14. May 2025, 09:44 o'Clock
Article: Steel sector - Logistics solutions for the European steel industry
Gemeinsam stark für Europas Stahl: DB Cargo verbindet Industriepartner mit nachhaltiger Logistik.
The steel industry is a central pillar of the European economy - its products flow into almost all industrial value chains. Its logistics are complex, systemically relevant and demanding. DB Cargo supports this key industry with customized, sustainable and efficient transport solutions. As part of our specialized business structure, we are today introducing the Steel business segment - a strong partner to the steel producing and processing industry. As one of four business segments in the Rail Logistics division headed by Pierre Timmermans, it is active along the entire process chain of the steel industry: from the supply of raw materials to inter-plant transport and the delivery of finished products.
Logistics along the industrial value chain
Branche Steel specializes in transport and logistics solutions for the European steel industry and is a long-standing, established rail logistics partner. It is closely integrated into the steel industry's value chain and is involved in the entire process - from the supply of raw materials and inter-plant transport to the delivery of finished products.
With a comprehensive range of transport solutions, DB Cargo supports steel companies in organizing their logistics efficiently and sustainably. The steel sector team has established itself as a central component of the European steel supply chain and makes a significant contribution to DB Cargo's overall volume.
Transport mode - combined strength of system and single freight car transport
Around 80 percent of raw material and inter-plant transports are carried out using efficient block train transport. In addition, single freight car transport plays a central role, especially in the transportation of intermediate steel products to processing plants. In this way, the industry utilizes the cost advantages of large transport volumes in system transport and at the same time ensures flexible connections to remote locations.
The management team of the Steel sector
Katja Sander, Head of the Steel business segment.
Katja Sander has been in charge of the steel sector since January 2025. She has many years of experience in rail freight transport and is familiar with the requirements of industrial logistics from various perspectives. Her focus is on the strategic further development of logistics services, taking into account operational requirements and industrial framework conditions.
The steel sector supports the industry in implementing climate-friendly supply chains that are viable for the future. This includes the increased use of rail in freight transport as well as digitally supported processes for planning, control and communication along the transport chain.
Führungsstruktur der Geschäftseinheit Steel
Sales and Solution Design Steel 1: The team headed by Christoph Heibach develops individual logistics and distribution concepts for steel groups from Germany and Austria such as Salzgitter, Stahl-Holding-Saar (SHS), thyssenkrupp and voestalpine.
Sales and Solution Design Steel 2: Under the leadership of Christoph Tews, the team develops solutions with international expertise for the steel industry based in continental Europe and Scandinavia, such as ArcelorMittal, SSAB and TATA.
Sales and Solution Design Scrap: Thorsten Noll's team focuses on the electrical steel industry (e.g. Badische Stahlwerke, AST Terni, Riva), which produces 100 percent of its steel from scrap, which is why the team also supports all scrap trading companies (e.g. Scholz, TSR, Alfa).
Sales Support Steel: The team, led by Björn Volz, calculates transport concepts for the steel industry in block train and single freight car transport and provides support with tenders, preparing offers and invoicing. This support is an important success factor for the profitability of transport operations, especially for complex, customer-specific individual solutions.
Equipment Steel: Stephan Strobel's team plans the current and medium-term requirements as well as the optimum freight wagon equipment and availability for the Steel sector. In close coordination with Technical Management and all teams, the team also develops the strategic alignment of the fleet.
Development and Excellence Steel: Headed by Carolina Lasse, the team focuses on the strategic and future-proof development of the steel industry and optimizes transports under the assumptions of quality and cost-effectiveness. The team is also responsible for the efficient, quality- and market-oriented procurement of rail and logistics services from service partners.
Focus on future topics
The steel sector supports the industry in implementing climate-friendly supply chains that are viable for the future. This includes the increased use of rail in freight transport as well as digitally supported processes for planning, control and communication along the transport chain.
DB Cargo - your reliable logistics partner for the steel industry in Europe.
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