SSAB, a leading global steel manufacturer, in collaboration with its subsidiary Ruukki Construction, has once again pledged to support the reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. The company announced it would donate a significant quantity of steel products to aid in rebuilding houses that were damaged by the ongoing conflict in the country. This year’s donation will focus on providing roofing materials and steel for field stoves, both essential for the country’s recovery and the welfare of its citizens.
The donation includes roof profiles, flashings, and fasteners, which will be used to rebuild or repair damaged roofs in the Mykolaiv region of Ukraine. The products, which will be manufactured from SSAB’s color-coated steel at Ruukki’s plant near Kyiv, are designed to provide durable and weather-resistant roofing solutions for homes that have been left vulnerable after the destruction caused by the war. The total donation will amount to approximately 3,000 square meters of steel, enough to repair or replace roofs on several buildings in the region.
In addition to the roofing materials, SSAB will also donate nearly 20 metric tons of steel to help produce around 750 field stoves. These stoves are crucial in providing heat and cooking facilities for displaced families, especially during the harsh winter months when temperatures in Ukraine can plunge to sub-zero levels. The steel will be sent to Sarholms Plåtdetaljer AB, a partner company, which will manufacture the stoves for distribution in Ukraine.
The steel products are being donated through OperationAid, a non-governmental organization that focuses on providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. OperationAid has been working tirelessly to identify the most urgent needs in the country, including the provision of medical supplies, food, and materials for rebuilding. SSAB’s partnership with the NGO is a vital component of the ongoing international support for Ukraine’s recovery efforts.
Since the onset of the war, OperationAid has been involved in raising funds, procuring essential items, and delivering aid to various parts of Ukraine. In addition to the steel products, SSAB and Ruukki Construction also donated roofing materials and stoves in 2022 and 2023, contributing to the reconstruction of homes and infrastructure in different war-affected regions. The continued support from SSAB underscores the company’s dedication to aiding the recovery of Ukraine and providing essential resources during a time of crisis.
Christina Friborg, SSAB’s Head of Sustainability, emphasized the importance of these contributions, stating, “We want to show Ukrainians our continued support. At the same time, we want to ensure the safety of our employees. There is a shortage of building products in the country, and it is admirable that our Ukrainian employees have continued to provide high-quality roofing products and services to the country’s renovation industry.”
The contributions also highlight the resilience of SSAB’s Ukrainian operations. November 2024 marked the 27th anniversary of Ruukki Ukraine, a subsidiary of Ruukki Construction. Despite the ongoing conflict, the plant in Kopyliv, near Kyiv, has remained operational, although it is currently running a reduced schedule of a few days a week. With a workforce of 63 employees in Ukraine, Ruukki Ukraine has continued to support local construction and renovation efforts, providing vital roofing materials to the country’s building industry.
Although the situation in Ukraine remains challenging, Ruukki Construction’s plant near Kyiv has been able to adapt to the ongoing conditions, producing steel products under difficult circumstances. The ability of SSAB and its subsidiaries to continue providing these critical materials is a testament to their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s long-term recovery and maintaining operations despite the adversity.
Steel is a crucial material for the rebuilding of Ukraine’s infrastructure, and SSAB’s donations play a vital role in addressing the material shortages caused by the war. Steel is needed for a variety of reconstruction efforts, including the restoration of residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure. With many local manufacturers and suppliers affected by the conflict, international support in the form of material donations is essential for the country's recovery.
In addition to providing the necessary materials for roofing and stoves, SSAB’s continued presence in the region serves as a symbol of international solidarity. By supplying steel for these essential products, SSAB helps ensure that rebuilding efforts can continue despite the ongoing challenges.
In light of the ongoing war and the potential risks involved, SSAB and Ruukki Construction are also focused on ensuring the safety of their employees in Ukraine. Christina Friborg’s statement reflects the company’s dual commitment to supporting Ukraine’s recovery while also safeguarding its workforce. SSAB has taken steps to ensure that its operations continue in a safe and secure manner, balancing the need for humanitarian aid with the welfare of its people.
While much of the world’s attention has focused on the immediate impacts of the war, companies like SSAB are also taking a long-term view. The continued support for the Ukrainian people, through donations of materials such as steel, plays an important role in helping the country rebuild and recover once the conflict has subsided.
SSAB’s involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts is not a short-term initiative. The company’s consistent donations of steel products over the past few years reflect a long-term commitment to the country’s recovery. As the war continues to take its toll, international support remains critical in ensuring that Ukraine has the resources needed to rebuild its homes, infrastructure, and economy.
The steel donated by SSAB, along with the products manufactured from it, will help provide the foundation for rebuilding in the coming months and years. Whether through roofing materials, stoves, or other vital construction products, SSAB’s contributions are a small but significant part of the broader effort to help Ukraine recover and rebuild. By continuing to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, SSAB sets an example for other global companies to follow in offering assistance during times of crisis.
