Supply chain volatility leads to raw materials surcharge, Saertex reports
Prices continue to increase for raw composite materials, consumables and auxiliary materials, as well as transport and energy costs, intensified by developments in Ukraine and the indirect effects of the pandemic.
Glass fiber noncrimp fabric production at Saertex. Photo Credit: Saertex
Saertex (Saerbeck, Germany) announced on March 30 that it will impose a surcharge for deliveries in the business segment of multiaxial non-crimp fabrics made of glass, carbon and aramid fibers for lightweight construction. This measure, the company says, is explained by the massive increase in prices for raw materials, consumables and auxiliary materials as well as transport and energy costs (see “CW survey reveals ongoing supply chain struggles” for more information).
“In recent months, we have increasingly experienced a change in the supply situation in the raw material markets for glass and carbon fibers, as well as for auxiliary and operating materials,” says Christoph Geyer, CEO of Saertex GmbH & Co. KG. “The Ukraine crisis is accelerating this change even more.”
Responding to this development, Saertex will impose a surcharge for packaging, energy and logistics costs, effective April 1, 2022. This surcharge will be depending on the type of product and the agreed delivery terms.
“The increase in prices on the supply market is accompanied by a significant increase in demand for our products,” Christoph Geyer continues. “In order to continue to be a reliable partner at our customers’ side, it is necessary to adjust our prices to the dynamic development of the world markets.”
The internationally active company has production facilities in 11 countries, none of them in Russia or Ukraine. However, cost increases for energy, packaging and transport resulting from the conflict are an additional inflationary factor for the supply of multiaxial fabrics made of glass, carbon and aramid fibers. Already in recent months, Saertex reports an increasingly tight supply situation in the raw material markets for glass and carbon fibers, but also many auxiliary and operating materials, due to a variety of factors and intensified by the indirect effects of the pandemic.
“Based on our global production network and our long-term partnerships with suppliers, we have a proven and stable supply chain,” Sebastian Dohnke, head of global purchasing at Saertex reminds readers. “We are positive that we will be able to master the upcoming challenges in terms of material availability and our entire efforts are focused on supplying our customers in a reliable and cost-effective manner.”
For additional information on price changes concerning the resin market, see CW’s updated report.
