Ceramic machinery industry enjoys strong 2011

The Italian ceramic machinery and equipment manufacturing industry is set to end 2011 with a strong performance. The industry is expected to report a 20% year-on-year turnover increase to 1,700 million euro, a value close to pre-crisis levels. This growth has been driven by exports, which account for more than 85% of total turnover, whereas the domestic market has continued to show an inconsistent performance.

However, the slowdown in growth in the last quarter of 2011 causes concern to business leaders. "Given the fall in orders and the general downturn of the world economy, our forecasts for next year are very cautious," commented Acimac Chairman Pietro Cassani. "Even the world's largest manufacturing countries, first and foremost China, are seeing their growth rates slow. This naturally causes some concern in a sector like ours that is strongly dependent on exports."

Cassani also expressed his apprehension about the continued stalemate surrounding the former Italian Trade Commission ICE and the consequent cutback in promotional activities for 2012, which are now entirely self-financed by the companies themselves.
"We hope that Mario Monti's new government will soon restore a sense of balance and ensure adequate funding and support for Italian companies operating in international markets by setting up a body with adequate financial coverage, professional resources and decision-making autonomy," continued Cassani.