Spring manufacturers in the days of COVID-19
In such a delicate economic, social, and industrial context, which also closely touches some of Italy's best productive activities, we asked Francesco Silvestri, President of ANCCEM, the National Association of Spring Manufacturers, for an opinion and a point of view. During the last major crisis, that of 2008-2009, the Italian spring industry has shown excellent performance, also compared to the neighboring sectors, and an ability to adapt that has allowed it to overcome very difficult times.
Are we facing a crisis comparable in size to that of 2008-2009?
It is hard to say, it's too early to estimate the extent of what is happening. Of course, all of us, including springmakers, are experiencing considerable difficulties. In the past, our branch has been able to face very critical situations and create opportunities out of problems. I hope that this will be the case this time as well.
For your sector this calamity arrives at an unfavourable time.
Yes, we've been experiencing a decline in the second half of 2019, mainly due to the crisis in the automotive industry.
How are spring manufacturers dealing with this phase?
There is a strange mix between contraction, due to a general economy slowdown, and upturn, caused by the frenzy of some foreign customers who have started with a kind of supply race, fearing that the situation in Italy will plummet. Actually, this is not a real increase in our work, but an anticipation of the future.
As an association, how do you comment on the decision to postpone the wire fair in Düsseldorf, originally scheduled for the end of March?
The decision that was taken was the most correct, and it was communicated at the right time, so that everyone could reorganise themselves. We had already raised the issue with our European Spring Federation (ESF) before the alarm spread across the continent, trying to organise a common position. Fortunately, when the events began to spiral down, the organisers announced the postponement, anticipating the presentation of our appeals.
How is ANCCEM taking action in regards to its events and courses that it regularly holds?
We decided to suspend all scheduled appointments, also at European level. We will keep, at least for the moment, our mid-May conference only; we will later assess what to do according to the next developments.
What do you feel like saying to entrepreneurs in the industry?
Everyone in their sector is experiencing the problems of an unforeseen and unforeseeable situation, and I think it is time to put aside individual requests, bringing out the best of us to face an emergency that is primarily social. Everyone has his or her own ideas and recipes, but this is certainly not the time to argue or make claims.