**Romania**: UKS Stamping’s General Director, Ionut Zamfirache, discusses the company’s strategies for 2025, focusing on enhancing production capacity, embracing sustainability, and tackling industry challenges while fostering talent development to ensure future growth and innovation in the stamping sector.
Ionut Zamfirache, General Director of UKS Stamping Romania, discussed the company’s strategies and plans for the upcoming year in a recent interview with Automotive Today. As 2025 approaches, UKS Stamping has identified several key priorities aimed at enhancing its operations and responding to the increasing demand for its services.
Zamfirache highlighted that the company has experienced a considerable surge in demand, prompting a shift in focus for the year ahead. “Increasing production capacity is essential; this will significantly increase our output and allow us to better serve our growing customer base,” he stated. Alongside boosting production, the company aims to diversify its client portfolio to reach a wider array of industries beyond automotive, emphasising the importance of lean manufacturing principles for operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Reflecting on the previous year, Zamfirache noted that 2024 marked a significant accomplishment for UKS Stamping, celebrating its first year of operations. Among the key achievements, he pointed to successful partnerships within the automotive and industrial sectors and the company’s commitment to investing in stamping technology. “It’s not just about increasing production; it’s about delivering the highest quality to our customers,” he said. The company also secured ISO 45001 certification, emphasising its dedication to creating a safe working environment.
However, the journey was not without challenges. Zamfirache acknowledged the unpredictable economic climate and fluctuations in raw material costs as significant hurdles. To navigate these issues, UKS Stamping fostered solid relationships with multiple suppliers and secured longer-term contracts for stability in material availability. The company has also focused on building trust with clients as a newcomer in the market, demonstrating reliability and expertise during this transitional phase.
Looking ahead, Zamfirache expressed concerns about the ongoing challenges facing the automotive sector in 2025, including persistent supply chain disruptions, anticipated climbs in raw material costs, and increasing regulatory pressures from the EU. “We’re taking a proactive approach to address these challenges,” he explained. The company plans to implement long-term contracts to lock in pricing and ensure material availability, while also investing in process optimisations aimed at reducing waste and improving efficiency.
Sustainability will play a pivotal role in UKS Stamping’s strategies moving forward. Zamfirache stated, “Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s a core value.” The company is planning to adopt energy-efficient production processes and is considering the installation of solar panels to support this commitment.
Investment in research and development is also on the horizon, particularly in materials innovation. The company maintains an active R&D presence in Turkey and is focused on collaboration with clients to develop new technologies that meet market demands.
UKS Stamping is also aware of the challenges in attracting and retaining talent within the automotive industry. Recognising employees as crucial assets, the company is investing in workforce development through a positive work environment, professional growth opportunities, and partnerships with universities to nurture young talent. Zamfirache noted the importance of prioritising attitude in the hiring process, remarking, “Skills can be learned.”
In an evolving industry landscape, UKS Stamping aims to leverage 2025 as a critical stepping stone towards becoming a prominent provider of stamping solutions, preparing for future advancements in manufacturing technologies and strategic international collaborations.
Zamfirache concluded with insights for other companies navigating the shifting automotive environment, advising that the key to success lies in investing in people and innovation. “See challenges as opportunities. Focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation,” he recommended, underscoring the significance of listening to customers and fostering continuous improvement within the organisation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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