Based on UCIMU processing on ISTAT data , in the first three months of 2022 , the main export markets for Italian machine tools were the United States ; Germany ; China ; France ; Poland ; Spain ; Russia ; Mexico ; Turkey and India .
“ Italy was the second most important consumer market of sheetmetal processing and sheet-metal forming technologies after China . Investments in new machines were also supported by government measures 4.0 that are in place until 2025 ,” commented UCIMU at EuroBLECH in Hanover this October .
UCIMU President Barbara Colombo at BI-MU 2022 in Milan , Italy .
Manufacturing challenges
Supply-chain issues and raw materials / parts / components shortages from COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine have , however , affected delivery times for Italian manufacturers .
Barbara Colombo , President of UCIMU-Sistemi Per Produrre , pointed out : “ Today , we are experiencing a paradoxical situation . Italian manufacturers have received large numbers of orders , as never before , but they were only able to produce part of the orders collected between the end of 2021 and the first six months of 2022 .”
Unless these shortages and raw material price rises are gradually resolved , she foresaw continued difficulties for manufacturers in finding electronic components .
“ Exorbitant price increases for energy fuels inflation and has a direct impact on production costs in many upstream and downstream sectors of the production chain where we operate . Therefore , we consider it essential to carry out any actions aimed , on one hand , at finding new sources of energy supply and , on the other , limiting the disproportionate rise in prices ,” she added .
She also highlighted uncertainties over the transformation of the automotive sector and all its numerous related industries and activities , with regard to the EU target to produce endothermic-combustion engine vehicles by 2035 .
“ Government authorities have expressed Italy ’ s clear standpoint on the necessity of ensuring a gradual passage to the green production of motor vehicles , according to what we have defined as ‘ technological neutrality ’. In Italy , we have a strong , deeply rooted tradition in automotive production , which includes not only the manufacturing of vehicles but also that of components , mainly by small and mid-sized companies operating in the supply chains of automotive sectors all over the world , starting from Germany . Italian machine-tool manufacturers sell about 50 % of their production to the automotive industry . This enormous macro-sector must be protected ,” explained Colombo .
“ For this reason , we do not want to oppose the change . We just ask for the appropriate balance of any interventions and a reasonable timetable , enabling the reconversion of factories that have been earmarked for new production in alternative sectors [ leaving time for ] education and training . The Italian machine-tool industry is extremely sensitive to the issue of green production . Transition 4.0 , already included in the latest production technologies , is our response to the
LAMIERA 2022 in Milan . necessity of delivering solutions and systems capable of ensuring a sustainable approach for manufacturing ,” she added .
Industrial modernisation in Italy has been happening under the auspices of government-supported incentives for the past five years , but the digital transformation of industrial factories and the expansion of production capacity needs to continue . UCIMU has called on the Italian government to implement a structural incentive measure to replace obsolete machinery and the introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies . It also asked the Italian government to extend and simplify the applicability of tax credit measures for professional education and training .
“ People are the crucial factor for the success of our industry and , in particular , young people . Therefore , we think it essential that our country makes an important investment in schools of any kind and level – professional schools ; technical institutes ; higher technical institutes ( ITS ); universities and postgraduate courses – whose courses [ are relevant to ] the manufacturing industry and , particularly , high-tech manufacturing ,” continued Colombo .
‘ Made in Italy ’ abroad
Finally , concluded the UCIMU President , for a sector that exports half of its production , globalisation cannot be a choice . It is essential , even in particularly difficult periods .
“ We will continue to be actively present in emerging markets , without overlooking traditional ones ,” she promised . “ To promote the ‘ Made in Italy ’ sector , participation in global trade fairs is also fundamental . We think that all provisions aimed at encouraging industry participation in trade shows are extremely important . Amongst other things , the move by professional associations and exhibition centres to highlight the strategic importance of trade fairs led to an amendment to the Aid Decree , providing a bonus of 10,000 euros for Italian companies that wish to take part in international exhibitions held in Italy by the end of 2022 ,” she concluded .
The 33 . BI-MU exhibition took place this October in Milan , Italy , showcasing machine tools , robotics , automation , digital and additive manufacturing . Almost 700 exhibiting companies ( 37 % of whom were from overseas ) and 42,000 visitors attended the event .
The LAMIERA sheet-metal exhibition will take place in Milan from 10-13 May 2023 , alongside the Made in Steel exhibition , and will focus on six technological themes . Factory of the Future will be dedicated to software and technologies for connectivity , data management , automation and digital systems / robotics for sheet-metal processing . Saldatech will focus on welding . Fastener Industry will showcase screws , bolts , fastening and clamping systems . The World of Heat and Surface Treatments will present pre- and post-production treatments for ferrous and non-ferrous metals . Metrology & Testing will spotlight testing , quality control and measurement technologies . Blech Italy Service will present technical subcontracting and services for the sector . n
46 | ismr . net | ISMR November 2022