"We’re making an active contribution that will directly benefit our customers."
SALCOS® steel aims to make steel pipe and tube production at Mannesmann Line Pipe more sustainable with reduced carbon emissions. In Siegen, Managing Director Andreas Betzler and Head of Sales Konrad Thannbichler presented fascinating insights and perspectives on the topic.
Salzgitter AG is currently undergoing a transformation process towards carbon-reduced steel. Mannesmann Line Pipe processed its first SALCOS® coil back in August 2024. A milestone for the company?
Betzler: Absolutely! Throughout the company's 130-year history, innovation has always been part of Mannesmann's DNA. The considerable interest in our low-carbon products shows just how important this issue is becoming for our customers as well.
Will you be selling exclusively low-carbon products in future?
Thannbichler: No. Even if we wanted to, it wouldn't be possible in the short term. We're dependent on carbon-reduced raw materials, and we don't expect them to be available in large quantities in the short term. It will be some time before the entire process has been completed within Salzgitter AG and large quantities are available.
How will you make use of this time?
Betzler: In cooperation with customers and partners, we can further develop targeted products and markets. Offshore wind energy is one example that comes to mind. It would be paradoxical if the steel for offshore wind farms continued to come from the cheapest supply chains and carbon-intensive processes. In addition, we are also counting on the construction industry, among others, which also has to achieve its climate neutrality targets.
Will it still take time before you can process low-carbon raw material?
Thannbichler: Technically speaking, processing SALCOS® steel doesn't pose a major challenge for us. We proved this in practice with our production in August 2024. The products met the toughest specifications right from the start and, as in this case, are already H2ready in accordance with customer specifications.
Are there any limitations to the use of carbon-reduced steel pipe and tube?
Thannbichler: SALCOS® steel will also be available in the usual quality with the same material and product properties. To this end, we are in constant close consultation with the materials experts at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH. As soon as SALCOS® raw material is available for the relevant pipe and tube diameters and wall thicknesses, we will also be supplying and using it.
The considerable interest in our low-carbon products shows just how important this issue is becoming for our customers as well.
Andreas Betzler, Managing Director Mannesmann Line Pipe GmbH
After training as a bank clerk and successfully completing a degree in business administration alongside his work, Betzler initially worked for Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) in Duisburg for almost 13 years. In February 2016, he was appointed to the Management Board of Mannesmann Line Pipe, where he is responsible for Purchasing, Controlling, IT, Human Resources and Accounting as well as Sales & Marketing.
SALCOS® steel will also be available in the usual quality with the same material and product properties.
Konrad Thannbichler, Head of Sales Mannesmann Line Pipe GmbH
The 57-year-old business economist was born in Traunstein, Bavaria, and has now been with Mannesmann Line Pipe in Siegerland for 22 years. He is in charge of Global Sales and has helped introduce several product innovations and programme extensions during this time.
What are the benefits of the new products for your customers?
Betzler: The course towards climate neutrality has been set. In my view, there is no alternative given the climate targets set by Germany and the EU. We are making an active contribution here that will directly benefit our customers.
Thannbichler: Our carbon-reduced products have a direct impact on our customers' environmental footprints. We can, of course, furnish the necessary documentation and certificates. And anyone who is interested is welcome to visit our plants to see how we do it.
Let's turn to hydrogen. Mannesmann Line Pipe has excellent connections in this field. What are the trends emerging here?
Thannbichler: We have witnessed all stages of development here: this new sector has seen everything from great euphoria to deep disillusionment. But that is also pretty much expected in a transformation process of this magnitude.
Betzler: We took the plunge early on and have established a strong position in the hydrogen sector. We benefit from our network just as much as the hydrogen industry and its customers benefit from our commitment.
Where do you see the biggest challenges in the near future?
Betzler: We mustn't lose sight of our medium- and long-term goals. These include expanding the hydrogen core network and the necessary hydrogen ramp-up for users and producers. Plus, there's the expansion of the power grid for the integration of renewable energies.
Thannbichler: We're innovative pioneers in a comprehensive transformation process and need planning security and fair competition. This also includes projects and tenders that not only focus on the lowest price but also require appropriate assessments of carbon footprints. Low-carbon materials come with a price tag, at least for the time being.