Ready-made packages
Amari is a global player in aluminium and stainless steel, active in trading, machining and production. They currently have eight branches in the Netherlands and Belgium, supported by a central holding company in Breda. "We set this up about 13 years ago to centralise IT and financial processes," says Jan Wiebe. "This way, the local companies can fully focus on commerce and logistics."
Amari's products are surprisingly mundane and high-quality at the same time: from aluminium profiles in DIY stores to ready-made packages for superyachts and parts for ASML suppliers. Amari also has a strong presence in the facade construction and transport sectors. "Do you see a trailer or trailer driving? Chances are it was built with materials from us," says Jan Wiebe.
Developments in the steel and aluminium sector
"The metals market, especially aluminium and stainless steel, has shown little fluctuation in price or availability for some time. At the same time, there is a lot of movement on trade policy. Both Europe and the US are trying to protect their own industries from cheap imports, especially from Asia. Think of the state-subsidised Chinese imports that the US government is now also taking measures against again. Europe has actually been doing this for some time, especially towards China," says Jan Wiebe.
"For our company, US import tariffs have little direct impact, as we hardly supply the US. In addition, we have deliberately focused on niche markets, outside standard low-margin mass production, over the past decade. By increasing our service level and offering various metal pre-processing services, we provide added value to our customers. In this way, we can focus on better relationships with the customers that are important to us and are less vulnerable in more difficult economic times.
What is noticeable is economic uncertainty. The market is affected by geopolitical tensions and economic weakening, especially in Germany. Germany has a much larger manufacturing industry than the Netherlands, with the automotive industry as its main pillar. That sector is under pressure from electrification, Asian competition and US import tariffs. And when things go badly there, we feel it in the Netherlands too. After all, less production in Germany also means less transport. Companies postpone investments, drive longer with old trucks and opt more often for repairs. Problems in industry thus affect the whole chain.
In addition, many companies, including ourselves, are shifting their focus to suppliers within Europe. This offers security of supply and avoids levies such as CBAM, which price CO₂ emissions. Some 80% of our customers are in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany or France," Jan Wiebe explains. "However, this shift increases pressure on the European market, which may eventually cause price increases. Yet, despite these developments, there has been little change in metal availability or price for our business so far."
Credit insurance as a tool and safety net
"We have a large network of thousands of customers. By insuring our credits, we can focus on the right customers. That's why we arranged this insurance through Xolv. With new or doubtful customers, it is a valuable tool. If, according to the insurer, a customer is not creditworthy for €10,000, that is a signal to think carefully. Then it is sometimes better to focus on other customers.
Xolv has supported us well for years, especially with complex files. They provide quick and clear insight, and if things do go wrong, we are covered. The relationship has always been strong. If we need them, they are there for us. So we are thickly satisfied."