We interviewed Luca Spirolazzi, Managing Director of Waelzholz Tempracciaio S.r.l., to revisit the history, results, and prospects of a company that has become a key player in the European cold rolled steel strip market.
Let’s start with the history of your company, from 1829 to today
The company was founded in 1829 in Hohenlimburg, Westphalia (Germany), by Caspar Diederich Wälzholz as a small wire drawing workshop (Drahtzieherei). The first products were “Webriete,” components for combs used in mechanical looms. During the 19th century, the company grew steadily: in 1845 it opened a factory for weaving combs, and in 1857 Ludwig Wälzholz introduced key innovations such as replacing hydraulic power with steam engines. Over time, the company shifted toward the production of cold rolled steel strips, profiles, and special steels. Today Waelzholz is an international group with around 2,300 employees, an annual capacity of 780,000 tons, and revenues exceeding €1.1 billion.
What key milestones have marked the group’s recent history?
In 2017 Waelzholz acquired Friedr. Gustav Theis Kaltwalzwerke GmbH, expanding its portfolio with stainless steel strips. In 2024 the group acquired Tempracciaio S.r.l., an Italian company specializing in cold rolled, hardened, and non-hardened steel strips, further reinforcing its presence in Italy. In 2025 Waelzholz Italia and Tempracciaio merged to form Waelzholz Tempracciaio S.r.l., headquartered in Caronno Pertusella.
What is your current production capacity and which markets do you serve?
We produce about 5,000 tons per year of annealed and hardened carbon steel strip, as well as stainless steel strip. Our customers include spring manufacturers and precision small-parts producers serving the automotive, electromechanical, and textile industries.
What was the most significant technical achievement of the past year?
Without a doubt, the relocation of all operations from Senago to Caronno Pertusella. Concentrating skills, processes, and services in a single site has enhanced efficiency and improved customer response time.
How have raw material price trends affected your business this year?
Despite sluggish demand, prices have remained relatively stable. Inflation and general cost increases have offset lower consumption levels.
What are the main challenges for your business, and how do you see the market evolving in the coming year?
Our goal is to offer European customers a full-service package based on products entirely made in Europe. The main challenge will be consolidating recent achievements and expanding our commercial footprint in France and Eastern Europe. We expect higher sales volumes thanks to a broader customer base and generally stable prices.
Is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) affecting your activities?
At present, no. Since our production relies on EU-made materials, the direct impact is minimal. However, in the long term, CBAM could create sourcing challenges for certain supply chain segments.
We thank Luca Spirolazzi for sharing his insights into the strategy and vision of Waelzholz Tempracciaio. If you wish to stay updated on the company’s future developments, click the Follow button, or visit the corporate staff at MECSPE Bari from November 27 to 29, at stand S22 in hall 30. Don't miss it.
