Polish Container Manufacturer Switches to SSAB Steel
Established in cooperation with Swedish company ILAB Container AB in 2001, JK changed its main supplier to SSAB after Scandinavian customers indicated a strong preference for the new grade of steel.
The initial challenges for ILAB and JK included understanding the new material and learning how to take advantage of its benefits. From the start, SSAB specialists provided excellent support and assistance.
JK purchased state-of-the-art machines for cutting and bending, as well as new welding trucks. Some of the trucks are semi-automated. The purchase of the machinery was partly funded from the EU budget.
The new containers are lighter and stronger than the other makes and can take up to one tonne more per load. Along with their more streamlined shape, they offer fuel savings during transportation of around 14%. Thus the profits are both environmental and financial. Sales in Scandinavia have since risen, and today they remain at a steady and high level.
Since taking over control of the company, CEO and owner Milosz Kiedrowski has managed well; production has risen from 11,000 containers in 2015 to 15,500 in 2017.
Ninety per cent of all containers produced by JK for the Scandinavian market are light containers made from SSAB high-strength steel. The main steel grades that JK buys from SSAB are Strenx™ 700 CR, Strenx™ 700 MC, Hardox® 400 and Hardox® 450.
The Polish company is also a member of the two SSAB customer programs, Hardox® In My Body and My Inner Strenx™.
