Roll-up: Sheffield firm signs export deal

A Sheffield-based steel-production and engineering firm has has won a lucrative export deal to Brazil – right after winning contracts in Romania and Argentina.

Sheffield Forgemasters is supplying Brazilian steel-production firm Gerdau with five steel rolls to help make steel plate in key industry constructions. The Latin-American firm is currently working on eight football stadia that are being built or revamped ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

The Argentina contracts are with new customer Metallurgica Oliva and previous client Aluar, who will be supplied with nine more rolls.

BRICS

Senior Sales Manager Martin Wilks said the firm is in a ‘very strong competitive position internationally’ because it is one of a few companies that can create steel rolls of a similar size.

He said: “These contracts also show our commitment to extending our reach into the BRICS countries. These emerging markets are important for British businesses to expand into.”

In April, Forgemasters completed its first order for a Romanian client Alro Sa, who are now back for more. Two work rolls and a back-up roll have already been provided to the Slatina-based company for an aluminium smelter that is the biggest in Eastern and Central Europe.

The new order, worth a six-figure amount, will be finished in February 2013.

Senior Sales Manager Ken Brooks said: “Forgemasters is keen to be involved with the emerging markets across the world. Contracts such as the Romania work are important to show we can deliver.” He also said the firm sends more steel rolls to Russia than any other.