Company History

At thyssenkrupp Materials Trading, Our History is a Testament to Enduring Collaboration, Commitment and Competence.

For more than a century, we have proudly carried forward a tradition of expertise in steel and raw materials trading, creating lasting synergies that set us apart in the global marketplace.

Founded on principles of quality, reliability, and a deep understanding of our customers' needs, our journey has been marked by continuous growth and evolution. We have navigated the challenges of an ever-changing industry, always adapting to new technologies and market demands while staying true to our core values.

Our long-standing relationships with suppliers and customers are a reflection of the trust and mutual respect we have cultivated over the decades. By integrating our rich history with a forward-looking approach, we have been able to create a dynamic and resilient business that thrives on the strengths of our heritage.

Today, we remain committed to upholding the legacy of thyssenkrupp. We continue to build on our past successes, simplifying global materials trading and delivering exceptional value to our partners worldwide.

Our history is not just a story of the past; it is the foundation of our future actions.

The Origins and Transformation of thyssenkrupp Materials Trading

thyssenkrupp Materials Trading

Company History: Foundings and Business Areas

Eisen und Metall AG - 1876

Originally founded as a raw materials trading business, the company specialised in scrap trading and storage operations as part of a restructuring process. During this time, the company developed a number of innovative methods for recycling metals. In the middle of the 20th century, Eisen und Metall AG made a name for itself as a pioneer in the field of plastics recycling. From the 1980s onwards, Hoesch AG was the sole shareholder and the core business was the sale of the company's own metal products for the construction, automotive and mechanical engineering industries.

Mannesmannröhren und Eisenhandel GmbH - 1901

As a pioneer in the field of seamless steel tubes, Mannesmannröhren und Eisenhandel GmbH marketed the company's products worldwide from the very beginning. From 1970, all the trading departments of the diversified company were united under Mannesmann Handel AG.

Otto Wolff Handelsgesellschaft mbH - 1904

The Otto Wolff Handelsgesellschaft mbH was founded in 1904 by Otto Wolff and Ottmar E. Strauß as an iron trading company in Cologne. Over the decades, the small company developed into a major group of companies. In 1969, the group became part of Thyssen AG (now thyssenkrupp AG). But it continued to exist as a separate unit under the umbrella of thyssenkrupp until it merged with thyssenkrupp Mannex GmbH in 2014 and finally was absorbed into thyssenkrupp Materials Trading GmbH in 2018.

Krupp Stahlexport GmbH - 1925

Originating from Krupp Eisenhandel GmbH, Krupp Stahlexport GmbH was particularly active in the export of iron products. But also in the field of mechanical and plant engineering. The aim was to open up new markets at home and abroad and to establish branch offices there. The products traded included rolled steel, stainless steel, tube and steel products as well as non-ferrous metals in accordance with all national and international quality standards. As a general contractor, the company realized major projects in the industrial, construction and infrastructure sectors, tailor-made according to their customer's requirements. The company handled the entire planning, delivery and construction process.

Thyssen Stahlunion Export GmbH - 1926

Thyssen Stahlunion Export GmbH was founded in 1926 and was a company within the Thyssen Group. It was involved in the trade, distribution and processing of goods of all kinds, in particular metallurgical products, steel, stainless steel and pipes.

Krupp Minas & Hansa Rohstoffe GmbH - 1960

The origins of this trading company based in Essen lay in the mining development and industrial and commercial utilization of mineral resources and the products extracted from them worldwide. In particular, raw materials such as ores, magnesite and graphite electrodes were part of the core business. However, the company was already involved in the processing of scrap and ferroalloys. This was later followed by shareholdings in similar companies at home and abroad as well as services in the field of scrap and dismantling.

Krupp Energiehandel GmbH - 1986

Energy trading also looks back on a long history in our company. The object of Krupp Energiehandel GmbH was the national and international wholesale and retail of solid, liquid fuels and combustibles such as mineral oil products and gases and all related business and services such as storage and handling. Krupp Energiehandel GmbH was always orientated towards customer needs. The co-operation and merger with national partners ensured a strong market position.

Krupp Hoesch Stahlexport - 1993

The trading company Krupp Hoesch Stahlexport GmbH was active in the sale of steel products and the further processing of pipes and steel products of the first processing stage, including tinplate from Thyssen Stahl AG.

thyssenkrupp Materials Trading - 2018

The merger formed thyssenkrupp Materials Trading GmbH, bringing raw materials and steel trading together to streamline operations and strengthen global supply chains. Leveraging an extensive international network, we deliver high-quality materials and flexible solutions worldwide. Our reach spans continents, enabling us to meet customer needs across the value chain, anticipate global trends, and provide exceptional service. Grounded in partnership, collaboration, and diversity, we embrace transformation as an opportunity for growth, making us a trusted partner for long-term success on the international trading floor.