Ljubljana, 10 October 2025 – SIJ Group employees yesterday contributed to the communities in Jesenice, Ravne na Koroškem, and Ljubljana by working together under the slogan "Bonds of Steel Between us" as part of the 6th Local Community Partnership Day. Through their volunteer work and open-hearted socializing, 99 employees strengthened the close ties of coexistence and mutual trust with the local community.

Yesterday, employees of SIJ Group companies SIJ Acroni, SIJ Metal Ravne, SIJ Ravne Systems, SIJ SUZ, SIJ ZIP centre, SIJ Storitve, and SIJ d.d. were again active as volunteers in the local community as part of the 6th Local Community Partnership Day. With dedication and warmth, they brightened the days of their fellow citizens and, through their efforts, enhanced the surroundings and interiors of schools, kindergartens, and other institutions.

“As part of this wonderful volunteer initiative, more than 400 participants forged strong bonds with one another. Among them were employees of SIJ Group companies who spent part of their working hours volunteering, as well as children and professionals in schools and kindergartens, and service users in various centers. Through our volunteer work, we are making small yet meaningful contributions to improving the lives of people in the local communities where our employees and their families live and work,” said Sara Wagner, Head of Corporate Communications at SIJ Group, who volunteered alongside users of the Labour and Employment Centre Janez Levec.

In Jesenice, volunteers and employees of Koroška Bela Primary School painted the school cloakrooms and tidied the school and its surroundings. On this occasion, SIJ Acroni employees also donated mini football goals to the school, which were handcrafted by the company’s own staff.

“At SIJ Acroni, we always enjoy visiting Koroška Bela Primary School, our closest neighbour, where we can contribute through useful work and strengthen our mutual ties. This year, we are especially proud to have donated two mini football goals to the school. The idea came from our maintenance team, who not only proposed the project but also manufacture the goals themselves. Their initiative and dedication are a fine example of how even small actions can leave a lasting mark on the environment where we live and work. It is actions like these that remind us that steel connects us — not only in our production processes, but also in society as a whole,” said Branko Žerdoner, Managing Director of SIJ Acroni, during his visit to Koroška Bela Primary School.

At two units of Jesenice Kindergarten, volunteers painted the cloakrooms and introduced the children to the world of steelmaking in a creative way — through storytelling, material displays, and plasticine play. The children’s everyday playtime will also be enriched in the future by new toys donated to the kindergarten on this occasion.

"On behalf of the entire Jesenice Kindergarten, I would like to sincerely thank you for your time, attention, and gifts. Through workshops with natural plasticine and steel-themed crafts, you have opened the door to a world that the children at the Angelca Ocepek unit rarely get to experience, and in a very engaging way. We are also deeply grateful for your support in improving conditions at the Cilka Zupančič unit – every bit of help is invaluable. Your contributions enhance not only the environment for children and staff but also send a powerful message—that you truly care," said Vanja Kramar, Principal of Jesenice Kindergarten.

In Ravne na Koroškem, where the tradition of steelmaking has continued uninterrupted for more than 400 years, residents of the KO-RA Senior Citizens’ Centre tested their knowledge in a steelmaking quiz. It quickly became clear that many former steelworkers were among the participants, as their knowledge was impressive. They also had no trouble guessing the profession of the mystery guest. Among the participants were a few parents of SIJ Group employees, which led to many stories and memories being shared.

“Weaving social — or in our case, steel — bonds with the local community is key to building a positive and sustainable society, one that promotes social inclusion. A large part of this community consists of older residents, many of whom dedicated much of their lives to working in steel companies in Ravne na Koroškem. Through our activities, we want to show that our companies are not only places of work, but integral parts of the community — a community with which we share common values and to which we are always glad to give back in various ways,” said Matjaž Hudopisk, Director of SIJ Ravne Systems, during a visit to the KO-RA Senior Citizens’ Center.

The children from the central unit of the Solzice Kindergarten in Ravne also explored the world of steelmaking and discovered how omnipresent steel is in the world around them. They were thrilled with the new toys that the kindergarten received as a gift on this occasion.

“We believe that great stories begin with the youngest. That is why we were delighted to open the doors to the world of steel for preschool children. Together, we eagerly explored the secrets of our sustainable production and innovative products. Their sincerity and enthusiasm reminded us once again that the future is built on knowledge, cooperation, and a mind of steel,” said Jernej Močnik, Managing Director of SIJ Metal Ravne, after volunteering in the kindergarten.

SIJ Group also includes two social enterprises that provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities, helping to integrate vulnerable groups into the working environment. “Through personal experience and a strong awareness of the importance of inclusion, our activities at all three locations this year also involved 86 adults with physical and intellectual disabilities, with whom we have forged special and heartfelt bonds,” said Luka Debeljak, Director of SIJ ZIP Center, who took part in the activities at the Ravne na Koroškem Care and Work Centre, where volunteers assisted the service users with their daily tasks.

On the other side of Slovenia, in Jesenice, volunteers and service users of the LEPA SI Association created art, played board games, and socialized to the sound of the accordion, played by a SIJ Acroni employee. Meanwhile, in Ljubljana, volunteers joined service users and professional staff of the Labour and Employment Centre Janez Levec to tidy up the area around the building and nearby park.

“Our service users are always delighted to welcome visitors — especially those who return regularly. This was once again the case with SIJ volunteers, who decided to carry out another work activity at our care and employment center this year. We rolled up our sleeves and worked together to clean up the park, lawn, and bocce ball court, strengthening our bonds of cooperation and friendship in the process. All of this means a great deal to us. We sincerely thank SIJ team for their help and continued partnership,” said the team of professional staff at the Labour and Employment Centre Janez Levec.

In the total of six Local Community Partnership Days held so far, SIJ Group has donated 1870 volunteer hours to the communities in Jesenice, Ravne na Koroškem, and Ljubljana, and approximately 925 volunteers have participated in the actions at all three locations.

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SIJ – Slovenian Steel Group is one of Europe's leading producers of stainless steel and special steels. We are committed to global and European climate goals and operate in line with circular economy principles. With our steel and steel products, we are the right partner for facilitating the green transition in Europe. We confirmed our sustainability credentials by achieving certification to the stringent ResponsibleSteel standard in 2024. This positions us as one of the world's most responsible and sustainable steel producers. Our two largest companies are modern recycling steelworks, and our steel is recycled because it is made from steel scrap. With more than 3,600 employees, we are one of the largest employers in Slovenia and a pillar of the Slovenian steel sector. We are one of Slovenia's leading exporters. About 85% of our revenue is generated in foreign markets.

Find out more at:

SIJ – Slovenska industrija jekla, d.d.

Mag. Sara Wagner, Head of Corporate Communications

Corporate Communications

Phone: +386 1 242 98 27

Mobile: +386 41 313 532

E-mail: sara.wagner@sij.si