News

At Aperam, we are driven by a vision that inspires every action we take: to lead as the value creator in the circular economy of infinite, world-changing materials. This vision is more than words; it reflects our commitment to shaping a better future for humankind and our planet.

Our purpose is to transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s solutions by embracing circularity and creating materials that are not only infinite but also impactful. From our innovative recycling efforts to our advanced material solutions, we are reimagining what’s possible in the circular economy while ensuring that every stakeholder – our employees, customers, and communities – benefits from the value we create together.

Since 1966, Aperam Services & Solutions Lusignan has specialized in the surface treatment of Stainless Steel. And now our mirror, grit and ‘bouchonné’ polished surfaces will carry the ‘Origine France Garantie’ label! Whether used for construction, industry, interior décor, or home furnishing, this label gives you confidence that your high-quality and unique aspects support French manufacturing.

The theft of lead from the roofs of churches and other historic buildings is on the rise. Because preventative measures have proven ineffective, there is an increasing need for an alternative roofing material that offers the same qualities as lead but with little salvage value. Here, stainless steel has emerged as the material of choice. In fact, Historic England, the public body that helps people care for, enjoy, and celebrate the country’s historic environment, recommends terne-coated stainless steel (TCSS) as an alternative roof covering.

According to a new Guidance Note published by the organisation, “stainless steel is potentially the most durable roofing metal with its high ductility and tensile strength, making it more resistant to stresses associated with thermal movement and consequent fatigue problems.” It also cites such advantages as:

• Lack of reverse side corrosion
• Significantly lighter than lead
• The cost of a stainless steel roof is similar to lead
• At the end of its life, stainless steel can be melted down and reused
• It has very low scrap value per square metre and is difficult to remove from a roof

Aperam is one of only a few stainless steel manufacturers offering a portfolio of finished products dedicated to the roofing industry. Our Uginox stainless steels can be used with a variety of construction systems, and our experts are available to help you find the right solution for your project.

Clad in elegant silver tiles,  with walls and roof covered in 0.5mm thick Grade 1.4404, 316L Uginox Bright 

The Balancing Barn is a cantilevered holiday home for clients Living Architecture, a British organization devoted to making architecture an experience, who have a series of outstanding holiday homes in the UK. The building, which is 3O metres long, balances over a descending grassed slope at its midpoint leaving 50% projecting into free space, all made possible by the rigid structure. The beauty of the ever changing Suffolk skies and landscape are reflected in the Uginox Bright surface rejoicing in the season’s colours and moods. Roof and walls are covered using a traditional technique of interlocking stainless steel shingles which are individually secured using secret fixings providing robust and easy clean surface. Specialist contractor CEL from Peterborough undertook the project.The building incorporates four double bedrooms, each with separate bathroom and WC. At the centre of the barn is a hidden staircase providing access to the garden beneath. At opposite ends are the kitchen and large living space. All rooms have full height sliding windows giving wonderful views.  

The advantages of stainless steel:

– Its bright surface finish reflects the evolving colour of the day and of the seasons

– A suitable aspect for this type of contemporary architecture

– An easy implementation of shingles providing robustness to the facade

– A smooth low roughness for easy maintenance

– A grade (316L) suitable for marine atmosphere