ANFFECC warns of relocation risk

The Spanish ceramic frit, glaze and colour producers’ association sounds the alarm about relocation in response to the difficult situation facing the sector.

The Annual General Meeting of ANFFECC, the Spanish ceramic frit, glaze and colour producers’ association, was held in Castellón on 9 June. The introductory speech by Chairman Fernando Fabra and the ensuing debate focused on the difficult situation facing the sector, which is being severely tested by the effects of the energy crisis and the lack of government support - especially in terms of loss of competitiveness and falling demand – as well as the fallout from the diplomatic crisis between Spain and Algeria.

“So far our companies have succeeded in overcoming this complicated situation thanks to their resilience and leadership,” said Fabra. “However, the progressive loss of competitiveness within Spain, the sharp decline in domestic demand and the consequent contraction in our production are all clearly visible factors, especially when faced by competitor countries that have received support from their governments.”

As a result, “the multinationals in our sector are considering major changes in strategy that may include relocating their production activities,” continued Fabra. “This is an undesirable outcome that would have negative repercussions for the district’s economy, as the public administration has repeatedly been warned.”

During the meeting, ANFFECC’s leaders also presented the activities carried out during the year, focusing in particular on the numerous decarbonisation projects in which the sector is involved, including Orange Bat and the ceramic cluster pilot project. This continuous, concrete commitment on the part of sector companies has resulted in a 45% reduction in emissions since 2007.