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    February 22, 2022

    Backlogs Worry OEMs and Service Centers

    Written by David Schollaert

    Strong downstream demand for steel is expected through the first half of 2022, but unfilled orders and backlogs resulting from supply-chain troubles and labor shortages may wreak havoc in the second half, cautioned a panel of OEM and service center executives during the Tampa Steel Conferences last week.

    Tampa.Steel.Conference“We’re certainly seeing strong demand for the first half of the year, but I’m concerned for the second half. … The main issue are the backlogs. It may be highlighted on manufacturing, but it’s everywhere,” said Bob Elsasser, vice president of procurement at Columbus, Neb.-based Behlen Manufacturing Co.

    David Schollaert

    David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

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