INDUSTRY NEWS
Positive results for Italian machine tools / robots
2023 has been another positive year for the Italian manufacturing industry of machine tools , robots and automation systems , which has announced a new production record . This was confirmed by Barbara Colombo , President of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE ( the Italian machine-tool , robot and automation systems manufacturers ’ association ) during its 2023 year-end press conference .
Based on the preliminary year ’ s data processed by the association , in 2023 production marked a 3.8 % increase over the previous year . The result , said the association , was driven by strong export performance . Exports grew by 10.3 % and the export / production figure increased once more , reaching 50.6 %.
From January-August 2023 ( latest available data ), the main destination markets for Italian machine-tool , robotics and automation products were the United States (+ 26.7 %); Germany (+ 8.8 %); China (+ 34 %); France (+ 32.1 %) and Poland (+ 14.7 %). Deliveries by Italian manufacturers in their domestic market decreased slightly to 2 % less than in 2022 . Imports were down by 4.5 %.
“ For 2024 , Italian machine-tool , robot and automation manufacturers expect a consolidation of the results achieved in recent years . Production should be driven by overseas demand , whereas a moderate
Barbara Colombo .
reduction should be recorded in domestic consumption . According to forecasts by the Studies Dept . & Business Culture Centre of UCIMU , in 2024 we expect production to increase by + 0.5 % compared to 2023 , thanks to the rise in exports (+ 6.4 %),” said the association .
“ Deliveries by manufacturers to the domestic market are not expected to exceed 3,525 million euros ( -5.6 %), in line with the drop in domestic consumption ( -5.6 %). Imports should also be affected by the reduced demand for investments in Italy , falling by 5.5 %. The export / production figure should rise again , standing at 53.6 %,” it added .
Barbara Colombo , President of UCIMU- SISTEMI PER PRODURRE , commented : “ Although there are clear signs of a slowdown , 2023 closed positively for Italian manufacturers . ‘ Made in Italy ’ sector production grew again , setting a new record thanks to the good results obtained by Italian manufacturers [ in overseas markets ].” The association has submitted an operational plan for the two-year period 2024-2025 , regarding activities between the Italian and German machine-tool industries , to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation . This plan is aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two countries with activities including mutual visits to production facilities ; incoming activities for delegations of German end users visiting Italian manufacturers and trade fairs in Italy and the organisation of an Italian Machine Tool Forum in Germany as well as market analyses .
UCIMU has also launched important overseas initiatives such as business networks in India and Vietnam .
“ The Italian manufacturing industry is willing to continue with the digital transition process , which is underway , but everyone is waiting to see what incentives will be starting in the next few months . We appreciate the work carried out by Italian government authorities who obtained the green light from the European Commission to finance , with Repower EU , the Transition Plan 5.0 . This focuses on the combination of green and digital transformation to support the development of the manufacturing industry with energysaving criteria , whilst taking into account the fundamental issues of education and training . We await the implementation of the measures that will bring this plan into effect ,” continued Barbara Colombo .
UCIMU has also called on the Government to refine Industry 4.0 incentives and extend their use to a wider range of companies ( such as smaller companies who , said UCIMU , may be reluctant to undertake the digital transition ). n
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British Steel decarbonisation proposals
British Steel has been staging public consultation planning events about its proposed decarbonisation programme . In November 2023 , it unveiled plans for what it termed the biggest transformation in its history : a £ 1.25-billion proposal to become a clean , green and sustainable business by adopting electric arc furnace steelmaking .
“ Following detailed analysis of our current operations , available technology and challenging market conditions , we are proposing to accelerate our decarbonisation programme . The proposals , which are subject to appropriate support from the UK Government , could see us install two electric arc furnaces ( EAFs ). The first would be at our headquarters in Scunthorpe and the second at our manufacturing site in Teesside ( UK ),” it explained .
The company proposes maintaining current operations until the transition to electric arc steelmaking . British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification and has promised
Dr . Andrew Smith and Dr . Andy Trowsdale receiving their awards .
to support employees affected by the decarbonisation plans . It has agreed for proposals to be reviewed by an external specialist on behalf of the trade unions .
The steelmaker is also working with North Lincolnshire Council on a plan to attract new businesses and jobs to the Scunthorpe site , parts of which could become vacant if the proposals go ahead . British Steel unveiled its Low-Carbon Roadmap in October 2021 , pledging to invest in a range of technologies to deliver net-zero steel by 2050 and significantly reduce its CO₂ intensity by 2030 and 2035 . However , it is now proposing to accelerate its decarbonisation journey with the potential new operating structure able to reduce CO₂ intensity by around 75 per cent , it told ISMR .
Two of its employees , Dr . Andrew Smith ( Customer and Technology Manager , Special Profiles business ) and Dr . Andy Trowsdale ( Head of Research and Development ) have received prestigious awards from The Institute of Materials , Minerals and Mining ( IOM3 ).
Dr . Smith won the inaugural ‘ Henry Royce Institute Award for Innovation by a Technical Professional ’. Dr . Trowsdale collected the ‘ Tom Colclough Medal and Prize ’ in recognition of ‘ learned contribution to understanding microstructure , mechanical properties , fabricability or in-service performance , production or engineering in the iron and steel industry ’. n
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12 | ismr . net | ISMR February 2024