Shaping Steel with Expertise
Interview with Federico Galperti, Managing Director of Rubiera Special Steel S.p.A.
Steel remains one of the fundamental building blocks of modern industry, yet its production is becoming increasingly complex. At the same time, the sector is far from being a commodity business: in highly specialized segments, success depends on precision, reliability and close cooperation with customers. Between volatile markets, rising energy costs and growing sustainability demands, manufacturers must strike a careful balance between efficiency and innovation. Rubiera Special Steel S.p.A., headquartered in Casalgrande, Italy, has positioned itself precisely in this space, focusing on high-quality special steels, a clear niche strategy and long-term customer relationships.
European Business: Mr. Galperti, Rubiera Special Steel has a long history in the Italian steel industry. How did the company develop into what it is today?
Federico Galperti: The company was founded in 1965 and from the beginning followed a clear idea: specialization. Instead of integrating forging, we focused on producing ingots for forging companies, which allowed us to serve a broad customer base. Over time, we introduced key technologies such as vacuum degassing, making us one of the first Italian steel mills able to produce high-integrity steels. This strong focus on quality has remained unchanged and has shaped our development, particularly since the change of ownership in 2013.
European Business: What defines your position in the market today?
Federico Galperti: Our business is very technical, so relationships are essential. We work mainly with forging companies across Europe, supplying materials for sectors like energy, oil and gas or mechanical engineering. About 80 to 85% of our turnover is still generated in Italy, but our customers are internationally active. What truly sets us apart is our flexibility and responsiveness. Customers rely on us because they know we react quickly and reliably.
European Business: Many companies rely heavily on marketing to grow. How do you approach this topic?
Federico Galperti: In this respect, we take a rather traditional approach. Growth is primarily driven by long-term partnerships and recommendations. In our industry, you cannot win customers overnight. There are qualification processes, testing phases and in-depth technical discussions. Building trust takes time, but once it is established, these relationships tend to be very stable and long-lasting.
European Business: You have recently expanded your production capabilities. What is behind this decision?
Federico Galperti: In 2024, we acquired a second production site in Cividate al Piano near Bergamo in northern Italy to complement and further expand our existing portfolio in a targeted way. At this new site, we are focusing on stainless steels and nickel-based alloys, which are becoming increasingly important for high-performance applications. In addition, we are planning further investments, for example in vacuum induction melting, in order to produce highly specialized materials in smaller, more flexible batches. This will allow us to respond even more precisely to specific customer requirements, further strengthening our position in high-end applications.
European Business: How do you see sustainability in steel production?
Federico Galperti: Sustainability is a key topic for us and has become an integral part of our strategy. Steel is already a highly recyclable material, and we use a very high share of recycled input in our processes. At the same time, we are continuously working on reducing energy consumption, emissions and water usage across our operations. We are also investing in more efficient technologies and exploring ways to increase the share of renewable energy. However, regulatory conditions can sometimes slow down these projects, especially when it comes to large-scale installations. Still, we are convinced that sustainability and competitiveness must go hand in hand.
European Business: The past years have been marked by crises and uncertainties. How has this affected your business?
Federico Galperti: Our market is very dynamic, with relatively short order cycles, which means we have to react quickly to changes in demand and costs. In recent years, this has become even more important. During difficult periods, we always stayed close to our customers and continued working with them instead of stepping back. When challenges arose, we looked for solutions together, whether through adjustments in production, pricing or delivery. That partnership approach is crucial in our industry and helps to build long-term trust, even in uncertain times.
European Business: What are your expectations for the future?
Federico Galperti: Steel will remain essential for all industries. The key challenge is adapting to changing global conditions, from geopolitics to energy costs. For us, the focus is clear: we want to strengthen our position in Europe and further develop our technological capabilities. At the same time, Europe as a whole needs to become more agile in decision-making. Companies are ready to adapt, but the framework conditions must support this.