Why salt is an essential raw material in the production chain

During the coronavirus crisis, keeping essential industries running is more important than ever. The food and pharmaceutical sectors, which supply the population and ensure public health, are particularly crucial. Yet, what is often overlooked is the vital role salt plays in these industries.

Salt is not only a cheap and widely available raw material, but it is also essential at the very start of many production chains. A ton of salt can cost only a few dozen euros, yet its social and industrial importance is enormous. Beyond its familiar uses in food and road de-icing, salt is involved in over 14,000 industrial applications.

“Hospitals, for example, need soft, decalcified water for their dialysis machines. Without high-quality water softening salt, these systems cannot function,” explains Gehad, COO of Moses.

As egypt’s only salt producer, Moses understands its critical social responsibility. A shortage of salt during a crisis could rapidly trigger shutdowns in the food and pharmaceutical industries, threatening both supply chains and public health.

Ensuring Production Continuity

To safeguard against disruptions, Moses has invested heavily in automated production processes.

• 10% of annual turnover is reinvested in machinery, technology, and maintenance.
• Production is highly automated, allowing a few operators to manage the entire process while maintaining social distancing.
• Strict hygiene protocols are embedded in company culture, minimizing operational risk.

Thanks to these measures, Moses continues to maintain maximum inventory levels and transportation logistics, ensuring uninterrupted supply even during the pandemic.

The Economics of Salt

The financial reality of the salt market is challenging. Margins are thin, and warmer winters reduce demand for road salt, historically a key revenue buffer. “Customers often negotiate hard for even a single euro per ton,” notes Moses, highlighting the pressure on the market. Despite these challenges, Moses remains committed to sustainable, high-quality production.

Managing Risks During the Crisis

The main risk during the coronavirus crisis is staff shortages, not the salt itself, which is naturally virus-free. Any reduction in workforce could impact production capacity and indirectly affect the numerous companies relying on Moses’ salt.