In 2016, Italy’s production of textile machinery rose five per cent compared to 2015, thereby reaching a value of 2.7 billion euros. During the same period, exports grew by four per cent amounting to 2.3 billion euros.
This reinforces the positive trend already observed in 2015, and is the result of a substantial confirmation of the state of foreign markets, as well as growth of the domestic market. Indeed, domestic sales of Italian manufacturers increased 14 per cent. The various Government incentives offered have no doubt played an essential role in kick-starting domestic demand.
“The measures linked to Industry 4.0 are the main tools that will allow our industrial sector take a step forward,” affirmed Ms. Raffaella Carabelli, President, ACIMIT. “Italian manufacturers must take advantage of the evolution in digital technology to further boost production efficiency and competitiveness globally.”
For the textile sector, and machinery manufacturers especially, Industry 4.0 represents a challenge aimed at stimulating dialogue between businesses operating within the sector. But is the textile machinery sector ready to take on these challenges? To outline the latest state-of-the-art trends and track possible future scenarios, ACIMIT quoted a study of its own associated members, conducted by Rina Consulting SpA which points out the high level of awareness by Italian manufacturers regarding the latest technologies and their adoption (particularly cloud and cybersecurity technologies), with positive outcomes on productivity.
The ACIMIT President added: “Our survey highlights the need to better understand how new technologies can be proposed to industry, and specifically for the textile sector. New trends in terms of demand, which are well synthesized by the phenomenon of fast fashion, and characterized by the speed of time to market, require production processes that are just as swift, and capable of providing an immediate response to consumer needs. The digitalization of our associated manufacturers can thus trigger a further competitive advantage.”