For the Italian manufacturers of machine tools, robots and automation systems, the year 2024 is closing with a considerable fall of almost all economic indicators. The year 2025 will not be bright, but however, a weak trend reversal is expected.

This, in brief, is what was illustrated by Riccardo Rosa, president of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, the Italian machine tools, robots and automation systems manufacturers’ association, during the usual year-end press conference.

Based on the preliminary data prepared by the Studies Dept. & Business Culture Centre of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, in 2024, production stood at 6,745 million euro, showing an 11.4% drop over the previous year.

The downturn was exclusively due to the sharp contraction of deliveries by manufacturers on the domestic market, which did not exceed 2,255 million euro, i.e. 33.5% less than in 2023 and which were held back by the low investment propensity of Italian users.

The measure of this weakness is expressed by the figure of household  consumption, which collapsed by 34.8% to 3,795 million euro. This trend also impacted the performance of imports, which fell by 36.5% to 1,540 million euro.

The performance of Italian manufacturers on the foreign market was different, as highlighted by the figure of exports, which grew by 6,3% versus 2023, to 4,490 million euro, new record value never achieved before.

According to UCIMU processing of the data from the Italian National Statistics Institute (ISTAT), in the period January-August 2024 (latest available data), the main destination markets for the Italian sector offering of machine tools only were the United States (419 million euro, +17.8%), Germany (243 million euro, +12.3%), China (138 million euro, -15.3%), India (132 million euro, +100%), France (125 million euro, -9.3%).

The export/production figure went up to 66.6%.

For 2025, the expected results should include a return to a positive range, but with very moderate increases. In particular, according to the forecasts compiled by the Studies Dept. & Business Culture Centre of UCIMU, production should increase again in 2025, attaining 6,940 million euro (+2.9% versus 2024).

This outcome should be due to the positive performance of exports – likely to remain stationary (+0.3%) versus 2024 at 4,505 million euro (new record) – as well as to the moderate recovery of deliveries by Italian manufacturers, which should grow to 2,435 million euro (+8% compared to 2024), driven by the revival of domestic demand.

Italian consumption of machine tools, robots and automation should increase to 4,070 million euro, corresponding to 7.2% more than in 2024. Imports should  also benefit from the (weak) recovery in domestic demand, as shown by the forecast figure indicating a 6.2% growth to 1,635 million euro.

The export/production ratio  should decrease slightly to 64.9%.

Riccardo Rosa, president of UCIMU, commented: “After the summer, it became clear that 2024 would be “a completely lost year” for the Italian machine tool industry, which however tried (unsuccessfully) to save the final outcome through overseas activity. This was the situation and nevertheless, our Studies Dept. & Business Culture Centre had to further revise downwards the estimates submitted in September, a sign of the difficulty our companies are facing”.

“Once again, the year that is closing highlights the ability of Italian manufacturers to orient their business rapidly towards the most dynamic areas in the world, starting with the United States, where we have been doing well for many years now. However, looking beyond, the fear that the new US administration may decide to implement a new tariff policy on goods related to our production puts us on alert and forces us to carefully consider our internationalisation activities”.

“Over the last few months, Oficina Italiana de Promotiòn Mexico was established as  a special desk to support Italian member companies of UCIMU and Amaplast, in their knowledge and penetration of the relevant market, also for the Central and North American area”.

“After all, – continued Riccardo Rosa – the big problem for (Italian) manufacturers remains the domestic market which, after consuming at an unprecedented pace, is struggling to restart, also due to the long waiting time for the final adjustments and simplification of Transition 5.0, announced by the Government authorities in November, but not yet made effective”.

“If it is true that the pace in the 2021-2022 period was not sustainable beyond a certain time limit, it is also true that now the value of the Italian market has sharply decreased, returning to the 2016 levels. Too little, I would say. Because of this, important actions and measures are needed”.

“Transition 5.0 is surely a great opportunity, because it prompts companies to think about a new and necessary approach to a proper use of resources, energy saving and sustainable production, as required by the European directives. Enterprises believe in the potential of this instrument, but corrective measures have to be implemented as soon as possible. Otherwise, once again, the opportunity risks remaining only on paper”.

“We particularly appreciate the idea of substituting the obligation of energy-saving  certification for the possibility of combining the new purchase with the replacement of obsolete machinery, (whose depreciation has been completed for at least 24 months). This would mean that a new machine could be purchased under 5.0, if the purchase were related to the replacement of a machine that were at least 7 years old. But we also appreciate the increased tax rates, the possibility of cumulating the measure with incentives for the SEZs (Special Economic Zones) or other incentives financed with non-domestic resources and the extension of the measure to the first four months of 2026”.

“If these adjustments are actually included in the Budget Law, demand should certainly restart to the benefit of the entire manufacturing industry in Italy, which needs to innovate in order to maintain a competitive product offering, also in line with the sustainability directives defined by the European Union”.

“With regard to the Green Deal – added Riccardo Rosa – we cannot but note the position of the European Union, which intends to proceed with the electric transition plan for endothermic engines, with the time frame and procedures currently established: this is severely testing the manufacturing industry in the old continent”.

“What we are currently witnessing, with the closure of some automotive factories and the layoff of thousands of workers, including those in related industries and activities, risks triggering a domino effect that could bring a serious social problem for most of the countries in the area, starting with Italy. We absolutely cannot allow this and thus, I think, it is necessary for all representative bodies of the industrial world to make their voices heard, before it is really too late. This is a game involving entrepreneurs, managers, workers and government institutions for the common interest of defending the industry, which is the basis of the economic system in Italy and Europe”.

“The manufacturing system is an essential element for the well-being of society. For this reason, – concluded Riccardo Rosa – to the government authorities, we reiterate the need to reason, from the beginning of the year, on a new industrial policy programme that may accompany and support the development of enterprises from 2026 onwards”.

2023 has been another positive year for the Italian manufacturing industry of machine tools, robots, and automation systems, which has achieved a new production record, thus extending the favourable trend that should also be confirmed in 2024.

This is in short what was outlined by Barbara Colombo, president of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, the Italian machine tools, robots and automation systems manufacturers’ association, during the usual year-end press conference.

Based on the preliminary year’s data processed by the Studies Dept. & Business Culture of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, in 2023 production reached 7,560 million euro, marking a 3.8% increase over the previous year.

The result was driven by the good performance of exports, which grew by 10.3% to 3,825 million euro. The export/production figure went up again, attaining 50.6%.

On the foreign front, according to UCIMU processing of the data from the Italian National Statistics Institute (ISTAT), in the period January-August 2023 (latest available data), the main destination markets for the Italian product offering of the sector were the United States (356 million euro, +26.7%), Germany (217 million euro, +8.8%), China (163 million euro, +34%), France (138 million euro, +32.1%) and Poland (128 million euro, +14.7%).

 On the other hand, the deliveries by Italian manufacturers in the domestic market decreased slightly to 3,735 million euro, 2% less than in 2022.

Deliveries and imports – the latter down by 4.5% to 2,385 million euro – were affected by the decrease, however slight, in consumption, which dropped by 3% to 6,120 million euro.

For 2024, Italian machine tool, robot and automation manufacturers expect a consolidation of the results achieved in recent years: production should be driven by foreign demand, whereas a moderate reduction should be recorded in domestic consumption.

In particular, according to the forecasts carried out by the Studies Dept. & Business Culture Centre of UCIMU, in 2024, production should grow to 7,595 million euro (+0.5% compared to 2023), thanks to the rise in exports, which should stand at 4,070 million euro (+6.4%).

Deliveries by manufacturers to the domestic market should not exceed 3,525 million euro (-5.6%), in line with the drop in domestic consumption, which should reach 5,780 million euro (-5.6%).

Imports should also be affected by the reduced demand for investments in Italy, falling by 5.5% to 2,255 million euro.

The export/production figure should rise again, standing at 53.6%.

Barbara Colombo, president of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, commented: “Although there are clear signs of a slowdown, the 2023 of Italian manufacturers is closing with a positive sign; the “Made in Italy” production of the sector grew again, setting a new record thanks to the good results obtained by Italian enterprises abroad”.

“All this means that, once again, our enterprises have been able to redirect their product offering towards areas where demand is more dynamic, i.e. foreign markets. Recession risk averted in the United States, considering the geo-political instability we are facing today, Italian companies are principally engaged in covering traditional markets: in addition to the USA, that of EU countries, where, amongst other things, we hope for the recovery of Germany, which has always been a first-rate partner for the Italian mechanical industry”.

“In this connection – pointed out Barbara Colombo – we have recently submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation an operational plan for the two-year period 2024-2025 regarding activities between the Italian and German machine tool industries, aimed at strengthening the cooperation relations between the two world-leading industrial systems in this field”.

Mutual visits to production facilities in both countries, organisation of incoming activities for delegations of German end users visiting Italian enterprises and trade fairs in Italy, organisation of an Italian Machine Tool Forum in Germany to foster and encourage a mutual knowledge of leading manufacturers and users in both countries, as well as market analyses: these are some of the initiatives that make up this programme. Based on past experience – continued the president – and considering the value of the intervention, we think that this programme should be carried out according to a public-private cooperation model, also for economic purposes. Alongside the trade associations of the respective countries, on the Italian side, in addition to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in our opinion, Sace, Simest, CDP and ICE-Italian Trade Agency should intervene as well.”.

“In parallel with this, our commitment continues in the most geographically distant and culturally different markets, for which UCIMU has launched important initiatives to support the internationalisation activities of enterprises. Among these, two business networks. The first one is ITC in India, which has been working for eleven years now and which gathered over one hundred participants among trade operators of the sector, end users, institutions and journalists during the last annual Conference, in Pune last November. The second one is the newly established network IMT in Vietnam, launched last September and created with the aim of supporting the penetration of the network companies into the country that represents the gateway to the whole South-East Asian region”.

“On the Italian front – stated President Barbara Colombo – the willingness to invest shown by Italian investors has certainly dropped in 2023. After years of more than exponential growth, the reduction registered this year and that expected for next year however seem acceptable. It is actually a gradual return to normal values after the exceptionality of the previous two years. We collect fewer orders than in the past, but the market is not at a standstill: on the contrary, the Italian market remains one of the most important ones. The Italian manufacturing industry is willing to continue with the digital transition process, which is in full deployment, but everyone is waiting to see what incentives will be available starting from the next few months”.

“For this reason – continued Barbara Colombo – we appreciate the work carried out by our government authorities who obtained the green light by the European Commission to finance, with Repower EU, the Transition Plan 5.0, focusing on the combination of green and digital transformations to support the development of the manufacturing industry according to energy-saving criteria, while also considering the fundamental issue of education and training. Now we wait to see the implementation of the measures that will bring this plan into effect”.

“At the same time – concluded the president of UCIMU – we call on the Government to refine the measures 4.0 in order to extend their use to an ever-wider range of companies. The idea is to free up larger resources for small-scale investments, which are logically the preserve of smaller companies that have generally been, and still are, more reluctant to undertake the digital transition. We are aware that there are scarce economic resources and consider it useful for this purpose to raise the tax credit rate of the first bracket, now set at 20%, while lowering the maximum value of the eligible investment currently set at 2.5 million euro”.

The distribution industry has undergone a profound evolution driven by the rapid emergence and integration of cutting-edge technologies. From the seamless tracking of inventory using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to the optimisation of delivery routes through Artificial Intelligence (AI), a wave of innovation is reshaping how goods are transported, managed, and delivered. This transformation is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also revolutionising customer experiences and supply chain management. In this dynamic landscape, technologies like blockchain, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and data analytics are taking the lead, propelling the distribution industry into a new era of effectiveness and adaptability.

Another emerging technology in the distribution industry is robotics and automation. Robotics and automation are being used to improve the efficiency and accuracy of warehouse operations, including the sorting and packaging of goods. The latest generations of warehouse robotics are designed to work collaboratively with people to make operations safer and more efficient. Reductions in movement and touches reduce injuries to your workforce and the risk of product damage. These touches and tasks can extend beyond the warehouse. Customer service, billing, and other routine rules-based tasks using structured data through robotic process automation (RPA) can also be improved. RPA mimics human keystrokes on a computer to perform these everyday tasks more efficiently with far fewer errors. Second, automation reduces the need for additional labour, which can help reduce labour costs and improve the overall efficiency of the distribution process.

One of the most powerful emerging technologies in the distribution industry is the use of big data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI). By collecting and analysing data on customer behaviour, distribution companies can gain insights into the most efficient ways to transport and deliver goods. This information can help them optimise routes and reduce the time and cost of distribution. Some potential ways in which these technologies can be used include:

• Optimising routes: By collecting and analysing customer behaviour, traffic patterns, and other factors, distribution companies can use AI to determine the most efficient transportation routes. This can help reduce the time and cost of distribution and improve customer satisfaction.
• Predictive maintenance: Predictive maintenance uses data and AI to predict when equipment, such as trucks and forklifts, is likely to fail. This allows distribution companies to schedule maintenance and avoid costly downtime.
• Inventory management: By using AI to analyse data on sales, customer demand, and other factors, distribution companies can optimise their inventory levels and reduce the risk of stockouts. Companies can have the right amount of inventory in their distribution centres to minimise transportation costs and times.
• Sales recommendations: Having AI recommend items to your customers can do a couple of things for you. In self-service situations, AI can make recommendations for additional purchases based on what the customer is buying, thus increasing your company’s sales and wallet share. For counter sales, AI provides similar information that the counter rep can use to make suggestions to the customer. A 30-year employee at the counter knows what additional items their customers may need for their job, but a new employee does not have that experience, which is where AI can help.
• Fraud detection: AI can identify data patterns indicating fraudulent activity, such as suspicious purchase patterns or fraudulent returns. This can help distribution companies reduce the risk of financial losses.
• Customer service: AI-powered chatbots can improve the customer experience by providing fast, accurate answers to customer questions and requests.

In addition, the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) is playing a vital role in the distribution industry. IoT technology enables distribution companies to monitor the condition and location of their goods in real-time, providing them with valuable insights into the distribution process. This information can be used to optimise routes and improve the overall efficiency of the distribution process.

Blockchain is another technology that has the potential to transform the distribution industry in several ways. Here are a few examples of how it might be used:

• Supply chain management: Blockchain can create an immutable record of the movement of goods through the supply chain. This can help with traceability, ensuring that goods are sourced ethically and sustainably, and reducing the risk of counterfeiting or fraud.
• Smart contracts: Blockchain-based smart contracts can automate many of the processes involved in distribution, such as the release of payment upon delivery or the automatic reordering of goods when inventory runs low. This can reduce the need for manual intervention and improve efficiency.
• Asset tracking: Blockchain can track the location and status of assets as they move through the distribution network. This can help with planning and coordination and reduce the risk of loss or damage.
• Fraud prevention: The decentralised and immutable nature of blockchain makes it difficult to tamper with data, which can help prevent fraud in the distribution industry.

Overall, the distribution industry is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to the adoption of emerging technologies. These innovations are making the distribution process more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable, as well as helping drive the industry forward. Cloud-based technology stacks make many of these possible.

About Author :

Mr. Terry Smagh, 
Senior Vice President & GM,
Asia Pacific and Japan, Infor

Over the past few years, the manufacturing industry has witnessed tremendous change. Accelerating digitization, refinement of shop floor processes, and increase in customer demands has disrupted the market dynamics. Irrespective of the sector, whether engaged in the production of commercial aircraft, office furniture, or industrial valves, it is imperative to remain attuned to emerging trends and adapt accordingly. Therefore, manufacturers must choose the right solutions to keep pace with the evolving landscape.

Cloud ERP solutions offers the necessary capabilities to tackle the most pressing issues, as they are adaptable and can incorporate specific functionalities. Modernizing ERP system will accelerate digitization by optimizing operations and introducing new products.

Manufacturers can adapt to the changing demands in the following ways:

Improving supply chain agility: The disrupted supply chain has been a major headache for most manufacturers. That’s an understatement for many. Trade tariffs, bottlenecks and delays, chip shortages, unavailability of cargo containers, and high costs of fuel have turned procurement into a game of chance—with unfavorable odds. Modern software, with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics and full supply chain visibility, can provide relief. Smart solutions will help in anticipating risks, making strategic choices, and forging new partnerships. Data insights help plan for contingencies and manage expectations.

Managing shop floor complexity: Manufacturers must meet the demands of customers for highly personalised products. But there is still a need to control costs and improve margins. In many industries, traditional mass production is being replaced by mixed mode manufacturing, with highly configured products, engineer-to-order, and assemble-on-demand operations becoming the new normal. Modern manufacturing software is essential for the transformation. It helps streamline processes, close gaps, and keep workflows synchronised. The latest Industry 4.0 technologies provide critical tools—like smart sensors—for tracking machine performance, output, quality control, and optimising resources. Tools also help manage the existing workforce, which must work smarter, not harder, to get the job done. Data insights help keep the shop floor running with orchestrated precision, because every part, every machine, and every work cycle matters.

Leveraging data insights: While answering consumer demand for new and personalised products, manufacturers must simultaneously strive to improve productivity, boost efficiency, automate processes, and strategically plan the use of resources. A cloud ERP solution helps capture, track, and leverage data throughout the organisation. Using facts, not feelings or hunches, manufacturers can better align with customers, launch new product introductions, design and source appropriate parts and components, and track all costs. New strategies for remaining relevant and growing the business can now be planned and executed with a balance of long-term goals and short-term capacity and cash flow restraints. Data insights are key.

To avoid threats to market share and profitability, manufacturers must stay alert and on top of the ever-evolving trends. Manufacturers need to adopt modern, data-driven processes and turn to technology to help in introducing new products. Eliminating inefficiencies will lead to teams having more time for innovation. Technology, such as modern cloud-deployed ERP solutions, helps organisations quickly adapt to change, including starting new branches or divisions. This agility means more focus on green initiatives, offering new services, or managing logistics. Even creating hubs closer to end customers becomes easier. Manufacturing is being redefined, and software plays a major role in supporting the new era—from go-to-market strategies to supply chain planning and shop floor operations.

About Author :

Mr. Murali Manohar,
Managing Director,
India Subcontinent, Infor

To celebrate “World Water Day” on March 22, 2023, metal cutting specialist Sandvik Coromant India inaugurated its wastewater treatment plant at the Talawade Garden in Pune, Maharashtra, India. The inauguration, which took place on March 23, 2023, is the fourth wastewater sustainability project that Sandvik Coromant has facilitated in collaboration with Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).

Untreated sewage waste is a major cause of surface water and groundwater pollution in India. In particular, Pimpri-Chinchwad is one of the most developed and industrial cities in Maharashtra, and as a result, produces a large volume of wastewater that runs through its drainage system.

To combat this, Sandvik Coromant has been working with Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation to install wastewater treatment plants across the region that treat flowing wastewater, promoting the recycling and reusing of water. The latest wastewater plant at Talawade Garden, which was installed in January 2023, recycles 5,000 litres of water per day. This is the fourth plant that Sandvik Coromant have collaborated on, with the other three located at Premlok garden, Babuji Golande Garden and Oxygen Garden.

At the ceremony, officials from PCMC attended, including Mr. Jitendra Wagh, Additional Commissioner, and Mr. Sanjay Kulkarni, Joint City Engineer along with other PCMC officials and members from Sandvik Coromant including Mr. Kiran Acharya, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Vignesh Iyer, Deputy Manager Finance & CSR, Roshni Acharya, CSR Specialist and other global delegates of Sandvik Coromant, and spoke to the public about the initiative to create awareness about wastewater and the possible alternatives.

“Water is a scarce resource and Sandvik Coromant takes our responsibility as a local manufacturer very seriously, and this initiative of the wastewater treatment across the 4 gardens would help to treat 9.1 million litres of waste water which can be used for gardening and the utilization of fresh water can be optimized. Taking action towards sustainable development goals (SDGs) is a priority for Sandvik Coromant India, and these wastewater plants are just one of multiple sustainability projects that we’ve initiated in India. The need to treat wastewater efficiently is becoming more prominent and we’re setting an example of how this can be done. We have pioneered and launched the initiative of recycling wastewater to maintain the gardens with wastewater plants”, said Mr. Kiran Acharya.

Mr. Jitendra Wagh, Additional Commissioner PCMC added that “The collaboration between PCMC and Sandvik Coromant, shows the efforts and the results that this wastewater initiative at the Talawade garden will also help the local community. The wastewater is treated at the source, and the fresh water is now being used in the garden and can be put to a fruitful use for the community.”

As a result of its efforts to save water, Sandvik Coromant India also received the ‘Best urban wastewater management award’ at the Global CSR Excellence & Leadership Awards in 2022.

“Honouring World Water Day with the ceremony was a prominent way to demonstrate why wastewater treatment plants are so crucial to the messaging of not just what clean, safe water means not just in India, but globally,” continued Mr Kiran Acharya. “This initiative reflects the continuity and the sustainability potential that Sandvik Coromant looks for in a project. It also supports our constant endeavour to give back to society. While India is already performing highly in its actions against climate protection, Sandvik Coromant is paving the way for major sustainability transformation.”

Phillips Machine Tools, an additive and machining expert in manufacturing technology, is pleased to announce Mr. Anuj Budhiraja, as the newest addition to its leadership team. Anuj will serve as Vice President of Phillips Additive, the company’s division dedicated to additive manufacturing solutions. He will head the additive division for India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Middle East and Malaysia.

With 20+ years of professional experience in helping manufacturers adopt emerging technologies for achieving their goals towards innovation, growth and increased profitability, Budhiraja brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position. Prior to joining Phillips Machine Tools, he has worked with other global companies such as Markforged, Stratasys India, Autodesk India where he has built upon his skills in driving adoption of Digital Manufacturing technologies, digital transformation, sales management and business strategy.

Mr. Terence Miranda, Managing Director of Phillips Machine Tools, shared, “At Phillips, we seek to partner with a unique blend of high performance, passionate, and deeply caring individuals and teams. We are thrilled to welcome Anuj Budhiraja to our team. With his extensive experience in the field of additive manufacturing, he is well-suited to lead our Phillips Additive division as we continue to expand our additive manufacturing solutions. In a world that is fast transforming with the help of additive manufacturing, the need of the hour is to focus on innovative solutions for our customers, and expand their business opportunities.”

As Vice President of Phillips Additive, Anuj will be responsible for leading a technology-driven transformation of manufacturing with agile solutions that would solve supply-chain problems right at the point of need. He will oversee the development and execution of Phillips Additive, as well as collaborate with other members of the leadership team to drive growth and innovation across the organization.

Mr. Anuj Budhiraja shared, “I am very excited to join Phillips Machine Tools, the leader in providing innovative manufacturing solutions to the Manufacturing Industry from the last 60 years. With its strong team of professionals, Phillips Additive is already making its way to solve the challenges of manufacturing industry by providing Additive Manufacturing solutions for their supply-chain issues, batch production and improving product lead time. I look forward to expanding its reach across industry verticals and across geographies in India, Middle East, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Malaysia. 3D printing is revolutionizing the world and Phillips Additive is enabling the industry to embrace this revolution in manufacturing.”

Additive Manufacturing seems to be coming of age with many diverse industries riding along its revolutionary wave of transformation. Phillips Additive has successfully carved a niche for itself in the field of Additive Manufacturing technology, and is all set to move forward with its newest partner, Mr. Anuj Budhiraja.

In the fourth quarter 2022, the index of machine tool orders processed by the Economic Studies Department & Business Culture Centre of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE marked a 3.5% increase compared with the period October-December 2021. The absolute value of the index stood at 133.6 (base year 2015=100). This is the new record value for the quarter of reference.

The outcome was due to the good trend of orders collected abroad, as well as to the excellent results achieved in the domestic market.

In particular, the orders collected overseas grew by 2.4% compared with the same period of the previous year. The absolute value of the index was 103.9.

On the domestic front, the collected orders registered a 5.4% upturn. The absolute value of the index at 257 is the new all-time high. Barbara Colombo, president of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, commented: “This performance is really satisfactory, as it is compared with the result of the fourth quarter 2021, which had already been exceptional. The excellent outcome was mostly due to the accelerated purchasing decisions of end users, who completed their investment processes by the end of the year 2022 to take advantage of the tax credit at 40%, being aware that – as announced by the Government – from January 2023, the tax rate would be halved”.

On the other hand, on an annual basis, the index of orders shows a -7.8% downturn, for an absolute value of 120.1. The decrease was due to the reduction in the collection of orders in the Italian market, (-20.8%) for an absolute value of 144.7. On the contrary, the orders from abroad were on the rise (+2.8%), for an absolute value of 115.9.

Barbara Colombo, president of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, stated: “If we observe the performance of the order collection over the entire year, it is clear that in any case the “blaze” in the fourth quarter could not counterbalance the fall reported in the previous quarters. This fall was mostly due to the reduction in the orders collected by manufacturers in the Italian market, which is however compared with the boom recorded in the four quarters 2021”.

“After all, – went on the president of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, Barbara Colombo – we expected this trend, both for the annual index and for the last quarter. In particular, with reference to the 12-month period, the downturn in the domestic market is not surprising: we cannot expect that the Italian market may keep on growing at the pace registered in the last two years. That said, the demand expressed in Italy remains dynamic, because the process of digital transformation is in full swing”.

“Therefore, – affirmed Barbara Colombo – it is necessary to ensure a continuity of the measures 4.0 in effect for over five years, which should continue and, if possible, be increased. While understanding the choice made by the Italian Government that gave priority to the measures aimed at reducing the impact of high energy costs on the whole population, private citizens and enterprises, we stress again that it is necessary to confirm the applicability of the provisions 4.0 under the same conditions established until 2022”.

“In detail, – continued the president of UCIMU – with regard to the measures of “Transition 4.0”, we ask to maintain the 40% rate in the calculation of tax credit also for 2023. From January 2023, the rate will be halved, unless amendments are made. This will only reduce the propensity of Italian end users to invest in new production technologies. It is a risk we cannot afford to run because the upgrade of the Italian industry has certainly started but much is still to be done. At the same time, we also ask for a 3-month postponement, from 31 September to 31 December 2023, of the delivery times for the machines ordered by 31 December 2022 (for which a 20% down payment was already made). In this way, manufacturers could absorb the delays in the deliveries of electrical and electronic components suffered in the production phase”.

“Moreover, in the medium and long term, we also think – concluded  Barbara Colombo – that, in addition to the tax credit for the new investments in digital and interconnected technologies, a further measure should be implemented to be used also in a cumulative way, which might materialise into a tax credit for sustainability. In our vision, this provision should support the actions capable of encouraging the integrated development of new generations of products, also taking into account the impact in terms of environmental footprint”

The advanced technology used in electric vehicles is strengthening its proposition as the future of the automobile industry. EVs are being sought across the globe for their eco-friendly solutions, efficient at curbing the release of vehicular exhaust into the air. Even India is actively participating in this mission of EV transformation and has pledged to become the EV first nation by 2030.

EVs are the best alternative to fossil fuel-powered vehicles backed up with cleantech solutions for nullifying the emission of harmful gases into the environment. The advantage of lower maintenance cost is another factor driving the acceptance of EVs in the country. The green solutions in EVs are possible only because of their dependency on electricity for power. Hence, electricity forms an essential element in driving the unrivalled performance of EVs in the industry.

As a result, the importance of Lithium-ion batteries comes to the forefront which is at the heart of the EV ecosystem. It is highly preferred for its high energy per unit mass in comparison to other electrical energy storage systems available in the market.

The advanced technology used in Li-ion batteries gives it the advantage of high energy efficiency, high power-to-weight ratio, good high-temperature performance, and low self-discharge. Along with this, the batteries have better energy storage density that requires a smaller size.

Given to the wide gamut of advantages, Li-ion batteries are the preferred choice in the EV industry. It is globally accepted for its highly competitive latest technology, the ability to safely charge and discharge energy, and minimum charging time. And to top it all up, the plunging prices make it to the list of manufacturers. The importance of Li-ion batteries can itself be seen from the fact that it makes up for 40-50% of the electric vehicle cost. Forming an imperative part of the entire vehicle, any fault in the Li-ion battery will be responsible for revoking the vehicle from the market and can cost the growth of the entire industry as a whole.

With so many incidents of EVs catching fire coming to light, a lot of responsibility lies on the battery sector to come up with highly competitive and safe batteries. Therefore, before venturing into EVs, the industry must first focus on setting the right infrastructure for battery manufacturing. The various components making up Li-ion batteries are highly hygroscopic and tend to absorb moisture available in the air. Hence, it is a prerequisite to carry out the battery manufacturing process in highly controlled environmental conditions. The humidity level must be highly regulated and monitored throughout the battery manufacturing and assembling and must be maintained at less than 1% humidity in a stable environment.

To achieve the required environmental conditions, Li-ion battery manufacturing must be carried out in Dry Rooms. It comes with Environment Control Dehumidification System for maintaining the RH at less than 1% and 10% during lithium cell manufacturing and battery assembling, respectively. Dry Rooms come with the backup of moisture control equipment for achieving extremely low dew point, as low as -80°C for the ideal processing of hygroscopic and moisture-sensitive materials.

Considering the importance of desiccant dehumidification technology, Bry-Air Dry Rooms come with the patented Environment Control Dehumidification System, Green DryPurge (GDP) series, and highly efficient Super Low Dew Point (LDP) series that provide dehumidification/ moisture control solutions in perfect confluence with a refrigeration system to maintain the desired RH within the narrow humidity bracket.

Failing to control the humidity can give rise to safety concerns where the chances of explosion are high due to the production of inferior-quality batteries. This even compromises the performance of the vehicle. As a result, the manufacturers must be agile enough to adopt dehumidification technology for the manufacturing of error-free, high-quality Li-ion batteries.

Making its emergence into the Education sector, Phillips Machine Tools India and Markforged recently collaborated with Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, located in Sathyamangalam, Erode, Tamil Nadu, to establish its new Centre of Excellence named ‘Gurugulam’ on campus. The MoU was signed to implement a Metal XTM System – An accessible end-to-end metal 3D printing solution , which would facilitate all the engineering students across departments to develop theirskills and drive research and development for their industrial projects.

The Gurugulam Centre of Excellence (CoE) would offer opportunities to the students to learn metalworking technologies such as Turning, Milling, Grinding, Welding, Additive, etc. This will develop their skills before becoming a sophomore, where they can opt for specific courses to learn elaborately. Among many academic reforms adopted by the institute, the ‘Gurugulam’ will augment students ability in the direction of emerging technologies like additive manufacturing that will propel growth and open new career opportunities. The Markforged Metal XTM 3D printer can print complex metal parts in the widest variety of advanced metals and is non-hazardous to nature.

“We have always fostered learning, discovery, innovation, and expression, at our Institute. Our reforms aim to inculcate scientific temper, efficiency, integrity, and values amongst the students and transform them into good citizens and valued employees, entrepreneurs, and academicians. Our students have always academically performed exceptionally well at global competitions in all the technological domains. Our Centre of Excellence will benefit our students enormously. Partnering with Phillips and Markforged in implementing the Metal X 3D printer will be an added advantage for our Gurugulam, as it allows the students to experiment with various materials in a classroom environment and help them in preparing for the global competitions in the future”, says the Management of Bannari Amman Institute of Technology.

We are excited to partner with BIT to drive industry 4.0 and Digital Manufacturing skills on their campus. With this collaboration, we look forward to bringing our best-in-class technology to the students and preparing them for their professional journey with the skills required for today and tomorrow in the world of additive manufacturing.  Mr Anuj Budhiraja, Country Manager – India, Markforged