Machine tools , robots and automation systems
After an extremely positive 2021 , the Italian manufacturing sector for machine tools , robots and automation systems closed 2022 with double-digit increases for almost all main economic indicators . A favourable 2023 is expected , although with lower growth rates . This was reported by Barbara Colombo , President of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE ( the Italian machine tools , robots and automation systems manufacturers ’ association ), during the association ’ s year-end press conference .
According to data processed by the association , production in 2022 marked a 14.6 % upturn against the previous year . The outcome , said the association , was due to “ the excellent trend in Italian manufacturers ’ deliveries to the domestic market , which has grown by 27 %, as well as to the positive export performance ( which was 2.5 % more than in the previous year ).”
“ Italian demand for machine tools , robots and automation systems was very dynamic in 2022 , as it had been in the previous year . With a 31.3 % rise , domestic consumption drove not only the deliveries of Italian manufacturers but also imports (+ 38.5 %),” commented the association .
The import / consumption ratio gained about two percentage points , standing at 39.5 %. Based on UCIMU processing of data from the Italian National Statistical Institute ( ISTAT ), from January- August 2022 ( latest available data ), major destination markets for Italian products in the sector were the United States (+ 24.7 %); Germany ( -15.6 %); China ( -3.5 %); Poland (+ 4.7 %) and France (+ 9.1 %). The export / production ratio decreased by about five percentage points , accounting for 45.1 %
“ Despite the uncertainty factors , this positive trend should also continue in 2023 ,” forecast the association . It believes that , in 2023 , “ production should rise + 4.3 % versus 2022 , thanks to the upturn registered by exports ( which should reach + 3.1 %) and to manufacturer deliveries to the domestic market ( expected to increase by 5.3 %).”
Consumption is also expected to continue growing , reaching 3.7 % more than in 2022 .
“ Imports should also benefit from the dynamism of domestic demand , marking a 1.3 % increase . The export / production ratio should drop again , standing at 44.6 %,” added the association . “ Italian manufacturers ’ order portfolio in the first nine months of the year ( latest available data ), shows 8.1 months of production guaranteed by orders , the highest value ever registered over the last 30 years .”
Barbara Colombo , President of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE , summed up : “ Despite problems such as high energy costs as well as difficulties in finding available raw materials , electric and electronic
Sheet metal operations at Mevepa , Italy .
Barbara Colombo , President of UCIMU- SISTEMI PER PRODURRE .
Heading to the LAMIERA sheet metal exhibition .
components , Italian manufacturers of machine tools , robots and automation systems achieved new record results for most economic indicators in 2022 .”
“ In particular ,” she continued , “ there is evident dynamism of Italian demand , supported by the [ Industry ] - 4.0 government incentives which , in 2022 , are still offering extremely high rates ( tax credit accounting for 40 % of investment value ). These rates will be reduced to 20 % from 2023 , unless amendments are made .”
She appealed for incentive measures to become structural for the replacement of obsolete machinery and the digitalisation of production plants “ because digital and non-digital innovation is a continuous process .”
“ With regard to immediate actions , we stress again that , for 2023 , currently existing rates for the tax credit regarding investments in new production technologies have to be confirmed and the resources provided for by the Sabatini Law have to be increased ,” she clarified .
“ We are aware that wide-ranging measures should be prioritised , to face problems that are particularly complex and of general impact on the community ( such as the energy crisis ). Nevertheless , the manufacturing industry is a pillar of the economy in our country and must be supported by provisions capable of enhancing the competitiveness of companies and ensuring their future , as well as stable employment .”
She welcomed the idea proposed by Italian government authorities to ask in Europe for the option to employ part of the unused resources ( amounting to 3.8 billion euros ) allocated for Transition 4.0 in the PNRR ( Italy ’ s Recovery and Resilience Plan ) to finance the tax credit measures “ with the rates that are currently in force .”
She also highlighted the strong record of Italian manufacturers in countries such as the United States , France and Poland . Less positive results for Italian manufacturers in Germany and China have prompted her to request increased funds to support the globalisation activities of Italian manufacturers . This includes resources to guarantee the attendance of overseas operators to international trade fairs in Italy and for initiatives organised with the ICE-Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and of International Cooperation . She also mentioned the incentives reserved by SIMEST for the participation of Italian companies in exhibitions “ of international relevance ” held in Italy and overseas .
“ We ask for resources not only for SMEs but also for Mid Cap companies which are the drivers of the production chains . These resources should be allocated for non-repayable and soft financing of globalisation activities , such as the opening of subsidiary offices and branches and the creation of company networks abroad , as well as development projects for ecological and digital transitions ,” she concluded .
In the fourth quarter 2022 , the index of machine-tool orders processed by UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE marked a 3.5 % increase compared to the period October-December 2021 . n
46 | ismr . net | ISMR May 2023