Italy’s machine tool builders recorded a modest level of growth in the second quarter of 2013, with orders rising 0.7% compared to the second quarter of 2012, according to the index developed by their trade association, UCIMU – Sistemi per Produrre. Even so, the improvement was a welcome development after new orders declined nearly 10% in the first quarter of this year.
UCIMU is the manufacturers’ association for producers of Italian machine tool, robots, automation systems and related product, like NC systems, tooling, machining components and accessories. It has more than two hundred member companies that account for over 70% of Italian products in that industrial sector.
"Although it is undeniable that the Italian market has been definitely reduced, it is equally true that there is a need to invest in machinery,” noted UCIMU president Luigi Galdabini. “What is missing is the liquidity; we should intervene on this.”
