SSAB-AG: Strong business development in the first half of the year

SSAB-AG, general contractor specialized in the construction of industrial halls, is going through a favorable trend of activity in 2019, the turnover from the first six months of this year increasing almost four times, up to 95.5 million lei, from the level of 26.5 million lei registered in the same period of 2018. The company has production capacities of metal structures and precast concrete, where it produces all types of concrete structures, including prestressed elements. In the next period, SSAB-AG continues the development of the logistics park it owns in Bacău, through the acquisition of technological equipment. In the 28 years of activity in the construction market in Romania, SSAB-AG has installed more than 200,000 square meters of steel structures and more than 400,000 square meters of sandwich panels.

– What impact did the application of GEO 114 have in the first six months of 2019 on the company?
– This measure is intended to reduce the number of undeclared workers and help construction companies to bring the workforce back abroad. It is a measure that invigorates the construction sector and a good way to support the strong development of this sector. GEO no. 114/2018, adopted at the end of last year, provides for the exemption of the employer from the payment of social contributions for the period January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2028, the reduction of social contributions of employees by 3.75% and a minimum gross salary of 3,000 lei for employees constructions, which means a minimum net salary of about 2,352 lei (almost 500 euros).

- What is the impact of digitization within SSAB-AG?
– Digitization has a positive impact on our employees, the biggest technological support being for them the IT infrastructure. We are constantly implementing digital technologies to help them optimize their daily professional activity.

– How has the construction market evolved in the first six months of 2019 and how do you think it will develop in the second half of the year?
- Regarding the segment on which SSAB-AG operates and our targets for the current year, the forecast was optimistic and achievable. The demand was high, which ensures a large volume of activity in the second half of the year. Currently, we are carrying out large-scale works with completion deadlines by 2021. This year we also started the execution of the largest aircraft maintenance hangar in Romania - Aerostar Iași, which will have an opening of 85 meters, but also of the Dedeman Zalău store, of the thermal power plant for the production of Getec electricity, from Podari (Craiova), the extension of the TRW Airbag Systems - Roman capacities, the construction of Artemis Park II - Timișoara, as well as a series of commercial galleries in Bucharest etc.

– What are the solutions to the shortage of skilled labor?
– One of the solutions, also adopted by our company, is the recruitment of people who do not specialize in the required field, but whom we have trained internally. Another solution adopted is hiring more students and retraining of employees.

(Article published in the magazine Agenda Construcțiilor, October 2019 edition)