Finnish steelmaker Ruukki announced Tuesday that it has launched operations in the North American market with the opening of US headquarters in Pittsburgh and a new Canadian headquarters in Toronto.
The $3.8 billion (€2.8 billion) company's expertise lies in specialized steels developed with direct quenching technology that provides mechanical properties such as superior surface hardness, core hardness and uniform toughness. Ruukki will offer its two most popular steel products in North America: high-strength Optim and wear-resistant Raex steels. Optim steel helps manufacturers reduce energy costs of equipment, vehicles and other industrial products while gaining extra high-strength performance. Optim is ideal for frame structures in commercial vehicles, mobile machines, equipment booms and other heavy lifting equipment.
US operations will center in Pittsburgh, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary under the name Ruukki USA Inc., and will be headed by Kevin Kale, who has more than 17 years of steel industry experience.
The company's Canadian subsidiary, based in Toronto, is Ruukki Canada Inc., which will be directed by new country manager, Peter Tuomi, who has an extensive background in mining, materials handling equipment and steel processing.
The entire North American operation will be managed by Josu Piña, Vice President, Americas.