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Italy - Foundry industry: trend reversal?

Issued at 2013-08-14



With 227 member companies accounting for over 95% of the Italian ferrous casting production and about 60% of the non-ferrous casting, Assofond reports a first sign of trend reversal. Through 2011 and 2012 the number of production plants was unvaried at 1,111 units (two closures made up by as many start ups), and "the first six months in 2013 - stated Roberto Ariotti, the association's newly appointed president - show a 5 to 10% increase in volumes that bodes well for the future." The Italian foundry industry ranks ninth at a global level and second in Europe, and gives work to over 28,000 direct staff.

In a still complex scenery - in 2012 foundries reported an 11.5% drop in production and a 9% decrease in turnover - export trade has grown by 8% and its balance has reported an €800-million positive result.
According to Assofond, technological development, energy saving and environmental protection are the cards to play, while the Italian foundry industry's weak points are the bad situation of the domestic market, energy and labour costs, taxation pressure and competition


Source: Aluplanet



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