For the first time in its 40 year history, SACTO Srl had to shut down earlier this year, like many other companies, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the company took this time to reflect on the challenges of being an Italian producer in today’s globalised market.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, SACTO was focused on expanding into the European markets – producing its range of blind rivets, threaded inserts and riveting tools. “For manufacturing companies like us, which are getting less and less in Italy due to the landscape being saturated with purely commercial companies, it is certainly a strong point to be able to produce within the centre of Europe,” comments Stella Santin, CEO at SACTO. “Being in lockdown gave us time to reflect on the current market and it’s clear over recent years that offshoring is becoming less of a ‘winning strategy’. Whilst the market is globalised it is important to have different sources of supply, and this is an opportunity for us as a European manufacturer.”
Stella adds: “We have a long tradition in this industry and we compete with the giants of the world. ‘Made in Italy’ stands for tradition, but with an eye on new technologies. It also highlights product care and flexibility towards our customers’ needs – in part due to the Italian mentality – but also in respect to our workers and environment.”
SACTO is a small business, but it treats its employees and customers like a big family. “Our strengths are problem solving, flexibility, speed, and of course a quality product. Our goal is not to be just a supplier but a real partner for our customers,” states Stella.
Before the pandemic, SACTO was concentrating on introducing new fasteners to its product range and is planning to carry on with this investment. “It will take some time for the market to stabilise after this unexpected blow, but we see it as a winning strategy to focus on special and custom-made products. However, we will not forget our standard products, of which we maintain a considerable stock to meet customer requests in the shortest possible time. We believe that keeping the production of fasteners in Italy and Europe, as well as being ‘independent’, represents a strength in the landscape that surrounds us. We are ready to face the challenges that the future will offer us,” concludes Stella.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
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