Giorgio Colombo: 2013, a year of consolidation

The report presented by Giorgio Colombo, the president of Assocomaplast, the Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery and moulds manufacturers' association, at the annual meeting of the association on June 10, revealed that 2013 was a year of consolidation for the plastics and rubber industry. With an overall decline in production of 2.5% - compared, on the other hand, with 1.3% growth among member companies - and exports substantially in line with 2012, the Italian domestic market continues to show considerable weakness.
In light of these results, Colombo stated that despite exports being a fundamental element for the sector - representing on average over 70% of revenues and up to 90% for some companies - a rapid and definitive recovery for the domestic market is essential. "I am convinced, substantially, that our industry can remain competitive in the medium-long term only if the Italian and European processing industry (our clients) remains strong and leads the field", he said.
What is more, recent market research conducted by the association reveals some hints of a recovery on the domestic and the international scenario, which might lead to an improvement in terms of sales and incoming orders for manufacturers in the second half of the year.
The president went on to underscore the encouraging trend of registrations for Plast 2015 - the international exhibition for plastics and rubber industries, scheduled for 5-9 May 2015 in Milan - with approximately 900 direct exhibitors and representatives already registered occupying a total area of nearly 40,000 square metres. In particular, the Rubber area has grown by 10%, while Start Plast will be a new initiative with an area dedicated to thirty start-ups from the world of plastics and rubber.