SIJ Group embarks on a comprehsive business transformation

Ljubljana, 9 June 2026 – SIJ Group has launched a comprehensive business transformation programme in response to the significantly changed conditions in the European steel industry and its own operational challenges. The transformation encompasses a new business model, enhanced operational efficiency, and the implementation of industry best-practice standards.

“This is the largest restructuring programme currently underway in Slovenia, supported by both our banking partners and shareholders. What lies ahead is not merely an adjustment, but a fundamental change in the way we operate – both at the Group level and in the day-to-day work of our employees. The restructuring is built on three key pillars: a new business model, a lean organisational structure, and the introduction of best-practice standards in our working processes. Our immediate priority is to improve cash flow, followed by increasing operational efficiency, restoring profitability, and establishing a solid foundation for the future, including the search for a strategic partner. At the same time, SIJ Group possesses all the essential strengths needed to succeed: extensive metallurgical expertise, a strong market presence, and products that address Europe’s evolving needs – increasingly specialised steels and green steel. Through the transformation of our operations, we aim to align these strengths even more closely with the requirements of the most demanding industries. We intend to build our resilience and long-term competitiveness on this foundation,” said Dr Kristijan Bauer, Member of the Management Board and Chief Restructuring Officer at SIJ Group.

The core of the transformation is the redesign of the Group’s business model, which envisages decentralisation and operations organised around value streams, with a strong focus on the two production sites in Ravne na Koroškem and Jesenice. The value streams will be led by the Group’s key companies: SIJ Acroni, SIJ Metal Ravne, and SIJ Ravne Systems. Each of these companies will coordinate the activities of the businesses within its value stream – from raw materials and steel production through to customer delivery, or from raw materials and the manufacture of steel products through to customer delivery. The new business model also represents a shift from the previous focus on production volumes towards a stronger customer orientation and the creation of higher business value.

The restructuring programme further includes measures to improve operational efficiency and align workforce levels with industry benchmarks.  During 2026, the Group will gradually reduce headcount, primarily in shared services and production administration functions. The planned reduction affects approximately 300 employees, representing around nine per cent of SIJ Group’s workforce in Slovenia. The Group expects to achieve most of these adjustments progressively and through softer measures, such as natural attrition, retirements, and limited replacement hiring. An improved financial position, together with enhanced resilience and competitiveness, is expected to support the preservation of the majority of the Group’s current 3,500 jobs. 

SIJ Group will also introduce industry best-practice standards to further strengthen its operating model and systematically unlock internal reserves and previously untapped potential. A key element of this effort will be the implementation of integrated production and sales planning. This will improve capacity utilisation, increase the share of higher-margin orders, enhance customer service quality, and provide greater predictability for employees in their daily work. All these measures will have a direct positive impact on business performance indicators. The Group will strengthen its sales function with specialists focused on developing demanding and highly regulated niche markets such as energy, aerospace, and defence, while optimising the Group’s sales portfolio with a stronger emphasis on profitability and further directing research and development towards higher value-added steel grades. 

Today, SIJ Group is already a small, boutique producer of steel and specialised steel products in both European and global markets. Going forward, it will build its competitiveness on small-batch production of highly complex steel grades, advanced materials for demanding applications, and deep specialisation, competing successfully on value, quality, and flexibility rather than volume. Its key competitive advantages will include flexible production enabled by smaller furnaces, extensive metallurgical expertise translating into higher value-added products and profitability, and a stronger capability to develop customised solutions tailored to individual customer requirements. The Group will focus on supplying demanding, highly regulated niche markets and industries while also leveraging its existing strengths in the production of green steel.

The restructuring programme therefore goes well beyond cost optimisation. Of the 45 initiatives included in the programme, the majority are aimed at generating positive cash flow and restoring sustainable profitability. The Group’s competitiveness is also expected to benefit from measures introduced by the European Union and Slovenia to support the steel industry, including incentives provided by the Republic of Slovenia to partially offset electricity costs for energy-intensive companies in 2026, as well as the 50% tariff on steel imports exceeding quota limits, which entered into force on 1 July. 

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SIJ – Slovenian Steel Group is one of Europe's leading producers of stainless steel and special steels. We are committed to global and European climate goals and operate in line with circular economy principles. With our steel and steel products, we are the right partner for facilitating the green transition in Europe. We confirmed our sustainability credentials by achieving certification to the stringent ResponsibleSteel standard in 2024. This positions us as one of the world's most responsible and sustainable steel producers. Our two largest companies are modern recycling steelworks, and our steel is recycled because it is made from steel scrap. With 3,500 employees, we are one of the largest employers in Slovenia and a pillar of the Slovenian steel sector. We are one of Slovenia's leading exporters. About 85% of our revenue is generated in foreign markets.

Find out more at:

SIJ – Slovenska industrija jekla, d.d.

Mag. Sara Wagner, Head of Corporate Communications

Corporate Communications

Phone: +386 1 242 98 27

Mobile: +386 41 313 532

E-mail: sara.wagner@sij.si