INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Country Focus
SPAIN:
On the Bull Run
S
pain is the third largest producer of machine tools in the European Union and is ranked among the top ten leading producers in the world. In terms of export volumes, it is ranked eighth among the leading exporters. The Spanish machine tool industry is characterised by a
150 MODERN MACHINE TOOLS - January 2012
Renowned for machine tools, featuring sophisticated technology and quality production lines, Spain strikes an outstanding balance between technology and talented workforce. Nishant Kashyap analyses how Spain’s success in matching machining excellence with cutting-edge design has helped the nation establish itself as a force to reckon with in the world of manufacturing.
low level of production integration. Foundry components, gears, screws, numerical control equipment, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, etc. are supplied by the auxiliary industry—which has specialised production plants equipped with the most advanced technology. Propensity to continue internationalisation has always been a distinguishing feature of this industry.
The Spanish widely appreciate creativity and intelligence in their machines and technologies. Their innovativeness has placed the nation’s machine tool industry among the top ten in terms of production and export.
Focus on R&D Machine tool manufacturers in Spain tend to focus their business on strategic processes such as