PRISMEFIX was founded in 1987 in Lyon, by several French family-owned companies as a ‘club’ named PRISME. A few years later it became an association so that it could integrate other companies – especially foreign owned companies.
Mr Bernard Maurin was the first president until 2002, as well as being one of the founders of EFDA. Mr Francis Levy succeeded him until 2018. In 2018 Mr Hervé Hacot became president. Key points in the association’s development include it moving its headquarters from Strasbourg to Nancy, and finally to Paris, as well as its name change to PRISMEFIX.
PRISMEFIX looks to enable its members to share their experiences and learn about the market, form networks and strengthen cooperation, as well as quickly find out about any regulatory developments that may be happening in France and Europe.
As a founder member, PRISMEFIX has seen the development of EFDA over the last twenty years and how it has become more efficient at informing members about all European Commission related information.
Being part of EFDA allows PRISMEFIX members to be informed in advance of European legislation. It also means they have contacts with other European distributors and can compare markets and practices. In a fast moving environment, EFDA membership also enables PRISMEFIX members to anticipate market evolution and make appropriate decisions.
This type of exchange is particularly useful for topics such as the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in France being in lockdown between 17th March – 11th May. Through a survey carried out, members were also able to see the impact on all other members, with the overall effect of the pandemic estimated to have been a downturn in sales of 33% in March and 50% in April. May has seen both distributors and industries coming back.
A strong French government scheme on short-term unemployment, and delays on social charges, have been reported as of great help by members.
PRISMEFIX plans to hold a status meeting on the current situation/recovery after the bulk of the crisis. The association will also look to start a ‘think tank’ to discuss the mid-term impacts of the Covid-19 crisis on members’ business, as well as any potential changes regarding sourcing policy, customer policy or process changes.
For instance, PRISMEFIX believes the difficulties the automotive and aeronautic markets is currently facing could impact the landscape of fastener producers. This complicated situation may be an opportunity for growth of distributors’ market share in industrial sectors.
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.
Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.
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