The VOA, Verband für die Oberflächenveredelung von Aluminium e. V. (Association for the Surface Treatment of Aluminum), informs the political leadership in Berlin in regular discussions about what moves the surface treatment industry. The results of the current member survey serve as a basis for the association to lobby for the interests of surface finishing. At present, the energy crisis in particular is dominating the thoughts and actions of VOA member companies.
82 percent of the members stated that their production is limited by the effects of the energy crisis. The consequences of the war are affecting 41 percent of the companies. Worldwide supply shortages, caused by a variety of geopolitical risks, affect 29 percent of members. Even the construction industry, which has not been slowed down by the Corona pandemic in recent years, is now heading for a crisis: interest rates and construction costs are rising, investors are holding back, and projects are on hold for the time being. There are fears of repercussions for companies in the surface finishing industry, the majority of which work for the construction sector. Although sales development remained the same for 47 percent of VOA members compared to the previous year, and 41 percent report an increase of 19 percent, these figures should not hide the serious situation.