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20/03/2013 10:45
LKAB and Emirates Steel sign new long-term agreement
Emirates Steel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has signed a seven-year purchase agreement with LKAB for delivery of one million tonnes of direct reduction pellets per year. Emirates Steel, a new customer for LKAB, is investing offensively in the latest technology to become a major steel producer in the Middle East.

""This agreement confirms that our products meet high demands on quality internationally. We are very pleased to be able to support the development of Emirates Steels via long-term delivery and collaboration,"" says Lars-Eric Aaro, President and CEO, LKAB.

Emirates Steel is the largest steel producer in The United Arab Emirates (UAE). The company, formed in 1998, uses the latest technology in the manufacture of steel products for the construction market in i UAE and the Middle East. From LKAB the company buys DR pellets, a functional iron ore product that is specially adapted for steelmaking via the direct reduction route. In the direct reduction process natural gas is used, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
19/03/2013 10:38
SSAB releases new Welding Guide for AHSS/UHSS steels in the Automotive Industry
In yet another step to address the growing demand for AHSS/UHSS steels in the automotive industry, SSAB has released a unique and highly detailed guide to welding with AHSS/UHSS steels. With more and more automotive applications being developed from AHSS/UHSS steels, the new welding guide offers the results, recommendations and deep insight needed to optimize welding processes and quicker realize benefits.

Welding of AHSS/UHSS Steel – A guide for the automotive industry, presents a detailed overview of the most common welding methods in the automotive industry: resistance spot welding, laser welding and arc welding. It provides a special focus on welding with UHSS, while revealing detailed test results and best-practice recommendations for both coated and uncoated AHSS/UHSS steels.

“Over the years, we have received a lot of questions about welding with AHSS/UHSS, because it differs from welding with mild steels,” explains Tony Nilsson, Principal Specialist Joining at SSAB. We decided that it was time that automotive manufacturers have access to a single, definitive and in-depth summary of all of the knowledge, research and parameters that we have recorded over the years.”

The Welding Guide for AHSS/UHSS steels is unique within the steel and automotive industry.

“The new welding guide is an example of SSAB’s drive to go beyond just offering steel to our customers. Since a welding guide for AHSS/UHSS steels does not currently exist on the market for the automotive industry, we at SSAB felt it necessary to develop a welding guide that will support our automotive customers and the market itself,” says Anke Meyer, Marketing Manager at SSAB EMEA.

The welding guide was developed by the SSAB Knowledge Service Center, an advanced technical support organization that supplies detailed expertise, knowledge and advice about AHSS/UHSS steels for the automotive business. The 80 page guide can be ordered on www.ssab.com/weldingguide. It is available to all automotive manufacturers and Tier suppliers, as well as to other industrial segments that are interested.
04/03/2013 08:03
Itella's new logistics centre exceeds airtightness expectations
The first phase of Itella's new logistics centre at Pennala in Orimattila, Finland became operative in January. The walls of the building were created using Ruukki's energy panel system. Airtightness measurements show the building to be more airtight than designed and calculations indicate that the energy panel system will result in energy savings of €25,000-€40,000 a year. The additional cost of the energy panel system, which was only slightly more than traditional panels, will be recouped in 1-2 years, depending on weather conditions.

""Energy saving was our main motive for choosing Ruukki energy panels. In a building this size, any shift towards energy efficiency generates significant savings,"" notes Ville Jokela, Development Director at Itella Real Estate Oy.

Once the building had been completed, airtightness was verified through independent measurements. The building received an air leakage rate of 0.15 (n50 = 0.15 1/h), which is considerably better than the 0.9 rate guaranteed. The limit value for a passive building is 0.6.

The first phase of Itella's logistics centre entered commercial service in January and the remainder will be operative by summer 2013. Energy panels are made at Ruukki's plant in Alajärvi, Finland and they were installed by KVK-Tek Oy, an installation firm certified by Ruukki. The logistics centre was built by construction company Rakennusosakeyhtiö Hartela.

Ruukki launched its energy panels in spring 2011. This was later followed by an entire energy panel system. An energy panel is a prefabricated wall element used in the external walls of commercial, industrial and logistics buildings, for example, to create an airtight structure which cuts heating and cooling costs.

In July 2012, Finland adopted more stringent minimum building airtightness requirements and the airtightness unit changed at the same time. The minimum airtightness requirement is currently 4.0 (q50= m3/h, m2). Ruukki guarantees the airtightness of exterior wall structures built using energy panels. The new air leakage guarantee rate is 1.0. Measurements in accordance with the new unit show that the airtightness of Itella's logistics centre is considerably less than this at 0.7.
12/02/2013 11:14
Steel structure contract for Ruukki for Mälarenergi's combined heat and power plant
Ruukki is to deliver the steel frame and envelope structures for Mälarenergi's new combined heat and power (CHP) plant to be built at Västerås in Sweden. Ruukki's customer is Metso Corporation, which is responsible for supplying the world's largest recoverable fuel fired boiler for the project. The total value of Ruukki's deliveries for the project is around EUR 12 million.

Ruukki is responsible for delivery and installation of the steel frame, wall and roof structures, and hollow core slabs for the new building. The steel frame for the building will be manufactured at Ruukki's plant in Oborniki, Poland and the façade panels at the Alajärvi plant in Finland. The CHP plant will feature a mosaic façade created by using Ruukki's sandwich panels in different colours. The panels will give the building a cost-effective, impressive look.

""Long experience, close teamwork with the customer and clear, extensive total delivery are vital factors in successful demanding power plant projects,"" explains Sami Eronen, SVP Building Projects at Ruukki Construction.

Ruukki's part in deliveries for Mälarenergi's incineration plant will last from the beginning of 2013 until the fourth quarter of the year. The power plant will be fired mainly by recycled fuel made from municipal waste and will also be capable of burning biofuel. When completed, the power plant will meet the district heating needs of Västerås and Hallstahammar municipalities.
31/01/2013 15:24
Westinghouse CEO Commits to Czech Steel for AP1000® Plants at Temelín and Europe
Westinghouse Electric Company has announced its commitment to source a majority of its steel needs through Czech companies as part of its ongoing localization efforts in preparation for the potential construction of Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic and regionally.

To illustrate this commitment, Westinghouse and Toshiba Corporation signed Memoranda of Understandings (MOUs) with Excon Steel a.s. and MODRANY Power a.s. which will cover both the raw production and fabricated steel products utilized in the AP1000 nuclear power plants.

Westinghouse organized a Czech AP1000 steel event in cooperation with Toshiba, Metrostav a.s., the Czech Machinery Cluster and the Czech Steel Federation and Constructional Steelwork Associations on January 29.

Speaking at the event, in the presence of numerous Czech steel company representatives, Danny Roderick, Westinghouse president and CEO, announced that after evaluation of the capabilities, quality and cost, “Westinghouse, Toshiba and our Czech partners are committed to sourcing a significant portion of all steel requirements for the Temelin AP1000s through Czech firms. There are several countries from which we could source these substantial steel requirements but we believe the Czech steel industry is highly competitive and are partners for the long-term.”

Westinghouse will source (supply and fabrication) nearly 80,000 Metric tons of steel through Czech companies for its two planned AP1000 plants at Temelín if selected. The amount of steel to be sourced in the Czech Republic is the equivalent of three Eiffel Towers.

A majority of the raw production and fabricated steel products utilized in the AP1000 will be sourced through Westinghouse’s Czech partners Metrostav and Vítkovice a.s. Westinghouse already has a number of long-standing agreements with these firms since the beginning of 2012. These two well-respected Czech construction firms would be responsible for procuring the structural building steel, reinforcing steel bar (rebar), as well as the steel needed for AP1000 structural and mechanical modules.

In placing this commitment to Czech firms, Westinghouse will work closely with the industry to qualify companies which will be contracted to manufacture high grade steel components to meet stringent nuclear requirements. This effort will bring additional competitive capabilities to these firms in worldwide markets. MODRANY Power could potentially provide a majority of the Temelín AP1000 piping needs, which will require the firm to be qualified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). With the necessary ASME qualification, MODRANY Power will then be able to compete in more specialized markets outside the Czech Republic.

Westinghouse has decided that Czech steel capabilities put them in a position to be the supplier of choice for other AP1000 opportunities in the European region. Westinghouse has undertaken sector analysis and several facility reviews over the past months both in the Czech Republic and around Europe. The conclusion of centering its AP1000 steel production in the Czech Republic will result in thousands of jobs through the following decade and place Czech steel producers and manufacturers in a leadership position in Europe. “Following our supply chain management process to ensure the highest quality, safety and competitive cost, we can then shortly expect many more announcements of Czech company participation in the potential Temelín AP1000 project and across Europe,” Roderick said.
14/01/2013 09:54
Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works presents new corporate style for MMK Group
MMK Group has officially presented its updated MMK brand concept covering all industrial, mining, service, trade, finance, management and social divisions of the Group.

The MMK trademark, registered in 1962, is the only brand among Russian metal producers to have retained continuity with its origins in the former USSR. Today the brand accounts for an 18% share of the domestic metal products market and MMK Group ranks among the leading metal producers worldwide.

Commenting on the introduction of the new corporate brand concept for the entire group, Chairman of the Board of Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works and President of MMK Managing Company Viktor Rashnikov said: “MMK Group is an assortment of enterprises united under a single system of management and control. Their activities are focused on achieving strategic goals such as preserving and improving long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth. The new concept is intended to communicate to the Russian and international markets the key characteristics of the MMK brand – a modern, charismatic, strong and global company – and also to underscore our corporate values such as quality, continuity of traditions and corporate responsibility.”

The value of the MMK brand is derived from its outstanding reputation and the trust it instils in consumers of metal products. Moreover, it provides a strategically import added value to MMK Group products. The new concept for visual communication materials should become a key factor in the effective interaction of the MMK brand with the Group’s numerous clients and partners both in Russia and worldwide.
04/01/2013 08:56
ASSA ABLOY acquires 4Front in the US
ASSA ABLOY has acquired the US company 4Front, leader in docking systems. 4Front offers a complete product range around docking systems as well as a large variety of accessories.

""4Front, with its leading brands, is yet another strategic entry to the important North American market in entrance automation. I welcome this addition that further reinforces the ASSA ABLOY Group's leadership in entrance automation, growing from SEK 3 billion in 2008 to more than SEK 12 billion proforma in 2012"", commented Johan Molin, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.

""The acquisition of 4Front is a great addition to our growing portfolio of docking systems and adds also strongly to our position in the indirect channel of entrance automation products. 4Front has a strong market position, excellent products and a very experienced organization. We look forward to develop the US and other markets together with the 4Front team"", commented Juan Vargues, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of Division Entrance Systems.

The company was founded in 1953 and is based in Carrollton, Texas with operations in USA, Canada, Mexico and India. The company has 750 employees.

Sales for 2012 are expected to reach USD 165 M (SEK 1,100 M). The acquisition will be accretive to EPS from start. The deal was closed simultaneously with signing on December 24, 2012.
07/12/2012 07:35
LICENSE FOR GIANT DIAMETER POLYETHYLENE PIPE AWARDED IN BRAZIL
The KWH Pipe Ltd. Group of Vaasa, Finland and Armco Staco S.A Industria Metalurgica of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil have announced the granting by KWH Pipe to Armco Staco of an exclusive license for the manufacture and marketing of Weholite Pipe in Brazil. The Weholite product line, invented by KWH Pipe in the 1980s, consists of High Density Polyethylene Pipe, Fittings and fabricated assemblies.

Among the unique features of the structured wall HDPE Weholite Pipe is its availability in inside diameters through 3500 mm. Armco Staco plans initial offering through 3000 mm ID. The pipe is used extensively worldwide in low pressure/gravity service applications with potable water, storm water, sewage and other various liquids. Weholite fabricated assemblies are designed for special functions such as manholes, detention tanks and even individual family-size sewage treatment units for remote regions.

The Weholite pipe's smooth surfaces enhance flow rates compared with steel, cast iron or concrete. With its extra large diameters, Weholite pipe also provides an enclosed channel to conduct liquids over some distance. The lightweight polyethylene pipe is continuously extruded and thus furnished in any shippable length, which facilitates quick installation. Its corrosion resistant properties ensure long service life. Cost effectiveness is an important feature of the Weholite product line. Weholite pipe is joined mostly by extrusion welding and the joints meet the standards for leakproof joints.

KWH Weholite Licensees have manufacturing operations in 9 other locations in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America in addition to KWH Pipe direct owned factories in Finland, Nordic Countries, Europe, North America and Asia. KWH Pipe (2011 turnover: US$ 299 million) has been producing plastic pipe since 1955 and also manufactures solid wall High Density Polyethylene pressure pipe through 1600 mm outside diameter.

Armco Staco S.A. Industria Metallurgica, in existence for almost 100 years, with operations in Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Jacarei and Resende, is the largest manufacturer of corrugated steel drainage pipe and highway safety steel guard rails in Latin America. 2011 turnover was US$ 150 million.

Weholite production operations for Armco Staco will be carried out at newly constructed facilities now underway at Resende, Brazil. Weholite product is expected to be available from Armco Staco during the second half of 2013
28/11/2012 14:01
DEUTZ AG to sell pipe manufacturing operation
As part of the implementation of its production strategy, DEUTZ AG has sold its pipe manufacturing operation at the Cologne-Deutz site to T.ERRE Deutschland GmbH with effect from 1 April 2013. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. Outsourcing pipe manufacturing will optimise the value chain.

“For DEUTZ AG, outsourcing the pipe manufacturing business will bring significant efficiency improvements which are going to have a positive impact on our supply chain. We are also expecting to benefit from innovations made by our partner T.ERRE,” explained Gerhard Gehweiler, Senior Vice President of Purchasing at DEUTZ.

For the 88 employees affected, a continued employment, either with T.ERRE or in other parts of DEUTZ AG in Cologne will be provided. T.ERRE will be manufacturing pipes at the Cologne-Deutz site until the end of 2014 and at the same time will set up a new production facility with growth prospects in the immediate vicinity. DEUTZ and T.ERRE have signed a long-term supply agreement for pipes and conduits.
13/11/2012 12:40
Investigating distant galaxies with the help of igus energy chains
A new instrument designed by engineers and scientists at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UKATC) has recently been shipped to the Atacama Desert of northern Chile for use in one of the European Southern Observatories Very Large Telescopes (VLT). The four telescopes when combined make one of the world’s most advanced optical instruments that allows astronomers to see details of distant galaxies up to 25 times finer than with individual telescopes.

The KMOS (K-band multi-object spectrometer) instrument is expected to be an invaluable tool to investigate the physical and environmental processes that shape the formation and evolution of galaxies over time. In fact, its high multiplex capability (up to 24 sources observed simultaneously) is ideal to follow-up large statistical samples of distant galaxies.

Critical to its operation, and enabling scientists to make significant discoveries in distant galaxies, are the energy chains and flexible cables supplied by igus UK. The energy chain specialist’s heavy duty E4 chain safely and reliably carries the instrument’s services, including cooling gas pipes and power and signalling cables in the cable rotator (CACOR).

“There are three spectrographs in KMOS, which each employ eight arms that position fold mirrors at user-specified locations,” explains Gordon Taylor, mechanical engineer at UKATC. “The optical and mechanical components of KMOS are also cooled to -140°C in an evacuated cryostat. Therefore there are many control electronics and a closed cycle cooler that requires cooling gas pipes in the instrument. These need to be handled carefully, so there is no risk of twisting or tangling.”

There were a number of key considerations that UKATC had to take when specifying the cable management system, including its reliability and ease of installation.

“We were looking for a fit-and-forget chain, that would safely and reliably route the delicate network of gas pipes and cables around the rotary motion of the telescope,” continues Gordon. “The telescope can be moved through 270° from its initial position in both directions, so another key challenge for the energy chain was its ability to carry the pipes and cables safely through 540° as the instrument turns.”

UKATC considered various options and approached igus for advice on which energy chain would be most suitable for the application. igus recommended its heavy duty E4 energy chain for a number of reasons.

“Reliability was vital, given the location of the instrument in the harsh conditions of the Chilean desert where there is a low ambient temperature,” explains Justin Leonard, director at igus. “The E4 chain is made from a self-lubricating polymer, and as such, it requires minimal maintenance and can be left to operate for a long time without risk of seizing. The TPE chainflex cables allow reliable flexing even at these low temperatures.”

The cabling had to be guided individually and igus’ E4 energy chain has a partitioning feature so the different cables and hoses can be isolated and kept separate. The interior separations are easy to use and optimised to be cable friendly – they are made up of only five wear-proof and abrasion-optimised plastic separator bars that can be combined and interchanged. As a result, there is no possibility of the cables becoming tangled.

“We have found the igus E4 chain to be incredibly easy to assemble and user friendly - the links simply click in to place,” says Gordon. “We have tested the chain extensively and are confident that it holds all the cabling and wiring in place, without twisting, and will deliver excellent performance.”

“We are delighted to be supplying equipment for the KMOS instrument, which will enable scientists to push boundaries and learn more about the universe,” continues Justin. “Our E4 energy chain is sturdy and strong, and fits neatly around the instrument without being obtrusive, and the chainflex power and signal cables complete the cost-effective system that can rotate repeatedly with a long life span.”
08/11/2012 09:23
MMK may invest additional USD 100 million in Turkish subsidiary
OJSC Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) is exploring the possibility of investing an additional USD 100 million over the medium term into MMK-Metalurji, its Turkish subsidiary, to reduce production costs and increase production efficiency.

Investment projects under consideration include construction of an OxiCup shaft furnace and briquetting plant, to reduce dependency on the correlation between scrap and coil prices, make efficient use of production waste and replace bought-in cast iron with MMK’s own; and modernization of the plant’s hot-rolling mill along with introduction of additional stand, to expand the product range and increase the share of high-margin products.

“We are constantly looking for new ways to substantially increase our current technological and production capacities in Turkey,” MMK CEO Boris Dubrovsky said. “Currently we are working on several projects in our investment portfolio that may see investments of upwards of USD 100 million.”

Further development of MMK-Metalurji is a priority for MMK, as the Group expects a global economic upturn and a recovery in the metals sector, including ferrous metals, in the foreseeable future.

“We see such investments as well-timed and rational during the current phase of the economic cycle,” MMK-Metalurji CEO Vitaly Galkin said.
24/10/2012 13:28
MMK opened photo exhibition in Luxemburg entitled 'The Steel Heart of Russia'
Top officials of Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) and the Embassy of the Russian Federation to the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg have cut the ribbon at the MMK-organized photo exhibition called The Steel Heart of Russia.

According to MMK, this exhibition is intended to introduce business community and the people of Luxemburg to MMK as a major center of the steel industry in Russia.

In his welcoming address to the visitors of the exhibition MMK’s Chairman of the Board Victor Rashnikov who has been recently inaugurated as the Honorary Consul of Luxemburg in Russia, said: “We at Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works would be excited if this photo show helps you feel the working rhythm of our plant. In as long as 80 years since its inception as one of the most ambitious development projects of the 20th century, MMK has turned into one of the largest and most up-to-date steelmaking companies in Russia and the world at large. MMK has made a significant contribution to the development of domestic steel industry and the Russian economy as a whole”.

Vladimir Ruga, Vice President of MMK Managing Company said: “ We have some thirty photos on display for you, most of them - portraits of steelworkers of MMK and its subsidiaries. We believe you will enjoy the spectacular topography of steelmaking – from the red-hot steel river flow and the grandeur of the MMK steel mills to the cutting-edge workstations, where a man with the help of computers acts as a conductor of a miraculous metallurgical orchestra. We hope that this exhibition will help strengthen cultural, social and business ties between our two countries”.

The opening ceremony in the Russian Cultural Center in Luxemburg was attended by top government officials, diplomatic corps members, representatives of business and finance elite of Luxemburg and Benelux. The ceremony was hosted by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg Mr. Alexander Shulgin and the Mayor of the City of Magnitogorsk Mr. Evgeny Teftelev.

The exposition is open for public at the Cultural and Scientific Center of Russia in Luxemburg (32, rue Goethe L-2546 Luxembourg).
19/10/2012 09:06
The Domex steel grade turns 50 and introduces a new generation of products
The new steel grades Domex 900/960 and Domex 1100 represent a new generation of hot-rolled and cold-formed steel. Just in time for SSAB’s fiftieth anniversary celebration of the Domex steel grade, the steel family has expanded and now includes strength levels from 220 up to 1100 MPa.

Higher efficiency and quality
The new Domex steels from SSAB create completely new conditions for efficient production and higher quality. The weight of the end product can now be reduced at the same time that its strength and durability are significantly increased. Outstanding formability, bendability and weldability are some of the steel's unique properties, along with tight tolerances and an excellent smooth surface finish. The results can be seen in the higher quality and the potential to create completely new designs. Meanwhile, greater production efficiency boosts productivity while improving the economy in general.

Domex 900/960 and 1100 are brand new high-strength strip steels for lighter and stronger structures. Berit Arvidsson, product manager for hot-rolled strip products at SSAB, describes the excellent engineering properties of the steel, which performs very well even in more advanced forming methods:

“The new Domex grades are ideal for demanding applications that require high strength, low weight and long range and where customers are looking for advanced design.""

SSAB’s microalloyed cold formed steel has a long tradition as a construction material in various industries. It started with Domex YP and XP, and Domex MC is still produced as steel strip to meet current material standards. The new steel grades now make it possible to upgrade existing constructions and open opportunities for completely new design solutions and applications. The steels can be used in applications such as parts for cranes, building structures, trailer chassis, agricultural and forestry machinery and various types of utility vehicles.

New design
Stronger steel provides new opportunities to try different production methods and advanced design concepts. One example is the self-supporting monocoque chassis. Joachim Larsson, design and construction manager for structural steel at SSAB, describes the new developments:

""This is just one of the projects for the future that our designers are working on right now. Stronger steel allows for lighter structures and the high yield point can also be used to improve performance in terms of strength and durability. The smooth surface of the steel results in high end finishes for applications and facilitates painting.""
18/10/2012 07:36
Tibnor supplies steel for LKAB’s ore wagons
The Nordic steel distributor Tibnor is an important player when more ore is to be mined in northern Sweden. More than 1,000 new ore wagons have been constructed by Kiruna Wagon, with Tibnor supplying the steel for the ore baskets. The fifteenth train set is currently under production.

In total, 15 new train sets for Malmbanan (the iron ore railroad) are involved, with 68 wagons in each set. Kiruna Wagon is constructing the wagons, which have been ordered by LKAB. Each wagon has an ore basket capable of carrying a load of 100 metric tonnes. The ore baskets are manufactured of laser-cut and laser hybrid welded steel from Tibnor. The transaction represents part of a new customer concept within the SSAB group, in which deliveries of advanced high strength steels are combined with logistics and production services.

“The transaction is an affirmation that complete solutions, in which SSAB’s steel know-how is combined with Tibnor’s services, create customer value,” says Mikael Jansson, director at Tibnor’s Marknad Sverige (Market Sweden). “With this new customer concept, we are exploiting our shared expertise to an even higher degree than previously.”

The steel selected for the ore baskets is hot rolled DX 355 MCE and DX 650 MCE from SSAB. Tibnor is coordinating the flow of material and laser cutting the steel at its subsidiary, EM Eriksson, with production in Borlänge. E M Eriksson laser cuts ends and sides, and bends top beams and cross bars for the ore baskets. Thereafter, the steel proceeds to Duroc in Luleå, which carries out laser hybrid welding, before Kiruna Wagon completes the production.

“I’m proud that EME is one of the players in the value chain to the customer,” says Ted Anderses, CEO of E.M. Eriksson. “We were acquired by Tibnor in the summer and, by being able to contribute our expertise to this solution, it feels as if we are already an integral part of the SSAB group.”

With the delivery of the fifteenth train set, Tibnor will have delivered more than 1,000 ore baskets for Malmbanan’s new wagons. Production is in full swing and the final delivery to Kiruna Wagon is estimated to take place at the beginning of 2013.
17/10/2012 08:41
Ruukki's RD pile wall receives the 2012 GeoTeko award
The Finnish Geotechnical Society (SGY) has selected Ruukki's RD pile wall as this year's outstanding geotechnical achievement. The final selection from among the top three candidates was made by this year's honorary judge Risto Vahanen, who is the chairman of the Finnish Association of Civil Engineers as well as the chairman of Vahanen Group board of directors. The recognition was awarded during InfraExpo on 9 October 2012 as a part of an invitation-only seminar organised by the Finnish Transport Agency.

Developed in close cooperation with various construction industry stakeholders, the RD pile wall is a unique innovation in foundation construction. The wall system provides rigid retaining wall structures for demanding ground conditions. Based on Ruukki's drilled RD-piles, the RD pile wall consists of individual piles joined together by means of an innovative RM/RF interlock. The new lock type ensures superior watertightness in wall structures.

The RD pile wall structure replaces more traditional retaining wall and foundation structures, minimising build times and generating savings in overall project costs. The RD pile wall structure is easy to install all the way down into the bedrock, eliminating many of the technical risks involved in traditional retaining walls, such as water leaks and insufficient horizontal support. It also eliminates unexpected delays and helps to stay on schedule.

The RD pile wall has been utilised in a number of demanding projects in Finland, Sweden, and Norway. In the E6 project in the Norwegian town of Trondheim, the RD pile wall was used in conditions that were deemed too extreme and risky for any other alternative to be used. In Finland, the RD pile wall has been successfully used in the watertight excavations of the city centre expansion project in Helsinki's Kalasatama, as well as in Katajaharju shaft and Koivusaari metro station excavations, both a part Länsimetro, Helsinki Metro's extension project.

SGY's GeoTeko award is presented to a geotechnical innovation, project, person, or other party best representing the high degree of Finnish geotechnical expertise. This year's winner selection criteria focused on innovativeness as well as technical and financial aspects. For Ruukki, this is the third time to receive a geotechnical recognition from SGY. The previous two instances were both SGY's Geokohde awards, presented every five years. The first time was in 1996, when Ruukki was awarded for the development for driven steel piles. The second recognition time was in 2007, this time for development work related to drilled piles.