European Steel Group
ASTEDIS
New European cooperation between steel purchasing organisations connects five countries
19/09/2023 – Five steel purchasing groups have been working together in a European-wide network since 01/09/2023 under the name astedis (association of steel distribution). At a meeting in Paris at the end of August, the successful, independent national purchasing organisations signed a joint cooperation agreement. The founding partners of astedis include the steel purchasing companies Coalsider from Spain, the purchasing group European Steel Group from Poland, the German purchasing association NORDWEST, Sider Center from Italy, and Socoda from France.
At the meeting in Paris the five independent national purchasing organisations sealed their new cooperation by contract. The goal of the cooperative network is to be the sales reference for key European producers, and to develop strategic working relationships with all of Europe's biggest manufacturers. The mid-sized steel distribution companies will meet regularly to further strengthen existing delivery relationships within the European steel industry. “The idea for a cooperative network was created around two years ago on the basis of mutual trust, then developed over time for that specific purpose”, say the association members, explaining the purpose behind the network. “Right from the start, trust among those involved was essential. Excitement about creating a European network organisation has driven everyone involved in recent months. All of the partners are proud to have successfully gotten astedis up and running, and to promote the new cooperation now. The partners have been so successful because of the ethical values they share, values they agreed upon right from the outset. These values are essential to the activities of all the companies involved.”
The five purchasing associations currently involved are responsible for a purchasing volume of approx. 3.5 million tons of steel products. In total, the network represents over 200 mid-sized steel trading companies. It is important to the newly created network that the corporate groups continue to be fully independent in their national markets, and that the special features of each of the markets is respected, based on an attitude of mutual trust. In addition, the network aims to create synergies for the respective national markets. Private trade among mid-sized companies has become more important in recent years. astedis wants to become a linchpin within Europe for this trade. We are convinced that our strategic network will create new opportunities for all the partners involved. Together, the cooperation wants to take on future challenges and changes within the steel market related to issues such as digitisation, the changing purchasing markets and green steel.
The members are convinced that strategic collaboration between astedis and main European producers will further strengthen and consolidate steel distribution in a time of profound changes in the market.
About NORDWEST Handel AG, Germany
NORDWEST Handel AG, headquartered in Dortmund, has been one of the most high-performing associations in the business-to-business sector since 1919, with a business volume of 5.827 million euros total in 2022. The association will support its roughly 1,240 trading partners from the steel and construction trade industries and sanitary and heating technology (building services) sectors. Its core purposes are to combine purchasing volumes and provide central regulation as well as a strong central warehouse and comprehensive services. NORDWEST is active in Europe as well, in particular in Austria, Switzerland, France, Poland and Benelux.
About Coalsider, Spain
Coalsider is the main purchasing center for steel products in Spain. Coalsider has 22 shareholders that are able to ensure distribution to every part of Spain via their 39 warehouses. Coalsider handles purchasing of all types of steel products, from corrugated beams and commercial profiles, to tubes, sheet metal and mesh – achieving a purchasing volume of more than 185,000 tons in 2022. Coalsider was created through the efforts of various steel product retailers who decided to unite their purchasing potential in order to improve their competitiveness. This has garnered the group the support of the most prestigious suppliers, both nationally and internationally.
About European Steel Group, Poland
European Steel Group is a purchasing organisation that has been operating in the steel industry since the end of the 1990s, with a broad portfolio of recognizable, domestic, and privately owned clients. It is one of the largest companies with Polish capital in this industry and a guarantor of business security for suppliers and recipients. Its ESG suppliers are smelters and commercial companies from all over the world. The Group’s highest priority is to cooperate with only proven and reliable partners, in order to guarantee the highest available product quality, the financial security of transactions and smooth logistics services. The Polish purchasing group consists of 10 shareholders with 35 warehouses, purchasing about 400,000 tons of steel products per year.
About Sider Center, Italy
Sider Center, which includes leading companies in the iron and steel product distribution segment, has an annual purchasing volume of 350,000 tons of steel. on the Sider Center is committed to offering the best service, excellent commercial conditions and constant support. The expertise of Sider Center is the result of 50 years of experience in the market. The Sider Center has 29 shareholders able to ensure distribution to every part of Italy via their 42 warehouses.
About Socoda, France
Socoda is an alliance of 200 independent distributors who serve construction and industry companies, organised into 5 trades: Steel, decoration, electricity, professional & industrial tools and sanitary & heating equipment. The alliance aims to provide its distributors with negotiating power and a service platform where they can pool their resources, develop their businesses, and achieve success. The network has more than 1,000 points of sale, 11,000 employees, 1,000 supplier partners and 440,000 professional clients. It boasts a turnover of 3.3 billion euros.
Socoda Steel Department achieves 500,000 tons of steel purchases annually through a national network of 33 independent wholesalers with 3,000 stocked items in steel, stainless and aluminium.
