Mr Marcel Imhof COO of Schmolz + Bickenbach, in conversation with the Finance and Economics, said that "The steel industry has long been highly fragmented. In the last ten years, however, some moves in the steel sector, as the alliance of Arcelor and Mittal shows. This consolidation process will continue for sure."

Next, the steel industry clearly feels the increase in raw material costs, and in certain areas such as the production of stainless steel flat products for clear overcapacity.

He added that "With our three product groups engineering steel, stainless steel and tool steel, we are moving into areas of higher quality than the standard steel manufacturer, and of which we benefit in today's environment."