PDF (10.9MB) - ThyssenKrupp AG
PDF (10.9MB) - ThyssenKrupp AG
PDF (10.9MB) - ThyssenKrupp AG
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2.7 Management report on the Group Expected developments and and associated opportunities and and risks risks<br />
The “Steel in Transition” program helps<br />
Steel Americas contain risks.<br />
The “Steel in Transition” program helps<br />
Steel Americas contain risks.<br />
Specific risks for our operations<br />
Steel Europe – Risks going forward for the business area include in particular risks on the sales and<br />
procurement markets as well as risks from exchange-rate fluctuations and emissions trading. If the<br />
economic situation deteriorates, the risk of customer insolvencies increases. High capacity utilization<br />
increases the risk of production losses.<br />
To contain the risk of cyclical demand fluctuations, the business area optimizes its costs in all areas, adjusts<br />
production promptly, and concentrates on high-end market segments subject to lower cyclicality. To mitigate<br />
the risk of customer insolvencies, Steel Europe monitors the situation intensively and uses all the options<br />
available to safeguard deliveries, for example through commercial credit insurance facilities or adjusted<br />
payment conditions. Quality and supply risks are minimized through the ongoing optimization of our value<br />
chains.<br />
A business and technical risk controlling system for property insurance is an integral component of the risk<br />
management process. Additional investment and maintenance budgets are available to further optimize fire<br />
prevention. The risks of other business interruptions are reduced by ongoing preventive maintenance,<br />
modernization and investment. In the event of business interruptions, business continuity plans are in place<br />
which specify measures for remedying damages.<br />
Steel Americas – Alongside risks on the sales and procurement markets and risks from exchange rate<br />
fluctuations, the risks in this business area include risks in connection with the ramp-up and operation of<br />
facilities and production operations.<br />
At the two major Steel Americas plants in Brazil and the USA, delays or quality problems could still occur in<br />
the further course of the ramp-up. However, thanks to intensive controls and tight risk management as well<br />
as regular risk meetings and reports, all material risks are immediately identified and suitable<br />
countermeasures initiated.<br />
Our efficient claims management system ensures that all claims of our contractual partners are properly<br />
handled and managed. <strong>ThyssenKrupp</strong> is involved in legal, arbitrational and out-of-court disputes in<br />
connection with the construction of the melt shop and coke plant in Brazil which could lead to compensation<br />
payments.<br />
Operating risks which may occur in connection with the ongoing ramp-up are minimized by tailored and<br />
coordinated ramp-up periods, the careful selection and training of new employees, and the use of know-how<br />
from the Steel Europe business area.<br />
In close cooperation with the Steel Europe business area – in the joint “Steel in Transition” program – Steel<br />
Americas is working to contain the price and volume risks in the procurement of raw materials and the<br />
implementation of the premium strategy. This involves for example the transfer of best practice knowledge<br />
and the use of synergy effects. Both these measures also reduce cost risks from consumption variances as<br />
well as risks in the winning of target customers and the corresponding certification processes. At the same<br />
time price and sales risks are reduced by expanding the customer base and accessing premium market<br />
segments. In addition we are adapting the startup of the final units and the slab and coil production<br />
operations in line with the economic situation.<br />
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