Steel Construction Vol 40 No 3 - Mining, Industrial, Import/ Export | Page 4

SAISC comment

Engineers, mills, merchants and
fabricators: we need to find a way forward,
together
By Paolo Trinchero, Chief Executive Officer, SAISC

Every day we read articles about the steel
industry. Most not flattering at all. In a time
of crisis everyone wants to blame someone
else for their woes. Government, China,
Policy and yes I agree, all these things have
a role to play in the mess we are in. But we
need to move on and find a way forward.
Each and every one of us is going to have to
find the strength to keep going and unlock
opportunities.
The entire supply chain from consulting
engineers to steel mills, merchants and
fabricators find that there is not sufficient
growth to generate work.
Our work load has dropped through the
floor! This is borne out by manufacturing
and construction index numbers and the
recent release of employment figures.
This is clearly not a desirable situation in
which our industry finds itself. We need
policy change which leads to economic
growth which in turn leads to construction
projects and employment growth.

In an article by Rian de Lange recently,
“Who holds the kryptonite of South Africa’s
steel industry? Or is the industry of steel
suffering from its own metal fatigue – selfinflicted or otherwise?” I would argue that
it is the entire supply chain that has a role
to play in its future. We better start working
together.
If we work tirelessly on innovation and
exports we may find that our competitiveness gives us a steady stream of work. This
is key and recognized by many of the
participants around the table. It’s time to
find a new box or reinvent the old one.
If we have to rely on exports to see us
through we better make sure we have the
right skills in the industry. This is why it’s
so important to ensure that we continue
to train even when the budget is under
pressure.
Spencer Erling is retiring at the end of May.
I am sure that many of you would like to
wish him well and we will be holding a

If we expect the economy to continue to
remain sluggish, if we accept that volatility
is the order of the day, if we expect China
to continue to produce and only cut
capacity very, very slowly... we better find
another approach to staying in business
and fast.

“

special cocktail function in June. Spencer
has played a key role in the industry
and the SAISC. I would like to thank him
for his support and guidance during
these challenging times. Spencer is most
definitely a MAN of STEEL who we can all
look up to.

work tirelessly on innovation and exports we may find
that our competitiveness gives us a steady stream of work. This is key and
recognized by many of the participants around the table.
It’s time to find a new box or reinvent the old one.

If we

”

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Steel Construction Vol. 40 No. 3 2016