The 2021 of the Oldrati Group, one of the most important international groups in the production of rubber, plastic and silicone products, reflected the trends that the pandemic brought to the Industries in which the Group operates and the company was able to promptly adapt. This has allowed the company to close 2021 with a significant growth in turnover.
The year that has just ended was characterized by particularly dynamic demand, evidenced by the latest analysis of the European Commission which estimates a 5% increase in GDP in the European Union (European Commission Economic Forecast – Autumn 2021 – https://bit.ly/3A3t68o) compared to 2020. Oldrati has seen an increase in demand from its customers, driven both by the change in lifestyle due to the lockdown at the beginning of 2021 and the reconfirmation of government bonuses and incentives, key factors that have increased the demand for components produced by Oldrati.
This increase in demand has required Oldrati an extra production effort in all sectors: small and large appliances, automotive, hydrothermal and sports to name a few. The new way of living the house as a refuge and place of well-being, has led to an increase in the use of home appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, coffee machines, heating systems and this has certainly contributed to the positive trend.
With an aggregate 2021 turnover of 180 million euros (+20% compared to 2020), Oldrati once again confirms itself as a company in continuous evolution: of the total Group turnover, the household appliances sector (+25% compared to 2020), the automotive sector (+27% compared to 2020) and the hydrothermal sector (+55% compared to 2020) stand out.
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How did Oldrati cope with these challenges?
“2021, like 2020, was a different but important year for us because it confirmed that only by working as a system can we really achieve valuable and shared results.
The great difficulty in finding raw materials, the increase in their cost and delays in deliveries have been really tough challenges, but working in partnership with both suppliers and customers has enabled us to overcome this phase. Certainly, tested by the effort but without any real problems. To put it in a metaphor, it was like running the 800 meters, you arrive at the finish line exhausted and out of breath but happy with your performance.
In fact, we believe we have shown that choosing Oldrati means choosing a partner who can give continuity to the promised services, ensuring innovation, technology and quality at all times.
To the uncertainties that undermine the continuity of production chains, we have responded by creating synergies and working in partnership with our customers and suppliers, to find those winning solutions to be able together to restart the industry and innovation.
This is what it means for us to be able to guarantee stability and meet the needs of our customers. These have always been the most important values for us,” said Manuel Oldrati, CEO of the Oldrati Group.
In addition to the continuing shortage of raw materials and their rising cost, 2022 is opening up with another challenge that is particularly important for a manufacturing company: the rising cost of electricity.
What effect will the increase in electricity have on a manufacturing group like Oldrati?
“Suffice it to say that the PUN index of the free electricity market is registering increases close to 400% of the average prices of six months ago. This means that some energy-intensive companies may not be able to cover these increases, leading to possible instability. There are many reasons for this, from large global energy flows to geopolitical tensions, but we cannot fail to realise that it is businesses and private citizens who will pay the bill. This is a very important issue that we must address as an economic system and as a country system as a whole. Individuals alone are bound to have great difficulty.
Within our group, we too are dealing with this rise in energy costs on two fronts.
Internally, we continue to implement all possible solutions to optimise energy consumption. For years now, we have had an Energy Team, a cross-functional working group whose aim is to identify and implement continuous energy efficiency measures. For some time we have been making major investments, for example new photovoltaic panels have been installed and innovative low-consumption machinery has been introduced.
Talking to customers, we are explaining that in such a turbulent historical phase the real added value is to be able to guarantee continuity of supply, at market prices. We are also explaining that unfortunately our Group is not able to absorb these new costs and therefore we are obliged to ask our customers for support.
What consequences do you see for the market as a result of rising electricity costs?
“I do a lot of research and talk to other companies, and unfortunately I am sensing that behind some of the offers on the market at low prices there may be a high-risk speculative approach. In other words, the risk is that after a short time the supplier will no longer be able to meet its commitments. The most likely consequence is that some supply chains will be interrupted with direct consequences on supply chains. This is why I continue to emphasise the importance of the system and the value of continuity in the relationship with partners,” concluded Manuel Oldrati, CEO of Oldrati Group.
The many actions of energy efficiency carried out in recent years place Oldrati Group in a good position to face the current increase in the cost of electricity and testify to the fact that actions aimed at environmental sustainability (such as the optimization of energy consumption) also allow an economic sustainability with benefits for the entire supply chain.
Oldrati is a leading international group in the production of rubber, plastic and silicone products. Founded in Villongo (Bergamo) in 1964, it is present in Italy and internationally with 11 production sites, around 1600 employees and a turnover of 180 million Euros. The Group’s continuous expansion is achieved through the progressive integration of companies with high technological content and growing internationalisation.
Ufficio Stampa Oldrati Group
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