One year on: Building on a strong foundation
Taking over an established organization always comes with expectations. For Stefano Capoccia, his first year leading Soudronic Ltd. in New York also coincided with tariffs, rising material costs, and supply-chain uncertainty. It became an early demonstration of how customer proximity, transparency, and partnership translate into action when conditions become difficult.
A first year that did not follow the script
When Stefano Capoccia took over as General Manager of Soudronic Ltd. in August 2025, his priorities were clear. Building on the strong foundation already in place, he wanted to deepen his understanding of the organization, stay close to customers, strengthen collaboration with colleagues in Switzerland, and identify further opportunities for the North American business.
The market soon added its own priorities. Tariffs on metals, as well as duties affecting imports from Europe and particularly Switzerland, created uncertainty and additional cost pressure. Rising prices and availability constraints for critical raw materials such as carbide added another layer of complexity.
Listening and learning quickly had to be combined with action. Working closely with customers and colleagues in Switzerland, the local team anticipated supply risks, protected delivery continuity, and helped avoid disproportionate price increases wherever possible. The challenging environment also brought sales, service, spare parts, and administration closer together, helping the team recognize its strengths and identify areas for improvement.
«During a challenging year, our priority was clear: remain close to our customers, communicate transparently, and find viable solutions together,» Stefano says. «By acting as one team, we protected supply continuity and strengthened relationships that have been built over many years.»
What customers value when conditions get difficult
Positive customer feedback confirmed that this transparent, solution-oriented approach further strengthened long-standing relationships. Close customer contact also deepened Stefano’s understanding of the North American market. Despite economic uncertainty and workforce constraints, manufacturers continue to seek productivity gains through automation, digitalization, and modernization.
But Stefano’s first year also reinforced something less technical. «What stood out was how highly North American customers value responsiveness,» he says. «Strong technology is essential, but customers also expect open communication, local support, and a partner who understands the operational realities of their plants.»
That expectation extends well beyond the initial machine investment. With a substantial installed base across North America, Soudronic sees growing opportunities to help customers improve the performance and productive life of existing equipment through modernization, service, training, and digital solutions. Combining this with responsive local support creates an important platform for further development in the region.
Building on a year of experience
After twelve months, Stefano’s priorities have not changed, but the focus has sharpened: strengthen local service and spare-parts capabilities, develop the team, protect delivery reliability, and help customers improve productivity and safeguard their investments. The next chapter will be guided by transparency, accessibility, accountability, and cooperation. Listening carefully, acting with clarity, and being dependable when it matters most.