2007 Year in Review: Taking Stock in a Year Marked by Twists, Turns, and Triumphs

摘要

Different year, similar challenges. That just about sums up the 2007 experience for many serving the metal finishing industry, regardless of the specific channel. Finishers continued to absorb the brunt of the increase in metals prices (particularly zinc, nickel, copper and gold), while increased energy costs in the form of higher natural gas prices and electricity further complicated the picture. On top of that, hikes in chemicals and resins used in everything from coating materials to adhesives also forced adjustments.