Expanding the product portfolio
To serve end-users of stainless steel better, Outokumpu is aiming to expand the Group's product portfolio by increasing the proportion of special grades, value-added products and non-nickel grades (ferritics). Outokumpu has a leading market position in duplex grades (low-nickel).
A major proportion of Outokumpu's current production consists of nickel-containing standard stainless steel grades (austenitics). Speculative activity by distributors regarding developments in the nickel price leads to cyclicality in the demand for stainless steel and earnings volatility connected with raw material inventories.
Outokumpu's objective is to increase production of special grades, value-added products and ferritics from its current level of about one third to one half of total Group sales.