Following substantial rises in the cost of raw materials worldwide (coil and zinc for example) for Steel Producers, the cost of Self Colour and Galvanised Scaffold Tube in particular has hit a record high! Predicted increases in late 2007 by the Steel Mills for this year - originally thought to take effect around the second quarter of 2008 - have already hit home much earlier and more importantly for all concerned, far sharper than anticipated.
Price increases through January and February 2008 saw a huge surge in supply chain costs by as much as 30%!
These increases show no sign of abatement and indications are that they will continue upwards beyond the current climate and surpass the originally predicted second quarter (if only we had believed!) well into the latter part of 2008.
However, these increases are real and hitting the marketplace NOW. A painful period for all involved - Mill, Distributor, End user - will be inevitable and more importantly unavoidable.
For our part George Roberts will continue to provide Service and Competitiveness as its priority benchmark - within a volatile marketplace - and we are here to work as always with our extremely valued customer base.
Potential, New and Existing customers, we look forward to being of assistance to you, so please don't hesitate to contact us.
The George Roberts Team.
