The
Spanish Federation of Mould and Die Business Associations (FEAMM), together
with the Valencian Metalworking Business Federation (FEMEVAL), has raised with
the Spanish Secretary of State for Industry, Jordi García Brustenga, the
challenges currently facing the mould and die sector: an industry of strategic
importance to Europe. These challenges stem both from uncertainty linked to its
main automotive clients and from increasing competition from third countries.
The
meeting was attended by the Special Commissioner for Reindustrialisation, Jaime
Peris Pascual; the Director General for Industry and SMEs, María Teresa Parejo
Navajas; David Ochoa Cotino, President of FEAMM and of the Valencian
Association of Mould and Die Companies (ACOVEMM); Empar Martínez Bonafé,
Secretary General of FEMEVAL; Marcel Cerveró Ferrando, Secretary General of
FEAMM and ACOVEMM; Carlos Alves Diz, President of the Galician Association of
Mould, Die and Related Manufacturers (AGMMA), together with its Treasurer,
Maximino Alfaro Pérez; Ángel Gálvez Milán, Secretary General of the Aragonese
Association of Mould and Die Manufacturers (ASAMM); and Luis Antonio Cebrián
Valle, Secretary General of the Basque Association of Mould and Die Manufacturers
(ASVAMM).
During
the meeting, FEAMM highlighted the growing impact of imports from third
countries, on the sector. "These practices, often based on unequal competitive
conditions, not only result in a loss of industrial activity but may also lead
to the disappearance of key productive capabilities in Europe," warned the
President of FEAMM.
In this
context, concerns were also raised about the risks associated with outsourcing
mould and die production to third countries, as this "entails the transfer of
critical technical know-how" and may ultimately enable those countries to
develop and manufacture final products themselves, with significant
implications for European industrial sovereignty.
Against
this backdrop, initiatives such as the forthcoming European 'Made in Europe'
directive take on particular importance, as they aim to strengthen the
strategic autonomy of EU industry. FEAMM stressed the need for Europe, while
upholding the principles of free trade, to establish effective mechanisms to
protect its industrial base.
Among the
proposals presented was the inclusion of clauses in publicly funded projects to
ensure that a significant proportion of contracts are awarded to European
companies, thereby supporting the strengthening of local industry.
At the
same time, the Government was urged to facilitate access for companies in the
sector (95% of which are SMEs) to financial instruments, public aid and funding
programmes to enhance competitiveness and modernisation. Emphasis was also
placed on supporting diversification into new sectors and expanding into
international markets through initiatives such as trade fairs and business
missions.
FEAMM
welcomed the meeting with the Government and expressed its willingness to
continue working with public authorities to promote measures that ensure the
sustainability and competitiveness of the mould and die sector in Spain and
across Europe. The sector's companies are an essential part of the industrial
value chain. "This is a key activity for the development of strategic
industries such as automotive, defence and aerospace. Without moulds and dies,
the serial production of industrial components would not be possible,"
concluded Ochoa.
