Insight

Welcome to the 2024 Janus Perspective, a unique feature that includes a wide cross section of global fastener business leaders. Named after the Roman God 'Janus' – who had the ability to look to the future and to the past, and was often depicted with having two faces – this feature brings together thought leaders from every facet of the industry, from around the world, to give us their retrospective on 2023, as well as prospects and challenges for 2024.

Daniel Suárez, managing director

2023 turned out to be a very good year to strengthen our relations with customers and introduce new projects – with all our latest investments being activated and leading to us attracting several new opportunities with more complex products and focusing on providing higher value for extended customer needs.

The investment in 2023 included in our production, with the addition of 5 blow and 6 blow stamping machines, as well as new assembly machines, enabling BRALO to have access to more complex products and provide solutions to the latest customer requirements. Last year also saw us set new technology levels in our battery tools range, with us dedicating efforts to a new BT-18N battery tool for blind rivet nuts, which will be launched into the market at the beginning of 2024.

At the same time, we implemented new improvements to our BT-20 tool, which was a very successful tool and has achieved sales over our initial plans. This new second generation tool is still a reliable and robust machine, but we’ve added innovative improvements and extended performance so that it can set lockbolts (pin and collar).

During 2023 we also attended Fastener Fair Global in Stuttgart, Germany. After four years without meeting customers, partners, media, and the fasteners community, we faced preparation and participation at the fair with full dedication. We were very happy with the results of the show, as far as we met many relevant members within the fastener community, so much so that we’ve already started preparing for the next edition in 2025.

In 2023 BRALO also placed a strong emphasis on the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies. The company recognises the transformative potential of Smart manufacturing, Internet of  Things, as well as data analytics in optimising operational processes. By investing in Industry 4.0, we aim to achieve ‘real time’ monitoring of production, enhance predictive maintenance capabilities, and leverage data driven insights for more informed decision making. 

For 2024, we do expect to see less tension in the raw materials market and more stability in prices, but most powerful economies are still showing a first quarter with a decrease in sales for 2024. Based on this, we will focus on new projects, such as renewing our pneumatic tools portfolio, as well as bringing to market new products that are in the final phase with our R&D team. We will also continue to work on digitisation and the integration of Smart manufacturing, advanced materials, automation and sustainability. 

When it comes to the latter, BRALO is committed to making sustainability a core component of its technological development strategy. In an era where environmental responsibility is a key concern, the company is prioritising the adoption of eco-friendly materials and energy efficient manufacturing processes. By integrating sustainable practices into its technological advancements, and installing solar panels in its main factory, BRALO aims to reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to a more responsible and socially conscious industry. This focus on sustainability aligns with the company’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility.

At BRALO we will embrace these advancements hoping they will not only position our company at the forefront of innovation, but also enhance our competitiveness in an evolving global market.