Page 60 - ITAtube Journal 1 2024

60
Interview
“Some challenges for European tube producers” Adrian Alecu Head of BU Strategy & Business Development at ArcelorMittal Europe Tubular Products
The automotive Industry after prosperous years undergoes structural changes. Beginning 2035 Europe will ban combus- tion engines which will have significant impact. How the tubular industry intends to prompt this challenge?
Except in engine and drive- line-related applications tube will continue to be used in electromobility. However, the requirements will continue
to evolve within the applica- tions such as chassis, body-in- white, suspension etc. Weight reduction and high strength will remain the pacemakers for future tube applications
in automotive. In addition, low-carbon solutions will become more demanded.
The rest of the world will still, even after 2035, need com- bustion driven vehicles due to regional lack of accessibility
of electrical energy. In conse- quence some OEM´s relocate parts of their production to regions outside of Europe. What are the consequences for tube suppliers hereto?
This is only partly true. Taking a look at China, we see a
strong increase in EV produc- tion. Currently, more than 90 companies producers electric cars in China. On the other hand, in fact, many of the well- known OEMs have developed production capacities outside Europe and flat production figures are forecasted for Europe until 2030. This means that tube production will partly also follow this trend.
The construction industry, despite a temporary slowdown will continue to grow. What measures takes the tubular industry to improve the aware- ness among architects and construction engineers about the merits of applying tubular products in construction designs?
There are several bodies promoting the use of tubes in steel construction. Associations like CIDECT and ECCS develop design guides, research pro- jects and trainings concerned with tubular steel structures, but also individual company initiatives like ArcelorMittal’s Constructalia (constructalia. arcelormittal.com) and Steli- gence (steligence.arcelormittal. com) promote tubular solu-
ITAtube Journal April 2024
Interview with Adrian Alecu
Despite the geopolitical turbulences, the global pipe industry experienced an increase in production of around 15% in 2023. The forecasts for 2024 are also encouraging. We think Tube Düsseldorf is therefore coming at exactly the right time.
Arcelor Mittal is a strong player in the supply of tubular products for the automotive and the construc- tion Industry.
We are glad to interview Mr. Adrian Alecu.