The Italian machine tool, robot and automation industry witnessed a 7.9 per cent growth in 2014 and 2015 will see growth of 5.2 per cent, according to the country’s industry association, UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE.
According to UCIMU, the 2014 results pushes the company’s global ranking from fourth to third among exports of machine tools, robots and automation.
In 2014, production grew by 7.9 cent, reaching 4,840 million euro, driven by the recovery of domestic consumption that increased by 33.8 per cent to 2,738 million euro, favouring both the deliveries of Italian manufacturers, up by 44 per cent, to 1,587 million, and imports, an increase of 21.9 per cent, to 1,151 million euro.
Based on current data, UCIMU is forecasting that the sector will experience production growth of 5.2 per cent to 5,090 million euro, and consumption will increase to 2,895 million euro, 5.7 per cent more compared with last year, driving both the deliveries of manufacturers, expected to rise by 4.3 per cent to 1,655 million, and imports, an increase of 7.7 per cent.
Exports are expect to grow by 5.6 per cent with the US being the top destination, followed by China, Russia and France.
Luigi Galdabini, president of UCIMU states that “after a year 2013 to be forgotten, in 2014, the Italian industry of the sector is growing again, starting off a positive trend that has already been confirmed by the 2015 data. However, last year – went on Galdabini – will be remembered for the recovery of Italian demand which seems to have awaken from its torpor”.
