More than two decades ago, when the first carriages of the Sofia Metro set off on their route, few could have predicted the massive transformation that lay ahead. From a modest transport line, it has become the heart of urban mobility - faster, cleaner, and more accessible than ever. With the first trains, the capital took a new direction - toward a more sustainable, intelligent future.

Now, as three new stations on Line 3 will connect the neighborhoods of “Hadzhi Dimitar” and “Levski” with the city’s pulse, we at HLS Trade Ltd. are filled with pride. Because the route we will travel is not just infrastructure - it is a highway to the future of transportation in Bulgaria.

For us, the Sofia Metro is not just an engineering achievement. It is a symbol of new thinking that does not settle for traditional solutions but seeks innovations that make cities greener, people more connected, and the environment cleaner.

Infrastructure with Responsibility

The Sofia Metro is no longer just a project to ease traffic - it is the face of a new paradigm in the transport industry. Modern urban mobility is built on the principles of sustainability, durability, and technological leadership.

In 2024, we delivered over 500 tons of low-carbon steel products, specially designed for the needs of the Sofia Metro – a material with high durability and a low carbon footprint.

This was not merely a logistical commitment – it was an expression of our ambition to make a real contribution to Bulgaria’s green transformation.

While riding the metro - fast, quiet, and safe - we rarely think about what lies beneath us. But under every new station, under every tunnel, lie vision, innovation, and responsibility. Over 10,000 meters of smart steel rails were used in the construction of the new stations and the renovation of existing infrastructure - a real example of how sustainable technologies are already moving the city forward.

HLS Trade Ltd. believes that responsible business is not just about following trends, but creating them. We are here to create, to connect people, technologies, and opportunities. To turn a railway line into a path toward a sustainable future.

Smart Steel - The Backbone of a Modern Capital

The rails, over which thousands of people will travel every day, are made not just of metal, but of smart steel, crafted with care for every carbon molecule. These rails are not visible to everyone, yet they are the foundation of something much bigger – a green, modern, and connected Sofia. Produced by ArcelorMittal – a global leader in the steel industry – these products are created in electric arc furnaces powered by renewable energy and using 100% recycled metal. No coal. With up to five times lower carbon footprint than traditional steel. This is not just a technological achievement. It is a message: that we can create without destroying, build without leaving a heavy footprint behind.

Partnerships for Long-Term Change

At HLS Trade, we do not just supply materials – we build bridges between industrial innovation and the needs of Bulgarian infrastructure. Our long-term partnership with ArcelorMittal is the result of targeted efforts to implement sustainable solutions in public and transport environments. Over the years, we have built a network of over 70 companies, institutions, and associations that share our vision – for development that respects both the planet and people.

Creating “green partnerships” is not just a strategic choice for us – it is our commitment to future generations, because building sustainable infrastructure and transforming industry is the result of collective effort.

We believe that real change happens through collaboration. That is why we maintain key partnerships not only with manufacturers but also with leading construction companies in our country, which are involved in the construction of new metro stations and other key infrastructure projects.

We support the efforts of Sofia Municipality and the Sofia Metro, as the project owner and strategic operator, to achieve cutting-edge technological solutions and next-generation “smart materials.” These relationships are built with attention to ethics in public relations and a long-term commitment to quality and sustainable development.

This fact engages and motivates us with conviction and determination to seek and develop partnerships with companies, institutions, and organizations that share our vision for sustainable development and environmental protection.

The True Value of Sustainability

We often hear that sustainable technologies are expensive. The truth is exactly the opposite. Smart steel is stronger, more efficient, longer-lasting, and significantly lower in maintenance costs. It is a strategic investment – in an economy that thinks ahead, and in a future that begins today. For us, every rail, every meter of track, and every station must be a symbol of progress – both technological and moral. When we choose sustainable solutions, we are not just building – we are creating a future. For the children who will breathe cleaner air. For the society that deserves modern transport. For the planet that can no longer wait.

Conclusion: We Are Not Just Building a Metro – We Are Building a Future

Our project for supplying smart steel for the Sofia Metro is much more than an industrial undertaking. It is our cause. It is proof that when a business thinks long-term, when partnerships are built on shared values, and innovations serve society, we can create real change. HLS Trade Ltd. believes that responsible business is the one that does not just follow trends, but creates them.

And we are here - to create. To connect people, technologies, and opportunities.

To turn every railway line into a path toward a sustainable future.

Recognition for Sustainable Partnerships

We are proud to announce that HLS Trade has won two prestigious awards at the 2025 “Green Oscars,” organized by #b2bmedia!

🥇 First place in the “Green Partnerships” category

🥈 Second place in the “Automotive, Transport, and Logistics” category

These distinctions are not just recognition – they are proof of our commitment to sustainable development and responsible partnerships, built with a clear vision for the future. They confirm the direction in which we are working – implementing sustainable industrial solutions and actively contributing to the development of modern infrastructure in Bulgaria, including our role in the Sofia Metro project.