2020: a before and after for the rolled steel sector
Arania bids farewell to a year 2020 marked by the pandemic in every way. The cold-rolled steel sector has rarely faced such a complicated situation, both from an industrial point of view and from health, social and economic perspectives. However, despite the complicated situation, the overcoming of all these challenges involves discovering new opportunities, boosting new sectors and reinforcing the confidence of customers, suppliers and employees, whose efforts have been essential for continued progress in spite of adversity.
What can we say about this year 2020? The whole world has witnessed a global crisis caused by the Covid-19, which has exposed huge gaps in the entire health care value chain, from common citizens to international health institutions.
Leaving aside the human tragedy triggered by the coronavirus, which has already claimed 1.5 million confirmed deaths worldwide, the pandemic has also represented a severe impact on our modern socioeconomic system. In both developed and emerging countries, the Covid-19 has wiped out many sectors, activities and, above all, millions of jobs.
In short, this year will be defined by the incredible series of challenges that, as flagship of a leading international group in steel rolling, Arania was required to overcome one by one. As the leader of the Arania Group, the company itself has been responsible for leading the management of this crisis in order to minimise as much as possible the impact on industrial activity, guaranteeing above all the safety of workers and the confidence of both customers and partners.
Since February 2020, Arania decided to anticipate events and made the necessary moves to weather the storm, proposing a strategic reorientation and redefinition of the business model that was required by the rolled steel sector during the crisis. The solution was the 3R Framework: Resist, Rebuild, Renew. This action plan has placed Arania as an industrial reference in the management of this crisis. The main objective was to establish a production strategy based on flexible manufacturing and controlled costs, focused on offering maximum availability to customers.
On a human level, it has also been an unprecedented challenge that Arania managed to surmount thanks to joint efforts and new technologies. Activating the talent of the staff and developing digital skills have proved to be key instruments for ensuring a quality service, reinforcing the confidence of both clients, suppliers and authorities.
It is now official. From next year, the different coronavirus vaccines developed by laboratories around the world will already be available. As governments begin to vaccinate the population, socio-economic activity will regain momentum. Key sectors for Arania, such as the automotive industry, are called upon to drive the recovery.
On the other hand, events during 2020 also open the door to new projects. For example, digitalisation and the transition to renewable energy have been accelerated, news of effective vaccines are bringing a positive feeling to the markets, the arrival of a new tenant at the White House could shift the commercial dynamic between China and Western countries…
All in all, this 2020 year is ending with some hopeful signs that should be exploited to ensure continued growth within the international rolled steel sector. Once the most critical stage of this pandemic passed, it will be time for Arania to expand its expectations and explore new opportunities, promoting new sectors and reinforcing key purchasing factors..