extruded profiles and bars. The automotive industry and its direct suppliers rely on the company’s innovative quality. Other customers are in the aerospace, rail, and mechanical and electrical engineering industries as well as the construction sector. Completing the portfolio are various forms of processing through to component manufacturing. The foundry in Hettstedt with a comprehensive range of standard and special alloys provides reliable technology and consistent availability from one source.
From foundation to the present day
In 1915, the first German factory was opened in Bitterfeld. It was followed in 1921 by the German plant in Bonn, in 1946 by the plant in Duffel, Belgium, and in 1952 by another German plant in Vogt. In 2000, the Chinese plant in Tianjin was commissioned. In 2006, Aleris International Inc. acquired the plants of Corus Aluminium. On 1 March 2015, the Aleris aluminium extrusion operations transferred to the Japanese company Sankyo Tateyama, Inc., a manufacturer of extruded and cast products. In 2019, the foundry in Hettstedt was incorporated into the STEP-G group.
More information is available at www.step-g.com and www.bug.de
ST Extruded Products Group (STEP-G)
Friedrich-Wöhler-Straße 2
53117 Bonn
Telefon: +49 (7529) 999-0
Telefax: +49 (7529) 999-271
https://www.step-g.com/
BUG Marketing & Communications Manager
Telefon: +49 7529 999 293
E-Mail: katja.bischofberger@step-g.com
