Five steel purchasing groups have been working together in a European-wide network since 01/09/2023 under the name astedis (association of steel distributors). 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.
