That is the Italian machine tools industry for you. An important feature of the Italian industry is that its manufacturers of machine tools, robots and automation accounts for a prominent share of the intemational - leaders in this sector. They are distinguished by features that make ihem entirely unique in the world market.
This uniqueness can clearly be seen even in the production facilities, which are much more diversified than in other countries. A large number of the units operate in the small-scale sector, employing about 70 workers on an average. That is not all. The advantages of a small company,are4ully-exploited by Italian manufacturers in a manner hitherto unknown. They are successful all over the world mainly because they enjoy the flexibility imparted by their small size and the relatively small number workers in each firm.
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Another special feature of the Italian machine tools industry is that it is fully geared to supplying customised systems. In other words, Italian manufacturers of machine tools can produce to meet the specific requirements of the users.
They are also second to none in respect of quality. It is significant that almost 70 per cent of machine tools produced in Italy are controlled electronically. About 20 per cent of these form part of the integrated systems i.e. cells and systems made up of more than three machines. Italian matchine tools Indusby ts thus distinguished by its adherence to quality, flexibility, reliability and customisation. In 1998, production of machine tools, robots and automation reach $4 billion, which represented a 8.4 per cent increase in terms of 'price-realisation over the performance in 1997. Exports jumped by 5.3 per cent in this period. For 1999, the estimate is that production will increase by 7.6 per cent over the 1998 performance in value terms and exports will go up by 5.7 per cent.
The market for Italian machine tools is quite widespread covering a large number of countries including France, Germany, the US, Spain, England, Brazil, China, Sweden, Mexico and Switzerland.
Organisational support to promote the Italian machine tools industry has not been lacking. There is the UCIMU - SISTEMI P ER PRODURE, the Italian association of machine tools, robot and automation manufactures as well as the manufacturers of ancillary products (tools, components and accessories). This organisation was established to promote, the interests and growth of this sector.
UCIMU - SISTEMI PER PRODURRE also provides its members, accounting for over 70 per cent of the Italian machine toois industry, with specialist support. For India, UCIMU - SISTEMI PER PRODURRE has set up a spedw task force machine tools, which. is entrusted with the responsibil ity of promoting exports of Italian machine tools to India.