Made in Steel 2019: The steel industry calls for unity

Slowing steel demand, compared to 2018 trends; regional market segmentation, fostered by tariffs and global protectionism and a climate of general uncertainty in the industry are challenging the Italian and the European steel industry, after two years - 2017-18 - of renewed optimism and good performance. To overcome current difficulties, strong cooperation within the value chain is needed, involving producers and distributors alike, in their respective areas of responsibility.

This was the gist of the opening address of the eighth edition of Made in Steel, the most influential steel industry Conference & Exhibition in Southern Europe, starting today and running until 16 May at fieramilano Rho (Milano), halls 22 and 24. The title of the trade show is “STEEL HUMAN – Sustainability and innovation”, hinting at some of the main topics what will be discussed during the three day conference.

«Knowledge, cross-contamination and cooperation have been part and parcel  with Siderweb since the steel community was created. We should go back to what unites us within the value chain, rather than highlighting what divides us – said Emanuele Morandi, President and CEO of Made in Steel, in his opening remarks -. Business models are changing and nothing is still the same, but people should remain at the very heart» of the market and of the biennial event of the steel industry. Morandi highlighted that the trade show is more than ever open to the entire value chain: «Two years ago, during Made in Steel 2017, I said that I was ready to open the capital structure of Made in Steel to trade associations, as I reckon it is important to have shared opportunities for reflection. This is my heartfelt wish, which, I hope, will turn into real action» he added.

«The decision to take Made in Steel to Milan (earlier editions were organised in Brescia, ndr) was not taken lightly.  It was an important challenge that would give the event a marked international dimension. The event organisers chose to grow and to evolve: a challenge that Made in Steel won and is still winning – remarked Fabrizio Curci, CEO of Fiera Milano -. The success of the trade show is also the result of the format which is very different from other similar events: a formula which foster dialogue among companies, a highly appreciated feature in the our industry».

«The Region is willing to support you with the measures you need, to help the industry overcome the challenges coming from globalisation, to remain “human” in the new markets – said Alessandro Mattinzoli, councilor for Economic Development for the Lombardy Region -.Politics must be engaged in active listening, evolve and sit at the discussion tables with the general public and the world of business».

Source: Made in Steel, Photo: Fotolia