INTERVIEW Ionut Zamfirache, UKS Stamping: “This year is all about scaling up our operations, and expanding our presence within the industry”

“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for our services, and in 2025, our priority is to meet that demand directly. Increasing production capacity is essential, this will significantly increase our output and allow us to better serve our growing customer base. Diversifying our client portfolio is another key objective. We want to expand our presence and serve a wider range of industries beyond the automotive sector. Lean manufacturing principles will be at the core of our operations, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness,” Ionut Zamfirache, General Director, UKS Stamping Romania told Automotive Today.

“2025 looks like another challenging year for the automotive sector. Supply chain issues are likely to persist, raw material costs are expected to climb, and we’re seeing increasing pressure from evolving EU environmental regulations. We’re taking a proactive approach to address these challenges. Long-term contracts where feasible to lock in pricing and ensure material availability. Process optimization is key for us – we’re investing in ways to reduce material waste and improve efficiency, which helps us control costs. And, of course, we’re closely monitoring all regulatory changes to make sure we’re always in compliance.”

What were the key achievements for your company in 2024?

It’s been quite a journey this past year. Completing our first year of operation is a huge achievement. We’ve been fortunate enough to partner with some fantastic clients in the automotive and industrial sectors – these partnerships are the foundation of our success. One of the things I’m most proud of is our investment in stamping technology. It’s not just about increasing production; it’s about delivering the highest quality to our customers. We also believe in creating a safe working environment, so achieving ISO 45001 certification was a top priority. And of course, our team is everything. We’ve brought together a group of highly skilled professionals who are passionate about what they do.

What were the biggest challenges your company faced in 2024, and how did you address them? How have these experiences prepared you for the future?

The economic climate was unpredictable, and we saw some real swings in raw material costs and supply chain disruptions. That meant we had to be agile and proactive. We made it a priority to build solid relationships with multiple suppliers, ensuring we had access to the materials we needed. We also negotiated some longer-term contracts to provide more stability. Another challenge was building trust with clients as a new player in the market. We knew we had to demonstrate our expertise and reliability.

What are your top priorities and objectives for 2025? How do these goals support your company’s long-term vision?

We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for our services, and in 2025, our priority is to meet that demand directly. Increasing production capacity is essential, this will significantly increase our output and allow us to better serve our growing customer base. Diversifying our client portfolio is another key objective. We want to expand our presence and serve a wider range of industries beyond the automotive sector. Lean manufacturing principles will be at the core of our operations, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

What specific initiatives are planned to advance sustainability in 2025?

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s a core value. We believe it’s our responsibility to operate in an environmentally responsible way. In 2025, we’re taking several important steps. We’re implementing energy-efficient production processes because reducing our energy consumption is crucial for minimizing our carbon footprint.  We are considering solar panels soon because renewable energy is essential for a clean and healthy environment. These initiatives reflect our commitment to a sustainable future for our company and our community.

Are there any planned investments in R&D, facilities, or partnerships in 2025?

Yes, we have several planned investments for 2025. Our focus remains on continuous improvement and innovation, particularly in materials research and development. We maintain an active R&D presence in Turkey dedicated to this area. Furthermore, we prioritize close collaboration with our clients to develop new technologies and implement improvements. This collaborative approach not only ensures that our innovations meet real-world needs but also strengthens our partnerships and allows us to stay at the forefront of industry advancements. While I can’t disclose specific investment figures at this time, I can say that these initiatives reflect our commitment to long-term growth and our dedication to providing stamping manufacturing solutions.

What challenges do you foresee for the automotive industry in 2025 (e.g., supply chain, raw material costs, or regulatory changes)? How is your company preparing to address these challenges?

2025 looks like another challenging year for the automotive sector. Supply chain issues are likely to persist, raw material costs are expected to climb, and we’re seeing increasing pressure from evolving EU environmental regulations. We’re taking a proactive approach to address these challenges. Long-term contracts where feasible to lock in pricing and ensure material availability. Process optimization is key for us – we’re investing in ways to reduce material waste and improve efficiency, which helps us control costs. And, of course, we’re closely monitoring all regulatory changes to make sure we’re always in compliance.

With the rapid changes in the automotive industry, what challenges are you facing in attracting and retaining talent?

Our people are our greatest asset. Our success depends on a skilled and dedicated team, so attracting and retaining talent is crucial. Given the current market’s difficulty in finding experienced operators and engineers, we’re proactively investing in our workforce. This includes fostering a positive work environment, providing professional development opportunities, and partnering with universities to cultivate young talent through internships. We’re confident these efforts will build a strong, sustainable team for the future. Importantly, we prioritize attitude in our hiring process, believing skills can be learned.

How does 2025 fit into your company’s 5- or 10-year strategic vision?

We have a clear vision for the future, and 2025 is a key steppingstone towards achieving it. We’re moving from our initial startup phase to a more established and recognized presence in the market. This year is all about scaling up our operations, optimizing our processes for maximum efficiency, and expanding our presence within the industry. These efforts are essential for realizing our long-term ambition of becoming a state-of-the-art provider of stamping solutions in the region. 2025 will set the stage for future investments in stamping manufacturing technologies and strategic international collaborations

Are there any major shifts you anticipate in the automotive industry that could shape your strategy?

The automotive landscape is changing rapidly, driven by constant innovation. Our strategy is built on anticipating and meeting evolving customer needs. We’re closely watching the upcoming EU regulations, particularly given the current market volume declines. Rebuilding consumer confidence in key areas like electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connectivity will be essential to revitalize sales. Furthermore, the significant production shortfalls of recent years have created a substantial gap in the market that we anticipate needing to address soon.

What advice or insights would you share with other companies navigating the evolving automotive landscape?

The key to success in the changing automotive world? People and innovation. Invest in both. Adaptability is crucial. See challenges as opportunities. Focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. Listen to your customers, embrace emerging technologies, and foster continuous improvement. Collaborate, stay informed, and above all, invest in your employees. They are the driving force behind your success.