ALUEUROPE
Founded in 1994, Alueuropa is a family business dedicated to aluminum extrusion and treatment. It is part of the CHAMARTÍN GROUP, one of the most promising industrial conglomerates in the country; a business group with over 70 years of experience, a clear international focus, as demonstrated by its current exports to more than 50 countries, and a multi-sector specialist, currently operating in different sectors such as irrigation systems, agriculture, livestock, real estate, the internet, etc.
This company is known for offering high-quality products and highly qualified customer support, which has allowed it to position itself as one of the leaders in the sector.
To find out the latest news about the company, we spoke to Ms. Marta Colino, Managing Director of Alueuropa, one of the few women at the helm of an aluminum extrusion company in Spain.
How did Alueuropa get started?
Alueuropa was founded in 1994. The company was created following the closure of the Inespal Extrusión factory in Alicante. One of our companies was a very important customer of this factory, which exclusively produced a product of great importance to us. Due to the closure, and with the aim of continuing to supply the product, we were offered the opportunity to purchase a press and the long curing oven needed for production, with 70% of the distribution going to us and 30% to Inespal Extrusión. After two or three years, once the desired objective had been achieved, we bought their share, which was the key moment that led us to enter the complex and exciting world of aluminum. As in other sectors, we like to be leaders in what we do, so we began our expansion little by little. The beginnings were very positive, always working with the enthusiasm of beginners and giving our best. We continue to convey this spirit, and it is something we must never lose. Our companies belong to our customers, and our priorities have always been to provide the best service and the highest quality.
What is Alueuropa like today?
Alueuropa remains the same as it was when it started out, always maintaining the enthusiasm that characterizes us, prioritizing the best service and the highest quality, and providing the fastest and most effective solutions to our customers. It is true that we are now much bigger and much more professional; we have learned a lot over the years. We have around 650 employees working in the Group, 300 of whom are involved in aluminum. Our team is made up of highly motivated young people who are full of enthusiasm. Over the years, what was once a business relationship with a customer has turned into affection and friendship. In short, we are excited to build the FUTURE together. We now have five extrusion presses in two different locations, giving us a production capacity of 33,000 tons per year, as well as lacquering and wood lacquering plants and facilities for thermal break technology. We tailor our services to each customer, even if this involves a significant investment (in fact, we have almost 18,000 dies), so that our customers can have a unique, differentiated product and thus work with profitable added value.
What have been the keys to the development of this family business?
Firstly, by setting long-term goals and building with tomorrow in mind. This has led us to form a highly competent team that allows us to continuously develop the business. As an example of this, I would highlight the family agreements adopted in the company. I am the eldest of six siblings and have always been concerned about the future of the company. This led me to propose a family protocol that will guarantee the functioning of the group with the new generations, and this agreement has been implemented. As for the keys, I think there are many, but I would perhaps highlight the building of lasting relationships. This has been one of the main ideas that my father has always instilled in me. Other fundamental aspects are the importance of customers to the company and, of course, the great value contributed by the people who work there. Personally, as the mother of four very young children, I like to instill in them from an early age the values of the family business... the company is ALL of us.
What's new at Alueuropa?
The latest development has been the acquisition of the company Siproal, a factory located in Arrúbal (La Rioja), which has two extrusion presses, a lacquering line, and several thermal break lines. Its facilities are very modern; in January, 41 people worked there and production was at around 25-30% of its total capacity. We are currently reaching 100 workers, and the extrusion presses and lacquering facilities are now operating 24 hours a day, every day. With this acquisition, we will greatly improve our service to our customers, and Alueuropa will now have five extrusion presses and a production capacity of 33,000 tons per year.
How have you coped over the last few years, and what is the current situation?
The first years of the crisis were difficult, as the market in Spain declined significantly for everyone. Fortunately, we had a business model that was prepared for the crisis. My father had already seen the problems coming since 2003. He foresaw how history could repeat itself and the market could disappear. We knew that those who were vertically integrated and did not export more than 60% would have a hard time because, apart from the fact that domestic sales could fall by more than 50%, the financial system would abandon them. We had already seen this 30 years earlier. That's why, when I joined the company in 1996, I couldn't think of anything other than exporting. For us, it's essential, and we've been doing it for years, so we operate in a single, global market. With regard to the current general situation, I see the domestic market as complicated due to the excess supply that exists, and real demand will be slow to arrive because the suffering caused by this crisis has created a despair that is difficult to forget.
Why choose Alueuropa? What makes it a reliable supplier?
We are a young company, but we have extensive business and industrial experience, and above all, we are enthusiastic and eager to grow and help our customers grow by giving them what they need. Our factory is your factory, so any need, urgency, or new project you have for us is our project.
How do you see the future of your company?
Our expansion will continue because we are committed to being leaders in the sectors in which we operate, and we will take advantage of the opportunities that arise in the coming years until we achieve our goal.
Source: RevistaAluminio.com https://studylib.es/doc/8012016/hablamos-de-extrusi%C3%B3n
