View non-flash version
mmmmmmm^Mmim Astilleros Espanoles: Diversity, History, Excellence State-owned Astilleros Espanoles is a tradi- 52 tional leader among world shipbuilding in delivering a diversity of high quality vessels in an efficient manner. However, pressures of the times, including the rampant, worldwide use of subsidies and shipbuilding overcapacity, due in part to emerg- ing countries' eagerness to build an industrial base, has been partially to blame for its losses in recent years. These problems, and the com- pany's short and long-term solutions, were the basis of a recent interview with chairman and CEO Antonio Mendoza. To even the most casual observer, it is painstakingly evident that the way business is conducted is changing rapidly around the world. Mergers and consolidations coupled with an explosion of new players in emerging markets have literally carved a new landscape on the business world. Europe is perhaps the best example of the changes at hand, as it moves forward with the European Union and ultimately the implementation of a common currency. According to Mr. Mendoza, the Spanish gov- ernment will no longer cover losses at the ship- builder, due to the EU and its own changing policy. Thus the time for change is past, and the immediate term goal is to get all nine yards viable. He added that long-term prosperity for Astilleros Espanoles lies in four basic princi- ples: •Labor: Improving efficiency and training; •New Products: Developing new, market-driven products; •Yard Improvements; and •Research & Development. Subsidy Dilemma As Mr. Mendoza points out, it is hoped that the canceling of all types of subsidies in the European Union will be followed by ship- builders of all nations, creating the mythical "level playing field." However, much to the cha- grin of Astilleros Espanoles' leader, it "looks like OECD is dead, and we are now discussing what to do." Politics aside, Mr. Mendoza and his executive staff intend to use every means at their disposal to fulfill the company's goal of "satis- fying clients and keep them coming back. We establish permanent clients and relationships." Flexibility, Mr. Mendoza stress- es, is a cornerstone of achieving this goal on a daily basis. And own- ers shopping for ships at Astilleros Espanoles are likely to find one of the more flexible builders in the world, in that it offers a large array of yards to efficiently handle most any order; it offers a wide variety of products, which it has built skillful- ly for generations; and it offers the ability to make design changes and alterations in the middle of the job, ensuring that the client gets what it needs. As Mr. Mendoza points out, it can take from 18 to 24 months from initial discussions to finished prod- uct, and in that time a company, its personnel and its demands can change. Maritime Reporter/Engineering News • Grade 2 Grade 3 R3-R3S R4 • Large stock of chains, from 16 to 178 mm. • Stud and Studless VICINAY CADENAS! S.A. Particular de Sagarduy, 5 Phone 34+4+489 11 30 • Telex 32741 Fax 34+4+489 11 40 BILBAO (Spain) Circle 361 on Reader Service Card Western Branch Metals America's Number One Source for Quality fiQUMJE Boat Shafting Around the country and around the world, the marine industry turns to Western Branch Metals for AquaMET boat shafting. Stocking the full line of AquaMET shafting: AquaMET 17,18,19 and 22 in all sizes from 1" to 7", no other company can ship out a shaft faster than Western Branch. vJ=T77 For inquiries and orders call: (800)446-8133 Fax: (757) 309-8042 Visit our website at www.aquamet.com 2401 Wesley Street • Portsmouth, VA 23707 Stocking Warehouses: Portsmouth, VA • Harahan, LA • Kent, WA Circle 372 on Reader Service Card
