From Sanac, which produces refractory bricks, and Bekaert, a manufacturer of steel cords for tyres, to Fluorsid’s fluorite business, Sardinia’s industrial disputes extend beyond Sulcis to the Macchiareddu hub, a few kilometres from Cagliari and Assemini. The industrial area is once again at the centre of disputes involving three production facilities regarded as significant, although they operate in different sectors.

Sanac, a company under extraordinary administration that produced refractory materials for steelworks, was hit by the crisis at Ilva. Preparations have begun for the sale of its Sardinian facility, as well as the other three sites operating on the Italian mainland. Erre Trading is among the parties involved. “In light of the latest discussions, we have requested a meeting with the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy next week to assess the status of the dispute,” said Marianna Formica, the Filctem representative overseeing the case.

Macchiareddu is also home to the dispute involving the Bekaert plant. The company produces, processes, transforms and coats steel wires and cables. Its crisis was driven by energy and transport costs. The international group had decided to close and then sell the Sardinian plant because of the high expenses associated with energy and logistics.

Following the opening of the dispute, three companies submitted proposals to restart production, although in different sectors, including structural metalwork, steel cables and metal products for construction and the marine industry.

“We welcome the fact that the company tasked with launching the reindustrialisation of Bekaert’s Macchiareddu plant has presented acquisition proposals from industrial operators that appear financially sound,” said Sardinia’s regional industry councillor, Emanuele Cani. “We confirm the Sardinian regional government’s willingness to play an active role in facilitating the plant’s acquisition as much as possible. We will encourage and support the establishment of the new industrial operator through all the instruments available to us, from development contracts and financial assistance to training.”

The conflict in the Middle East is also having a negative impact on Fluorsid. The chemical company, owned by Cagliari football club chairman Giulini, produces sulphuric acid and aluminium fluoride, among other products, at its Macchiareddu plant. These products are used in both the oil industry and metallurgy, including aluminium production.

The company could halt three production lines at the plant on the outskirts of Cagliari and reduce its workforce. “The situation is worrying,” said Gigi Loi, Uiltec’s regional secretary. “These companies are dealing with rising costs, particularly energy expenses. An industrial policy is needed to revive supply chains, starting with high-value processing and research activities such as those involving rare earth elements.”