ANALYSIS
TFIX-8ST was awarded the TopBuilder prize for the most innovative construction product by leading Polish construction magazine, Builder. 2011 was also for us a time of hard work developing a further twelve innovative products that will be launched in 2012-2013. The most important driver for the construction industry sector in Europe we consider to be the programme for thermo-modernisation of buildings. Last year’s experiences show that the flexibility is not enough
to maintain a market leading position. To be competitive in the construction sector flexibility must be combined with innovative products and technologies. The natural disasters in 2011 became the trigger for moving
production to countries with a steadier policy (50% domestic suppliers or EU) rather than to low cost countries as had been the previously characteristic trend.
Prospects and challenges for 2012 We evaluate that the Eurozone crisis will have an important
influence on the construction sector. We expect the second wave of crisis in 2012, which will test the fastener market sector, leaving on the market only the strongest and the most
innovative players. We estimate in 2012 a decline of 5 percent in the construction sector and 10 percent in automotive sectors, whereas we see demand in the electronics and telecoms sectors remaining at a similar level to 2011. Coping with inflation will be one of the biggest challenges for
fastener companies in 2012. From the other side the growing cost of Far Eastern competitors will provide an important opportunity for European/domestic fastener producers. The diminution of the production cost difference between Europe and the Far East could be a good chance for European companies.
Priorities for 2012/2013 One of the most important goals to achieve will be the
reduction of energy consumption in the manufacturing process, especially in the sector of steel and plastic material processing. Our important achievement in 2011 is the 34% reduction
of energy consumption used for production of Class 8.8 steel components. In 2012-2014 we intend to reduce the energy consumption by a further 15% and save in total 50% on energy consumption used for production of each tonne of metal items.
Dirk Kiele-Dunsche managing director: WASI, Germany
A retrospective on 2011 In 2011 the stainless steel fastener market has again showed
a clear volatility. After a first half in which prices remained on a high to normal level, prices went down significantly in the second half. It became obvious that a strong connection between the global economic situation and nickel pricing exists.
What the industry should learn from 2011 Given the current global economic situation I believe that
stable and sustainable client and supplier relationships should have a higher priority than short-term business activities targeting the best price for a product.
The prospects and challenges for 2012 I assume that politicians will gain control of the financial Euro crisis because the real economy in the decision-making
countries is in good shape compared to other industrial regions. It will be a challenge for all levels of the fastener market in 2012 to meet the difficult-to-project supply needs because right now all disposing and production is handled rather reluctantly.
Technology drivers for the fastener industry I see the trend in the stainless steel fastener market to lower
costs within the supply chain from producer all the way to the consumer. This can be achieved with innovative IT solutions and logistics processes. By doing so continuous revenues can be generated despite the tense pricing situation for customers.
The priorities for the fastener industry in 2012/2013 The European fastener industry should continue to focus
on client demands. Many customers do not look for a fastener supplier any more: they look for a system partner.
Manuele Avanzolini general manager: Rivit S.r.l, Italy
R 68
ivit is proud to look back at its achievements and to approach the future with optimism. 2011, despite the international and
domestic economic situations, has been a time for business consolidation and launching new challenges in markets where the company was not previously strongly represented. The most important event was the opening of ‘RIVIT INDIA FASTENERS
PVT.LTD.’ realising the goal for Rivit to firmly establish itself in a market of the future. At the beginning of the year the
fasteners and tools industry experienced a
strong revival. However, from August 2011 it is back again in a phase of profound market attention. On one side, many companies suffer from the crisis; on the other many take advantage and develop their business. As always, crises offer also opportunities. The strong 2009/2010 downturn,
however, has generated greater mistrust in business, leading to more reticent working relationships, greater attention to payments, and much more careful selection of partners. Even now, the situation does not allow the positivity usually associated with strong
Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 73 January 2012
development of the market. Moreover, the market suffers a
continual fall in prices as everyone searches for bargains, to the detriment of the quality and service, and also the risk of leaving the product impoverished. The fastener industry should take
account of the 2011 economic situation and continue to be the engine for the development of its essential purpose: the mechanical fixing. It must not concern itself just with creating and/or distributing products to win the customer at any rate, but focus on continuing to offer quality and innovation. Launching new products
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