According to newly released statistics from the Italian Federation of Machine Tool, Robotics and Automation Manufacturers (UCIMU-SISTEMPERPRODURRE), in the first quarter of 2012, orders received by the Italian machine tool industry increased by 10.5% year-on-year, reaching 124.7 (2005=100, the same below).
This continued growth trend (excluding the assessment of 2011) shows that the Italian machine tool industry has achieved growth for eight consecutive quarters, indicating that the industry is gradually improving. Orders from overseas markets rose by 12% year-on-year, reaching 158.9. However, orders from the domestic market only increased by 0.1%, reaching 69.3. This data indicates that the recovery of the Italian domestic market is slow, and market demand remains weak.
Giancarlo Losma, President of the Italian Federation of Machine Tool, Robotics and Automation Manufacturers, commented that this situation in the Italian machine tool industry has led to stagnation in technological investment, forcing a careful assessment of the risk of losing competitiveness in the global industrial system. The stagnation of production plants directly affects the entire manufacturing industry and will also expose “Made in Italy” products to heavy blows from overseas competitors. Many competitors are continuously increasing their investment in the research and development of products that are more efficient, environmentally friendly, and safer, which will continuously narrow the gap between them and “Made in Italy” products.