Bruno Bolfo, founder of the Duferco Group, has died.
Bruno Bolfo, one of the leading figures of the global steel industry and the founder of the Duferco Group, has died. The passing of Bruno Bolfo, who transformed Duferco into one of the largest steel groups in the world with his vision spanning all areas from steel trading to manufacturing, has caused deep sorrow throughout the international steel industry. Bolfo founded Duferco in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 1979, after leaving his position at Siderexport, the trading company of the former Italsider group. The company quickly became one of the largest Brazilian exporters and subsequently expanded its operations to North America and Europe. Realizing in advance the transformative impact that the Internet would have on steel trading, Bolfo implemented a strategy in the mid-1990s that shifted the focus from trading to steel production. As a result of this transformation, by 2004 Duferco had reached an annual production capacity of approximately 8 million tons, becoming the 34th largest steel producer in the world. The Group has employed about 20,000 people at its facilities in Italy, Belgium, France, Denmark, Macedonia, Russia, the United States, Guatemala and South Africa. In the following years, the company diversified its operations through investments in industries such as energy and shipping, further strengthening its position as a major global player in the steel industry. Antonio Gozzi: "A true legend of the global steel industry" In his message of condolences, Antonio Gozzi, Chairman of the Board of the Duferco Group, called Bruno Bolfo "a true legend of the global steel industry." Gozzi stated that Duferco has grown into an industrial group operating on a global scale thanks to Bolfo's entrepreneurial courage, vision and leadership. He stressed that Bolfo's foresight, which foresaw the impact of the Internet on the steel trade, and his decision to switch to steel production were one of the most important turning points in the company's history. NSO er further emphasized that Bolfo was not only a successful businessman, but also a leader who valued his employees, created a strong corporate culture, and led the group's expansion into new industries such as energy and shipping. Gozzi also noted that in the later stages of his career, Bolfo actively supported the generational change in the band. According to Gozzi, Bruno Bolfo leaves behind a legacy based on entrepreneurial courage, confidence in the future and a management philosophy based on respect for people. "He taught us that value can only be created by maintaining balance and showing respect to employees, customers, suppliers and all stakeholders," Gozzi said. Concluding