Elisabetta Quadrini, Newfren, Italy
"The new year has started with a brisk pace for us here at Newfren. Thanks to the hard work put in by our team last year, which led to the acquisition of new customers, we have been able to start the new year with production running at a brisk pace.
"None of us can be sure what the full year holds, but it has started well here in Turin. The brake discs department saw the arrival of around 18 tons of steel from Japan in the first few days of the year.
"This steel comes from one of the best and most historic steel mills in Japan, one specialised in the alloying of martensitic stainless steels - a type of stainless steel that is known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.
"The laser cutting department is currently running its automated plant on a continuous cycle seven days a week, and the technical department is working hard to complete the design of the new models that will feature in the 2023 Newfren brake disc catalogue.
"After all the uncertainties and issues in the past 36 months, it is a relief to at least be able to start the year in a positive way.
"In January, the brake shoe production department also saw the arrival of tons of aluminium in ingots - these will feed the die-casting line. Around 30 tons of aluminium will be transformed into 300,000 pairs of motorbike brake shoes during 2023.
"The brake pad production department is working tirelessly to complete the assortment of exclusive new brake pads that we already have in distribution, with new 'Made in Italy' sintered brake pads getting an exclusive coloured layer surface treatment.
"The only products still seeing some slowdown in production are our clutch discs, where the unavailability of some raw materials used to produce the friction surfaces are still holding the clutch market back.
"However, our colleagues in R&D are not in the habit of waiting around and have developed new compounds, which are currently being tested - compounds that involve the use of new raw materials that should not be affected by supply delays.
"So, the report from Turin at this time? A good start to 2023, with many of the issues that have caused problems in the past three years now under better control, and in-house production developments having given us a firm foundation to build forward on.
"We look ahead with our usual optimism and work every day to improve our performance - trying to overcome the difficulties of today and be ready for the unknowns of tomorrow!"
