Against a backdrop of market instability, and with the automotive sector grappling with a hesitant transition to electric vehicles, Metallurgica Marcora is investing to expand its range of special profiles. This was explained by Roberto Marcora, Head of Sales and Business Development at the manufacturer of hot rolled steels (flats, squares and special sections).
The steel market continues to be affected by geopolitical instability, high energy costs and weak demand. How do you view the current steel market situation, and which trends do you consider most significant in the short to medium term?
We believe this volatility will continue into the short to medium term. In this context, quality, flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to customer needs are becoming increasingly crucial factors. At the same time, product specialisation and innovation are key drivers for maintaining competitiveness, particularly in international markets.
The automotive sector is one of Metallurgica Marcora’s key markets. How are customer demands changing in this sector? What opportunities do you see?
The automotive sector is undergoing a period of major and highly delicate transformation, influenced by European regulatory decisions and the transition to electric mobility. This change has created uncertainty throughout the supply chain and has fuelled fierce international competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, who are now highly competitive in the electric vehicle sector. In this context, customers are increasingly demanding quality, flexibility and reliability. For us, the challenge is to continue supporting them with high-quality products and services, whilst adapting rapidly to market developments.
Which geographical markets are currently the most strategic for Metallurgica Marcora? Where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth in the coming years?
Europe remains our core market, currently accounting for around 60-70% of our business. In an increasingly competitive international landscape, we believe it is essential to diversify our markets and develop new commercial outlets wherever possible. That is why we have recently identified interesting opportunities in the growth of special profiles, a segment in which we are investing to expand our product range and meet increasingly specific customer requirements.
In recent years, you have invested in automation and production innovation. To what extent do these investments impact your commercial capacity and business growth?
Investments in automation and innovation are essential for maintaining high quality standards, improving production efficiency and responding more quickly to market demands. Today, competitiveness is not measured solely by price, but also by the ability to guarantee continuity, reliability and flexibility. This is why we continue to invest in technologies that strengthen our market position and enable us to face future challenges with greater resilience.
What prompted you to return to Made in Steel as exhibitors? What are your objectives in taking part in this international event, and what messages do you wish to convey to the market?
We decided to return to Made in Steel because it is the ideal place to meet customers and partners and engage with the market. For us, it will be an opportunity to explain who we are: a family-run business that continues to focus, as mentioned, on quality, flexibility and a direct relationship with the customer. We want to make it clear that, even in a constantly evolving sector, these values remain our main strength.
What do you expect to find at the event? Are you focusing more on consolidating existing business relationships or on establishing new ones?
Definitely both. It will be a pleasure to see customers and partners we have been working with for years, but a major event like Made in Steel is also the perfect opportunity to get to know new companies and gauge the market climate. Every meeting can provide inspiration for growth and for building new partnerships.
If you were to describe Metallurgica Marcora’s vision for the next five to ten years, what strategic priorities will guide the company’s growth?
In the coming years, we want to continue to grow steadily, investing in quality, innovation and increasingly sustainable production, just as we have always done. The installation of the new 1MW rooftop solar panel system is a step in precisely this direction; it is a tangible investment that reflects our vision. As the fifth generation at the helm of a company founded in 1878, we feel a responsibility to develop Metallurgica Marcora, keeping alive the values that have made it a benchmark to this day, whilst looking to the future with enthusiasm and the confidence that we can tackle the new challenges the market will present us with.
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