Italian production of woodworking machinery “rebounded” in 2010 by 25%, according to final figures released by ACIMALL (Italian woodworking machineryand tools manufacturers’ association).
Italy, which has the world’s second largest woodworking technology industry, produced €1.54bn worth of machinery, while exports rose by 21.7% to a value of €1.06bn.
“The expected rebound has actually arrived, although we cannot conceal the hard truth, that the 2010 expansion only partially compensated for the huge losses in 2009,” an Acimall spokesperson said.
“Today, Italian production is still at around 75% of pre-crisis turnover. This dramatic figure, however, has not brought the disastrous effects we had imagined: only a few companies closed down, some were acquired.”
A 48% surge in imports was influenced by increased volumes from China and a greater emphasis on “made in Germany” technology by Italian timber product manufacturers.
Acimall said the first quarter confirmed the signals of recovery seen in 2010, but many smaller companies are suffering as they lack adequate resources to address the most dynamic markets, such as Asia and South America.
The industry’s order book stretches for around two months, with prices slightly increasing since the start of 2011.
Some 44% of Italian companies interviewed predict expansion in export markets during the year, while 48% foresee stability and just 8% a reduction.
