OUTOKUMPU
WHEN THE PROTECTION HAS TO WORK,
SO DOES
THE BUSINESS
In Outokumpu’s smelting environments, there is no room for half measures. When the working day involves high temperatures, sparks, molten metal, and heavy wear, protective clothing has to perform throughout. But for an operation of this scale, the garments themselves are not enough. The partnership behind them has to work too.
DEVELOPED TOGETHER FOR EXTREME CONDITIONS
That is where the relationship between Outokumpu and Blåkläder began to take shape. The need was clear: protective clothing that could meet the risks of the most demanding environments, without compromising on comfort, freedom of movement or durability. The solution was a close development process, where Outokumpu’s safety expertise and the users’ experience met Blåkläder’s product knowledge.
“Blåkläder took our requirements and feedback very seriously. Adjustments were made continuously, and the dialogue was technically in-depth rather than just commercial. It was clear that they understood our risks and our way of working,” says Elaine Brännström, Safety Engineer at Outokumpu.
The result was Inherent Steel, a collection developed for the toughest environments in the metal industry. The four garments are made from an inherently flame-resistant material with an E3 rating for molten iron, tested for industrial laundering and developed to protect against molten metal splash and radiant heat. Just as important were the fit, freedom of movement, ventilation solutions, reinforcements and pocket placement, all shaped through testing in real working environments.
“Comfort is absolutely essential. A garment that is not comfortable will not be worn correctly. Comfort is a safety factor in itself,” says Elaine Brännström.
REDUCING COMPLEXITY, IMPROVING SAFETY
For Outokumpu, the collaboration has simplified more than the product choice. A more clearly agreed range creates better standardisation, simpler purchasing and greater confidence that the right protection is being used in the right place. Local units can work according to their own needs, while new products continue to be approved centrally, both in terms of protection and price.
“Outokumpu has very high requirements for the workwear used in its environments. Together, we have been able to develop solutions that meet those requirements, in terms of protection, quality and function,” says Glenn Svensson, Product Manager for Flame-Resistant and Multinorm at Blåkläder.
CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT FOR THE FUTURE
The collaboration does not stop with Inherent Steel. Outokumpu is now testing garments for an upcoming foundry collection, with reinforcements in particularly exposed areas to improve durability in that type of environment. For Outokumpu, this means a supplier relationship that continues to solve problems, not just deliver products.
We have achieved clearer standardisation, simpler purchasing and, above all, greater confidence that the right protection is being used in the right place. It saves time, reduces administration and allows us to focus more on the working environment and preventive safety work.
– Elaine Brännström, Safety Engineer at Outokumpu
Advanced Needs, Simple Solutions
Perhaps that is where the collaboration's greatest strength lies. In the fact that advanced needs do not have to mean a complicated business relationship. When development, protection, range, and follow-up work together, the result is simpler for the organisation, safer for users, and stronger over time.
READY TO MAKE THE SWITCH?
Want a simpler way to buy and manage workwear? We help you build a set-up that works from day one and adapts as your organisation changes. Talk to our team to get started.