DGAP-News

Klöckner & Co expands steel trading over the internet even further and focus on the consistent digitalization of the supply chain

DGAP-News: Klöckner & Co. SE / Key word(s): Miscellaneous
Klöckner & Co expands steel trading over the internet even further and
focus on the consistent digitalization of the supply chain

22.04.2014 / 11:05

---------------------------------------------------------------------

- Successful initial installation of the new Klöckner webshop in the
Netherlands

- Rapid roll-out across all other country organizations planned

- By 2015 all Klöckner country organizations will be online with their
overall program

Duisburg, Germany, April 22, 2014 - Klöckner & Co will increasingly putting
emphasis in the future on the sale of steel and other metals via the
internet. With the use of a company-wide webshop solution, the company is
expanding its service portfolio and will, in the future, be offering its
customers a 24/7 online and more efficient ordering process for all
products as well as processing services. After the successful initial
installation of the new Klöckner webshop in the Netherlands, roll out shall
begin this year in all other country organizations, beginning with Germany.

"The widespread use of our online store is an essential step in creating a
seamless digitalization of the supply chain from our suppliers to our
customers. As early as next year, all our customers will have online access
to a comprehensive range of products and services from all our locations.
Based on this, we will expand the service further and gradually pinch off
any digital gaps in our supply chain. In doing so, we decisively pursue our
goal to revolutionize the traditionally rather low-margin business model in
steel distribution," says Gisbert Rühl, CEO of Klöckner & Co SE.

Quite recently, the new e-business platform of Klöckner & Co's Swiss
subsidiary, Debrunner Koenig, won the bronze medal in the business category
of the "Best of Swiss Web 2014" internet awards competition. In addition to
its visually attractive presentation, the e-business platform was rated
particularly highly by the jury for its webshop integration. Customers in
Switzerland therefore have 24/7 access to the entire product range -
supported by a powerful search function.

Parallel to the introduction of the Swiss e-business platform, the new
Klöckner webshop has now been successfully implemented in the Dutch
subsidiary. The webshop also offers access to important certification data
as well as to detailed descriptions and drawings for almost any product. In
addition to all other product information, customers have access to details