Luis Collado (AECIM): "The automatic door sector creates jobs and improves energy efficiency"
In the interview below, Luis Collado, president of the Association of Metal Companies of Madrid (AECIM), states that the industry is one of the economic engines of our country and stresses, in particular, that the automatic door sector creates jobs and contributes to the economy of the Community of Madrid through manufacturing, installation, maintenance and repair companies, as well as playing a relevant role in improving the energy efficiency of buildings, their accessibility and safety, especially for people with reduced mobility.
How important are companies in the metal trade and industry in Madrid and, more specifically, the automatic door sector?
Industry is one of the economic engines of our country and gives us strategic autonomy, reducing foreign dependence. Within this sector, AECIM represents 176 subsectors in the branches of industry, trade and metal installations, ranging from companies in the manufacturing industry, electrical installations, photovoltaic facilities or water, gas and electricity meters, to vehicle workshops, hardware shops and jewellers, to name just a few examples. In fact, it is the sector with the highest employment rate in the Community of Madrid.
In particular, the automatic door sector creates jobs and contributes to the economy of the Community of Madrid through the manufacturing, installation, maintenance and repair of these systems, as well as providing opportunities for local companies and related service providers. It is also a sector that plays an important role in improving the energy efficiency of buildings, as well as their accessibility and safety, especially for people with reduced mobility.
What are your main challenges in upcoming years?
One of the main challenges ahead is the attraction and retention of skilled labour. There are currently many companies that cannot accept any more orders from their customers due to lack of staff. Initiatives are needed to promote the sector so that young people see it as a possible career option. We are talking about a sector in which the supply of work exceeds the demand, there is great job stability, salaries are high and working hours are respected, which allows for a good work-life balance.
Delinquency is another of the great challenges we face, not only companies in the sector, but SMEs as a whole, both in Spain and in practically all of Europe. Rising costs and increasingly difficult access to finance are affecting the financial health of many companies. To address this, the European Commission has published a proposal for a regulation against late payment that is currently being processed, although some amendments are being presented to incorporate the "freedom of agreement between the parties" that would jeopardise the effectiveness of this regulation, once again leaving SMEs at the mercy of large companies.
High energy costs are also a concern for the sector, especially for industrial, electro-intensive and/or gas-intensive companies, which have seen their energy bills increase exponentially over the last two years, yet are unable to pass these costs on to their customers. Although the whole sector is working to adopt more efficient practices and technologies, from production to distribution, this is a very ambitious goal and one that takes time and high investment to achieve.
Finally, the labour policies that are currently being implemented, without consensus with employers as social partners, are making companies less competitive. Minimum wage hikes and the reduction of the workday are a couple examples. Negotiation with companies must be promoted and measures should not be approved without a fair collective bargaining framework.
What business opportunities lie ahead for the sector?
Investment in sustainable technologies, energy efficiency, the transition to a green economy and digital transformation present significant opportunities for the metal sector. Adapting to changing market demands and incorporating environmentally friendly practices can open doors to sustainable growth and innovation in the industry. In addition, European aid from the Next Generation Funds is boosting demand and opening up new business opportunities in sectors that are crucial for society and the environment.
What other priorities does your association have?
One of our priorities is to gain wider recognition of the economic and social importance of the industry, both in our Community and in our country as a whole. For this reason, at AECIM we work to represent the interests of the entire sector with institutions and to ensure continuous political support from the Administration, as well as from civil society. As I mentioned, we are talking about a sector that creates quality jobs and that needs support to gain visibility in order to create an environment conducive to development and innovation, which will undoubtedly have an impact on increasing the competitiveness of our companies and our country.