2023.04.03

20 years of material supply

You have been in the industry for a long time, what developments have occurred in the industry since SAMS started in 2003?

– Ensuring a stable and cost-effective supply of materials from our members' supply chains has always been of utmost importance. Through SAMS, we have been able to network and help each other through times of supply problems such as shortages and bottlenecks. Unfortunately, the global situation has given us in the industry completely new challenges in recent years. Geopolitical threats, pandemics, shutdowns, shipping problems, component and material shortages to name a few. Never before have such major problems affected the industry in a similar way. Our member companies have nevertheless succeeded relatively well in keeping production running and protecting our customers from disruptions in an impressive way. We cannot expect stable supply chains for a long time and may never return to any previous "normal level". We need to equip ourselves to handle challenges in the future.

What conditions existed in the industry then and what do they look like today?

– I have a positive view of the Swedish engineering industry. We have a large number of successful companies that together give us a basis for continued development. Given that Sweden is a small country, we have an impressive number of innovative companies that can attract talent and create profitability even under challenging market conditions. The challenges with supply chains in recent years will lead to reduced imports and increased regionalization, which I believe will be a good opportunity for our Swedish companies.

What importance do SAMS members have today for the supply of materials to the Swedish technology industry?

– SAMS members have a combined annual turnover of SEK 127 billion and 65,000 employees. Members purchase 600,000 tons of steel each year, which represents approximately 16% of Sweden's ready-to-trade steel. We are an active association with many opportunities for networking. We had over 40 meetings in total in 2022. We mainly have quarterly meetings, but with working groups that meet between our meetings to report useful information that gives all our members a good idea of the market situation. We also have the privilege of receiving quarterly economic macro-data from the economists of the Swedish Technology Companies. With good market knowledge, members are given better opportunities to succeed in negotiations and early warning of possible risks and disruptions. In this way, SAMS contributes to a stable and cost-effective supply of materials to the Swedish technology industry.

How will SAMS continue to be a relevant association in the next 20 years?

– We will need to shift our focus to new areas beyond the pure supply of raw materials. We are facing a gigantic transition towards sustainability in industry. The goal of getting to 0 emissions will mean major changes and this journey has only just begun. We are largely steel-based and steel accounts for a significant proportion of the world's CO2 emissions. Digitalization and energy supply are areas that need to be highlighted. Transparency throughout the entire supply chain from mining to recycling of all materials is becoming increasingly important and must be able to be followed in real time. Code of conduct and social responsibility must be cornerstones in the industry of the future. Here I believe that SAMS has an important role to play. Our member companies have come different ways and here I believe that we can help each other find the best ways to be at the forefront.

How has SAMS celebrated its 20th anniversary?

– One of SAMS's most appreciated events is our so-called spring meetings. These are usually held as a physical meeting and are combined with a factory visit. This year we had the privilege of visiting the HNP Steel Service Center in Osby. Great participation and an opportunity to see one of Sweden's most modern steel service centers.

Of course, we took the opportunity to end the day with a toast to our 20 years in bubbles and had a nice dinner. Here we also heard anecdotes from the time when SAMS was a fairly newly formed association.