The worst year in the history of the Italian ceramic machinery industry

In what was reportedly the worst year in its history, in 2009 the Italian ceramic machinery industry saw its turnover slump to the levels of 1999 (1,292 million euro). Down by 33 percentage points with respect to 2008, turnover reached 1,240.8 million euro, with similar falls in domestic sales (-33.6% to 325.2 million euro) and exports (-32.8% to 915.6 million euro). Nonetheless, the Italian manufacturers confirmed their leadership position in international markets where they generated 73.8% of their total turnover.

The structure of the sector

In 2009 the number of companies operating in the sector - which continues to be concentrated prevalently in the Emilia-Romagna region - fell to 159 last year (8 fewer than the 167 of 2008). The majority of companies (58.5%) reported turnovers below 2.5 million euro, while companies with turnovers in excess of 10 million euro accounted for most of the industry's total turnover (72.4%). Employment in the sector suffered a modest fall, down by 620 to 6,229 employees compared to 6,849 in 2008.

"We will continue to spur the market with innovations capable of improving aesthetic quality, environmental sustainability and automation of ceramic products," affirmed Acimac's Chairman Pietro Cassani. "For this purpose, we strongly urge the Government to adopt the necessary measures to support business activities and to renew the incentives for purchases of machinery established by the Tremonti Ter decree."

Internationalisation

The number of foreign companies in which Italian groups have a majority stake (greater than 51%) fell by 10 compared to 2008. The 58 Italian-controlled companies generated a total turnover of 26.8 million euro (6.6% down on 2008).