For three generations, Järnmalmer has operated in the recycling industry. An industry that over the years has gained an increasingly prominent place in our society as a result of increased environmental problems. Problems that are becoming increasingly visible and that affect more and more people worldwide.
The recycling industry has also become a capital-intensive, large-scale industry with raw material prices soaring to unprecedented levels during parts of the 2021/2022 financial year.
The sharply upward trend in prices arose as a result of the Ukraine war and the fear that inputs for the steel and metal industry would not be enough. In one fell swoop, about 40% of all raw steel in the world disappeared from the world market.
As new logistical solutions and new trade flows emerged in the wake of the Russian war of aggression, we experienced the opposite situation, with sharply falling prices for scrap steel and metals around the world. At the end of the period’s results, increased inflation, interest rate concerns and the risk of recession contributed to further price declines for recycling products intended for smelters, foundries and metal works.
Järnmalmer handled around 200,000 tons of iron and metal scrap during FY 2021/2022 in a highly volatile and unpredictable market. With a strong customer focus, a relevant product mix and a knowledgeable and committed team, Järnmalmer achieved its best results since it started 72 years ago.
At Group level, Järnmalmer had sales of SEK 818.5 million over the period. The profit after financial items reached SEK 45.9 million. The equity/assets ratio amounted to 76.2% with a balance sheet total of SEK 207.6 million and the net margin in the business increased from 3.89% to 5.61%.
The way forward is uncertain in terms of economic development. We will probably be forced to live with the war in Ukraine and political tensions for some more time, consumption will likely decline and higher interest rates and high inflation may significantly worsen the business climate.
Buzzwords such as impact investment have ended up on the back burner, where investments not only provide financial benefit but also fulfill a socially important function and environmental benefit. Dear child has many names. Worse times are certainly to be expected for the economy as a whole, but steel and metals will continue to be needed. The wheels will turn and as long as they do recycling will be needed. More than ever.
