Italian ceramic machinery turnover tops 2 billion euros (2016)

The ceramic machinery and equipment manufacturers are set to close 2016 with a very positive performance. Although difficulties remain in the heavy clay and sanitaryware client sectors and in a number of foreign markets such as Russia, Brazil and China, the sector’s turnover is expected to pass 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 is estimated to have risen by 3.9% with respect to the 2015 figure of 1.982 billion euros (in turn up 8% on 2014).

Exports continue to account for the largest share of the sector’s turnover, reaching 78.1% in 2016 (1.61 billion euros, up 5.8% on 2015). If these values are confirmed by the final data due to be published in June 2017, this will be the highest figure ever recorded for exports.

By contrast, the Italian market saw its recovery grind to a halt this year. Following last year’s 4.3% growth, the Acimac Research Department is forecasting a 2.3% decline in 2016 bringing Italian turnover to 450 million euros.

“We hope that the strategic plan for Industry 4.0 proposed by the Italian government, and in particular by the Minister for Economic Development Carlo Calenda, will give a fresh boost to our customers’ investments,” commented Acimac’s Chairman Paolo Sassi.

“We would like to thank Calenda for having once again demonstrated his attention towards Italian manufacturing.”

It is difficult to make forecasts for next year. “In spite of socioeconomic problems in a number of countries worldwide, we are cautiously optimistic,” continued Sassi. “Based on the information currently available, we believe that we will maintain this year’s turnover levels in 2017.”