Insight

Kilton has looked to modernise its machinery in order to guarantee its customers’ a consistently high-quality standard when it comes to the production of both standard and special fasteners.

Kilton’s flexibility and commitment to meeting the requirements of its customers, regardless of how niche or specialised, has enabled it to stand out from its competitors – especially in the current market situation. “Since the outbreak of Covid-19 there have been a lot of challenges customers have faced when it comes to finding products,” points out Kilton Srl. “With the increase in demand there has been a lack of products within the market and the usual supply hubs in Asia have struggled with price and supply. This has given us, as a European manufacturer, the opportunity to support customers.”

Whilst the market has been positive, there are still challenges all companies are facing. “The market situation today is very nebulous; whereas you could previously try and predict the future trends of the market, today unfortunately it is no longer possible to do so. The continuous rise and fall of prices without a logical line only causes uncertainties – so, for now, you can only try to limit any damage and carefully weigh your choices while waiting for the market to stabilise.”

As a manufacturer Kilton believes the best opportunities come from always being able to produce quickly and to follow the market step-by-step without large exposures. “We are a company that solves problems and supplies fasteners net of service fads. Being essential today, even in supplies, means saving the customer time and money.”

Having production within Italy enables Kilton to provide this quick service and gives the company a strategic advantage. “Customers tend to forget the importance of ‘Made in Italy’ in preference for Asian competitors, usually because of lower prices,” mentions Kilton. “Let us remember, however, that a customer having a foot inside a European production company can be very helpful. To say there is a manufacturing difference would be a lack of honesty. Our products follow and must comply with regulations here, as in the rest of the world, and the same goes for all manufacturers. So, as mentioned before, and as we have seen in the past two years with the lack of supplies from traders, it is really strategic for a European company to also have fastener manufacturers in its supplier base.”