Oxyweld is a company specialising in the production of Oweld-branded hydrogen and oxygen gas generators for metal brazing. It continues its growth path with an important milestone: the transition to the second generation of entrepreneurs. Diego and Debora Andreetta, children of the founder and respectively Sales Director and After Sales Manager, are preparing to lead the company in this new phase.
Oxyweld is on the market for over 40 years with more than 8,000 systems sold worldwide. It covers various fields of application, mainly the electromechanical sector and those of refrigeration, air conditioning and automotive. Since its beginnings, the company has focused on innovating a conservative sector such as braze welding and soldering. And, over time, it has shifted its focus from small gas distribution plants to increasingly larger ecological plants, reaching the point of serving major multinationals in the sector.
As for the near future, automation and smart products (able to interact more with the user) will be the areas in which the company will move towards. On a technological level, there is great ferment in the sector at the moment. Just think of the possibilities that hydrogen can offer.
Diego and Debora Andreetta intend to focus on innovation and internationalization. All this with the aim of making Oxyweld products qualitatively superior in order to increase competitiveness and, at the same time, pursue an action focused on the sustainability of the process.
How will the generational transition be managed? Will there be changes in your roles?
Diego A.: The generational transition is always a delicate moment: it is never easy, whether in a small or a large company. At the moment we don’t foresee any changes in our roles, which are well divided and enhance our respective propensities and skills. I take care of the commercial side, while Debora takes care of after-sales and customer service. Our father, on the other hand, will remain at our side in the role of General Manager.
Therefore, family management will be maintained. This not only guarantees a more human and direct relationship with employees. But also it offers the advantage of being able to plan better medium- to long-term actions and not only think about the immediate financial result.
Debora A.: The challenge for the near future is to keep up with new technologies. Diego and I will continue to focus on the complementarity of our roles. We are also fortunate to be able to learn from our father. He more than 40 years ago managed to develop an incredible and almost futuristic technology for the time.
Are you planning to strengthen the company’s international presence?
Diego A.: There are many countries with a strong growth rate and a young population where we need to focus more commercial efforts. I am referring, for example, to India, Indonesia and Bangladesh. But there are many others. Africa still shows shortcomings in terms of stability and security. But it is still a continent to be monitored.
Do you produce exclusively in Italy? How much of your production is exported?
Diego A.: We produce entirely in the factory in Sacile (Pordenone) and we are keen to remain well rooted in the territory. Because in our small way we feel we have a responsibility in the social sphere. On a commercial level we have a significant presence in foreign markets, since exports account for about 65% of total turnover.
