"By joining the UN Global Compact and in accordance with our Group's own mission statement, Acerinox has committed itself to sustainable action – in economic, ecological and also social terms", explains Bernardo Vélazquez, Chief Executive Officer of Acerinox and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of VDM Metals. As a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in violation of international law, several million people are now on the run. Some people are fleeing from heavily contested parts of Ukraine to less affected areas, while others are fleeing to other countries.

More and more people from Ukraine are also arriving in Germany. In order for VDM Metals to live up to its social responsibility as a company, the management has decided to rent housing for a total of 57 people in Werdohl, Altena and Neuenrade, all Germany, at short notice through the municipal housing associations. The apartments, which vary in size, will be referred to the refugees by the relevant local authorities who register the refugees. The majority of apartments has already been occupied. "Through personal contacts, I have gained direct insight into the situation of refugees from Ukraine. We can hardly comprehend the drama of such a fleeing. We want to contribute to mitigate the consequences of the war by providing accommodation", says Dr. Niclas Müller, Chief Executive Officer of VDM Metals.

For Dr. Niclas Müller, renting apartments is just an intermediate step: "VDM Metals owns several residential properties in Altena, directly neighbouring our production site there, which have been vacant for several years. We have started to refurbish and repair these properties in order to make them available as living space in the medium term."