ESKUIN & AFM Cluster to Upturn Activity in 2021

San Sebastian, Spain – ESKUIN, the Spanish Hardware and Industrial Supply group of all the players with interests in developing and promoting the hardware and industrial supply sector, supported by AFM Cluster, an organisation that represents the interests of Advanced and Digital Manufacturing in Spain, estimates for sales at the end of the year to contemplate a decrease of 20 percent and an upturn in activity in 2021, cushioned by 3 percent growth in 2019.

The associate companies and cluster, closed 2019 with a relatively good turnover of 3 percent increase in overall sales along with domestic sales growth at 3 percent. Exports also grew, at a rate of 2.95 percent, the construction sector grew the most, with no significant change in agriculture, the distribution of international sales remained similar to that of recent years and stable sector employment figures at around 1900 workers.

But the forecast of the current year has to be revised for Covid-19 pandemic as the group companies along with AFM Cluster adapt to the new situation, by implementing all the safety and prevention measures needed to safeguard the employees and supply the market in normal conditions, as it is evident that the industry needs tools to maintain its activity and that the sector is essential for the continued production at plants and workshops.

The group focuses on, a continuation of the financing measures for companies, flexible employment measures, innovation with resources for R&D, and resilient programs in support of companies' international as well as export activities, to withstand these tough times and reach 2021 in conditions to surf the wave of recovery.

Miguel González, President, ESKUIN commented, “The companies at ESKUIN have adapted to the new situation by implementing all the safety and prevention measures needed to safeguard the health of our employees and supply the market in normal conditions. It is now evident that the industry needs our tools to maintain its activity and that our sector is essential for the continued production at plants and workshops. I would like to highlight that our association with AFM Cluster has been essential to overcome the enormous difficulties we have faced over the last four months. The association's immediate reaction and availability has made it possible to generate a series of activities through which we have adapted to the needs that have arisen due to the crisis. These encompass safety protocols, joint management of PPE, updated information of international markets, financing options, institutional relationships, periodic meetings among members to exchange information, etc."

Image Source: AFM Cluster