ACIMIT celebrated its 80th anniversary at Ferrari Museum

ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Manufacturers of Machinery for the Textile Industry, marked its 80th anniversary on July 4th with a special event held at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. The gathering brought together key figures in the textile machinery sector to reflect on the industry’s progress and discuss its future challenges.
The celebration served as an opportunity to highlight the achievements of ACIMIT over the past eight decades, with a focus on the sector’s growth and the ongoing efforts to protect and promote the iconic “Made in Italy” label. ACIMIT President Marco Salvadè reiterated that preserving the authenticity of Made in Italy is vital for the future success of the Italian textile machinery industry. He emphasized the importance of innovation, creativity, and the experienced workforce that continues to drive the sector forward.
Despite the anniversary celebrations, the Italian textile machinery industry faces a difficult year ahead. In 2024, production is projected to decline by 8% compared to 2023, amounting to €2.1 billion, while exports are expected to fall by 9% to €1.8 billion. This decline reflects a broader international trend, with similar drops seen in the textile machinery markets of Germany, Japan, and Switzerland, Italy’s main competitors. Key markets like China, Turkey, India, and the United States remain primary destinations for Italian machinery exports, despite ongoing demand contraction.
During the assembly, discussions were held on crucial issues for the sector’s future, including internationalization, innovation, and sustainability. Industry experts such as Maurizio Forte from the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), Marco Taisch from Politecnico di Milano, and Sergio Tamborini, CEO of Ratti Spa, shared their perspectives on these topics.
The event also featured institutional greetings from Hon. Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, and Lorenzo Galanti, Director General of the ICE Agency. The assembly concluded with closing remarks by Marco Nocivelli, Vice-President of Confindustria for Industrial Policies and Made in Italy.
Despite the challenges, Salvadè and other leaders remain optimistic about the industry’s future. The continued focus on innovation and the defense of Made in Italy ensures that Italy will maintain its leadership in the global textile machinery market.