Tungco strengthens its position as a global leader in metal reclamation with the complete acquisition of HSS GmbH, marking a significant expansion in the European high-speed steel recycling market.
There’s something powerful about a handshake that seals a legacy.
Last week, Cliff Nance, CEO of Tungco, traveled to Hannover, Germany — not just to attend EMO, one of the world’s premier metalworking trade shows, but to complete a pivotal moment in our company’s growth. While Markus Ewecker, Rob Doner, and Adam Rubin held down the fort at our busy trade show booth, Cliff slipped away for a day to do something equally important: officially complete the full acquisition of HSS GmbH and honor the man who built it.
Honoring a Legacy
Harry Stender founded HSS GmbH in 2011, building it into a respected name in high-speed steel reclamation across Europe. Tungco acquired the company several years ago, but Harry remained at the helm, guiding operations with the steady hand of experience. Now, as Harry steps into retirement, he’s passing the torch with confidence.
“I’m 100% sure that Tungco will be a good successor,” Harry shared during the handover. “They are professionals, and so I’m optimistic.”
Cliff’s response was equally heartfelt: “You’ve done an awesome job. We’re going to take care of it for you.”
It was a moment that embodied what we believe at Tungco — that business is built on relationships, respect, and the understanding that some things are bigger than any single transaction.
The New Guard: Ralf Fritsche Steps Up
With Harry’s retirement comes new leadership. Ralf Fritsche, who previously managed procurement at HSS, is now taking full responsibility for both sales and procurement operations. For Ralf, this isn’t just a promotion — it’s an opportunity to expand what HSS can do.
“I’m excited because I can take full responsibility and decisions,” Ralf explained. “I’m looking forward to filling the stock and the yard with material in order to sell it. Obviously, we don’t live from purchasing, we live from the sales.”
Ralf will be overseen by Markus Ewecker, our Director of European Operations and 2024 Founders Award recipient — and here’s where the story gets even better: Harry was Markus and Ralf’s mentor. Now Markus is overseeing HSS while Ralf manages day-to-day operations. It’s a perfect example of how mentorship and legacy carry forward.
And in a fitting tribute, during Cliff’s visit, he was able to greet Serdal Akpinar, Director of Operations at Tungco GmbH and the 2025 Founders Award winner (yes, he received a Rolex). That’s two consecutive years that our German operations have produced Founders Award recipients — a testament to the exceptional talent we have in Europe.
Location, Location, Location
Here’s a detail that matters more than you might think: HSS GmbH’s warehouse sits right next door to Tungco GmbH, where Markus works. They can literally walk back and forth between facilities. That kind of proximity isn’t just convenient — it’s strategic. It allows for seamless collaboration, shared resources, and the kind of operational synergy that makes growth possible.
What HSS Does — And Why It Matters
HSS GmbH specializes in high-speed steel turnings — the environmentally safe scrap material generated from machining and manufacturing operations across Europe. These turnings are carefully sorted, analyzed, and blended before being processed into reusable material.
During his visit, Cliff walked through the operation, inspecting the turnings that had been purchased for blending and loading. Each big bag is tagged with an analyzing number and weight, making every supplier trackable and every batch accountable. It’s the kind of meticulous attention to detail that defines quality operations.
You may have seen our previous videos featuring Markus, but to check out that iconic orange pour of molten metal, you can watch it here: “Step by Step” video.
A Vision for the Future
Cliff’s optimism about the acquisition was evident throughout the visit.
“I’m excited about our partnership finally coming fully together, where we’re in full control of our destiny,” he said. “I think the future is going to be bright, looking for growth and expansion, really all over the globe. Between 74 Alloys, Tungco, HSS GmbH, I think that’s going to all just meld together really, really well.”
This acquisition positions Tungco as a leader in recycled high-speed steel in the European market and further establishes our worldwide presence. It’s not just about expanding our footprint — it’s about expanding our impact. Every ton of high-speed steel we reclaim is material that doesn’t need to be mined, refined, or shipped halfway around the world. It’s sustainability in action. It’s the circular economy at work.
What This Means for Our Partners
For our suppliers and customers, this means expanded capacity, deeper expertise, and even stronger service across Europe. It means more buying power, more processing capability, and more reliability in a market that demands all three.
For the team at HSS, it means resources, support, and the backing of a global organization that still operates with the values of a family business.
And for Tungco? It means we’re doing exactly what we’ve always done — reclaiming not just metals, but relationships and opportunities. Building something that lasts. Doing things the right way, not the easy way.
Onward
As Harry Stender enjoys his well-earned retirement, we’re honored to carry forward what he built. As Ralf Fritsche steps into leadership, we’re excited to see what he’ll accomplish. And as Markus Ewecker continues to prove why he’s one of the best in the business, we’re grateful to have him guiding operations.
This is what growth looks like when it’s rooted in legacy, driven by relationships, and built to last.
Here’s to new beginnings — and to the work that never ends.
About HSS GmbH
HSS GmbH, founded in 2011 and now fully owned by Tungco, specializes in high-speed steel turnings reclamation in the European market. Located in Germany adjacent to Tungco GmbH, HSS processes environmentally safe turnings from machining and manufacturing operations, transforming them into raw feed for new high-speed steel products.
About Tungco
Tungco was founded in 1969 and is a global leader in tungsten carbide and metal reclamation, providing exceptional service and high-performance products through sustainable sourcing and relationship-driven business practices. With operations spanning North America, Europe, and beyond, Tungco reclaims, refines, and gives metals a second life — generation after generation.
