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- Leisner, Peter, et al.
(författare)
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Global competitiveness of European surface technology : Part 1: competitiveness and the relationship between European manufacturing and surface finishing sectors
- 2020
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Ingår i: Transactions of the Institute of Metal Finishing. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0020-2967 .- 1745-9192. ; 98:6, s. 279-287
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The present paper is part one of two of a report aiming at recommending future directions for the European surface technology industry to remain relevant and competitive. This first part analyses the present status of the competitiveness of the European surface finishing industry, and its relationship to the manufacturing sector, as a base for suggesting actions. Surface finishing is not a stand-alone industry, but an integrated part of manufacturing of most products and thereby an integrated part of the manufacturing chain and follows the rest of the manufacturing if offshored. The drivers for offshoring are changing, and automation of manufacturing makes offshoring less profitable. The European surface finishing sector is characterised by an annual turnover of about US$ 114 Bn, 900,000 employees, and an annual growth rate of 3.6%. Surface finishing accounts for about 5% of all manufacturing of products. About 1/3 of the surface finishing is estimated to be done by sub-contractors and 2/3 in-house. There is a large diversity in technology used and firm size throughout Europe. The average size of European subcontractors is between 11 and 12 employees with the majority being very small with less than 10 employees, which is a challenge for the future development that demands adoption of new technology, legislation, and cooperative structures.
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- Leisner, Peter, et al.
(författare)
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Global competitiveness of European surface technology. Part 2 : challenges to and future development of the surface finishing sector
- 2021
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Ingår i: Transactions of the Institute of Metal Finishing. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0020-2967 .- 1745-9192. ; 99:1, s. 4-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Based on an analysis of the competitiveness of the European surface finishing industry, challenges are discussed and future directions for remaining competitive are recommended. The European surface finishing sector should prioritise advanced production technology for new high-tech and high added value products, and take advantage of disruptive changes in society and technology shifts where completely new areas of application of surface technology can arise. To be successful, surface finishers should meet expectations on price, quality, short lead time, innovation ability, complying with legislation, and brand equity. This should be accomplished by increased automation, closer cooperation within the value chain, and improved competence supply. Such a development is extra challenging for the many small-size sub-contractors in the sector. Basically, improved education and improved organisation between applied research, product development, production development and manufacturing are needed. Therefore, the need is strong for pan-European actions to coordinate and expand education on all levels. Higher competence leads to better reliability, quality, and cost-efficiency. Furthermore, the innovation capability will benefit from improved communication between the different actors in the value chain. Finally, coordinated actions are needed to market surface technology/finishing as an interesting and rewarding field in which to make a career. Europe has a strong tradition in surface finishing and the sector is characterised by a significant diversity. The right competence supply and organisation can make 'cooperative diversity' a European stronghold.
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