From firebricks to fluorite, the industrial crisis is hitting the outskirts of Cagliari

From Sanac, which produces refractory bricks, to Bekeart, which manufactures steel cables for tyres, right through to Fluorsid’s fluorite. When it comes to industrial disputes affecting Sardinia, it is not just Sulcis but also the Macchiareddu industrial estate, just a few kilometres from Cagliari and Assemini. It is precisely from this industrial estate that the dispute is reigniting; although the issues differ, it affects three production units considered to be of significant importance.

Sanac, a company under special administration which used to produce refractory materials for steelworks, had to contend with Ilva crisis. For the Sardinian hub, as well as the other three on the mainland, a process leading up to the sale has been initiated. Erre Trading is in the running. ‘For next week,’ comments Marianna Formica, the Filctem representative overseeing the entire dispute, ‘in light of the latest discussions, we have requested a meeting at the Mimit to assess the status of the dispute.’

Also in Macchiareddu, there is the dispute concerning the Bekaert plant. This is the company responsible for the production, processing, transformation and coating of steel wires and cables. The crisis was triggered by energy and transport costs. The international group had decided to wind down and then sell the Sardinian plant due to high energy and transport costs. Following the start of the dispute, three proposals were received from three different companies to relaunch production, albeit in different sectors, including structural steelwork, steel cables and metal for the construction and marine industries.

“We welcome the fact that the company tasked with launching the reindustrialisation process at the Bekaert plant in Macchiareddu has put forward proposals for its acquisition by industrial entities that appear to be sound,” commented Emanuele Cani, Regional Councillor for Industry . “We confirm the Region of Sardinia’s willingness to play an active role in facilitating the acquisition of the plant as much as possible, by encouraging and facilitating the new industrial operator’s establishment using all the tools at our disposal, from development contracts to financial support and training.”

The conflict in the Middle East is also having a negative impact on Fluorsid. The chemical company, owned by Giulini (the owner of Cagliari), produces, amongst other things, sulphuric acid and aluminium fluoride at its Sardinian plant in Macchiareddu. These products are used in both the oil and gas and metallurgical sectors for the production of aluminium.