Italian manufacturers of machinery and equipment for the ceramic and heavy clay industries reported 8.6% turnover growth in 2010. According to data published in Acimac’s 19th National Statistical Survey, the sector generated a total turnover of €1394 million last year. This represented a real recovery in orders but was insufficient to offset the losses experienced in 2009 when turnover slumped by 30.7%.

The recovery was reportedly driven by exports, which accounted for 76.6% of turnover (up from the 77.4% of 2009). Exports generated a turnover of €1067.1 million (~ $1525 million).

“During the 12 months of 2010, we have seen a timid resumption of investments in most countries worldwide and are therefore optimistic about the current year’s performance,” said Pietro Cassani, chairman of Acimac. “We are expecting a further 10-15 percentage point recovery in turnover with respect to 2010, although it is always difficult to make forecasts because of external factors that continuously impact our operations, such as the political and social upheaval in the Middle East.”

The Italian machinery manufacturers are also reportedly awaiting a recovery in the Italian domestic market. “In these first few months of the year, our companies have secured major supply contracts with leading Italian firms, and we hope that this trend will continue over the next six months,” said Cassani. “Given the importance for us of the Sassuolo ceramic manufacturing district, we have organized a roundtable discussion with some of the leading players in the sector to discuss the district’s future.”

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