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Elkem – A cornerstone company with global reach
In the middle of Fiskå Technology Park in Kristiansand lies Elkem – a global player with deep roots in the local community. The Elkem Carbon Solutions division is the world's leading producer of electrode paste for the steel industry and is responsible for raw material supply to Elkem plants worldwide.
With thousands of tons of raw materials in and containers out every year, the close collaboration between Elkem and the Port of Kristiansand is a prerequisite for efficient and sustainable operations.
FACTS:
- Elkem consists of three divisions: Silicones, Silicon Products and Carbon Solutions.
- Has around 6,800 employees and 29 production sites globally.
- In Kristiansand there are 375 employees, of which 109 work in the Carbon division.
- Elkem Carbon Solutions in Kristiansand is a world leader in producing electrode paste, which is a vital part of steel production worldwide.
- You will find traces of Elkem's products in everything from car and aircraft parts to cutlery and soda cans.
- In 2024, Elkem sent and received a total of around 2,000 containers, which is between 50-100 containers per week. The largest single delivery is 8,000 tonnes.
More than a smelter
Elkem Carbon is the only unit in Elkem that does not operate smelter production. Instead, they supply carbon-based raw materials to other Elkem divisions, both in Norway and internationally. In total, Elkem has around 375 employees in Kristiansand, of which 109 work in the Carbon division.
In addition to production, Elkem also houses a number of functions such as HSE, research and development, automation and Elkem Business System. These support not only local operations, but also the plants globally, and travel around and help where needed.
World-leading supplier to the steel and aluminum industries
Elkem Carbon Solutions produces electrode paste – a crucial component in the production of ferrosilicon, ferromanganese and aluminium. These are materials used in everything from car and aircraft parts to cutlery and soda cans.
"We make electrode paste – a vital part of all steel production in the world. You will find traces of our product in every teaspoon."
– Anne Mette Grimestad, raw material buyer at Elkem Carbon Solutions.
The product is electrically conductive and is used in melting furnaces all over the world. Elkem Carbon Solutions is a world leader in this area.
In addition to the steel industry, Elkem also supplies major players in aluminum, such as Hydro and Alcoa. This important product is so-called “lining paste” – a special mass used to line melting furnaces. “Everyone who produces silicon must have electrode paste, and it is produced here in Kristiansand,” says Anne Mette.
In 2024, Elkem sent and received a total of around 2,000 containers, which is between 50-100 containers per week.
Kristiansand Port is the key to global distribution
Elkem relies on seamless logistics to ensure both the procurement of raw materials and the export of finished goods. The port of Kristiansand plays a crucial role here.
"All exports go via the port of Kristiansand, whether it's containers or car transport further down in Europe."
– Anne Mette Grimestad
Most of the raw materials arrive at Elkem directly by large bulk ships. The goods come from, among others, the USA, Germany, Belgium, Denmark and South America. The largest single delivery comes from Pennsylvania, where 8,000 tonnes of raw materials are transported to Kristiansand by ship.
All exports, with the exception of one boat transporting goods to other Elkem plants along the coast, are handled through the Port of Kristiansand. The geographical proximity to the port gives Elkem a competitive advantage compared to plants in other countries.
"We are the most cost-effective plant in Elkem, and logistics via the port of Kristiansand is an important reason for that."
Ripple effects and local business
Elkem is not alone in using the port of Kristiansand. Several large industrial companies in the region depend on the port, which helps to make it competitive and relevant. "We have also established a user group for the port so that together we can address challenges and develop solutions," says Anne Mette.
Elkem's presence at Fiskå creates significant ripple effects in the region, also for others. Large parts of maintenance, technical services and operations are outsourced to local companies such as Bravida, Bilfinger and several consulting firms.
"We have a whole workforce here every day from other companies in Kristiansand and Agder. We could easily have twice as many employees if we did everything ourselves."
– Anne Mette Grimestad
