Automatic machines: first quarter 2023

With the launch at interpack of the “WMP - We Make Packaging” brand, conceived by Ucima to promote the Italian packaging machine manufacturing sector at global level, the Italian Employers Association continues to disclose the market trends revealed by the Mecs Study Centre, a summary of which is given here.

• Turnover. Compared to the same period of 2022, the change in turnover recorded by Italian manufacturers of packing and packaging machines in the first quarter of 2023 shows an increase of 22.5%. This result was achieved through a substantial increase in exports (+29%) and a fall in the domestic market (-7.1%).
• Growth in orders inside and outside the national territory. In the first three months there was a growth of +13% compared with the same period of last year; guaranteed months of production are higher than those of the previous quarter: Foreign demand grew by 16.2%, while internal demand shows a fall of 7.9%.
• Eight months of production. With a result of 8.1 months (7.8 months in the fourth quarter of 2022), the sector confirms excellent resilience in the face of the recent volatility of the international economy in recent times. Operators’ expectations for the coming months are, in fact, that of growth both in the internal and foreign markets. The highest expectations are in the food, cosmetics and other sectors.
• Growth forecasts for the spare parts market. The spare parts sector accounts for 19.5% of total turnover. Forecasts for the sector are of growth both in the domestic and foreign markets, with 66.4% of those questioned expecting improved results. 
• Increase in sales: +22.5%. According to the sample of enterprises monitored by the Mecs-Ucima Study Centre, in the first quarter of 2023, the total turnover index expressed at current prices showed an increase of 22.5% against the same period of the previous year (the reduction in sales in the domestic market was fully compensated by an increase in the foreign market).