Rautaruukki launches the world's strongest stru...

Press release 20 April 2009

Rautaruukki is further expanding its offering of high-strength steels
with the launch of Optim 1500 QC, the world's strongest hot-rolled
structural steel. Optim 1500 QC will be introduced at Intermat, the
construction materials & production industry fair, held in Paris,
France on 20-25 April 2009.


This ultra high-strength steel combines extreme strength and good
wear-resistance, which makes it ideal for materials processing and
transportation equipment structures, for example. Optim 1500 QC steel
is produced using Ruukki's unique direct quenching process.

Ruukki's new ultra high-strength Optim 1500 QC steel enables the
design of products and equipment of higher performance and
load-bearing capability. Good wear-resistance makes Optim 1500 QC
suitable for applications where the load-bearing structure is exposed
to wear. Typical end-uses are hooklift containers and ultra
high-strength structures in transportation equipment. Crushing and
screening equipment also benefit from strong, highly wear-resistant
material. As equipment properties and performance improve, it is
possible to increase their payload and lifetime, decrease fuel
consumption and therefore reduce environmental impact.

"Optim 1500 QC shows that Ruukki is a forerunner in ultra
high-strength structural steels and wear-resistant steels. Our strong
material and development know-how will enable new innovations in the
future as well. We make product applications in close cooperation
with our customers, who benefit from higher performance and more
energy efficient, longer-lasting end products," says Kari Lehtinen,
Senior Vice President from Ruukki Metals.

Ruukki produces high-strength Optim QC structural steels and hard
Raex steels using the direct quenching method.


For further information, please contact:
Kari Lehtinen, Senior Vice President, Ruukki Metals, [phone]


Rautaruukki supplies metal-based components, systems and integrated
systems to the construction and engineering industries. The company
has a wide selection of metal products and services. Rautaruukki has
operations in 26 countries and employs 14,300 people. Net sales in
2008 totalled EUR 3.9 billion. The company's share is quoted on
Nasdaq OMX Helsinki (Rautaruukki Oyj: RTRKS). The Corporation uses
the marketing name Ruukki.


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