Italian ceramic machinery turnover tops 2 billion euros

The Italian ceramic machinery and equipment manufacturers closed 2015 with a very positive performance. Although difficulties remain in the heavy clay and sanitaryware client sectors and in some foreign markets such as Russia, Brazil and China, the sector's turnover passed the 2 billion euro mark for the first time in its history.

Based on preliminary figures published by the Research Department of Acimac (Italian Ceramic Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers' Association), the sector's turnover has risen by 11.7% with respect to the 2014 figure of 1.89 billion euros (in turn up 7% on 2013).

This excellent performance is a result of growth in both the international and Italian markets.

Exports continue to account for the largest share of the sector's turnover, reaching 76.6% in 2015 (1.57 billion euros, up 12.6% on 2014). If these values are confirmed by the final data due to be published in June 2016, this will be the highest figure ever recorded for exports.

The Italian market continued to recover throughout 2015. Following 2014 excellent results when domestic turnover grew by 28.2%, 2015 saw a further 8.5% growth, bringing turnover to 480 million euros.

This was largely a result of the tax concessions on the purchase of capital goods granted by the so-called "Sabatini Bis" law.

It's difficult to make forecasts for 2016. "After two years of growth we're expecting a cyclical slowdown in capital goods purchases and consequently a small fall in turnover," said Tarozzi.

"In 2016 we will be holding the exhibition Tecnargilla, the most important showcase for the sector where our member companies will be unveiling their latest technological innovations," he continued. "This means it will be a vital year for our R&D departments and for our industry's overall image. We're confident that we won't disappoint our international customers' expectations."