Partners In Growth

Machines Italia magazine

Partners in Growth

Spring 2011 www.machinesitalia.org 1-888-italtrade

from the Italian Trade Commissioner

Exceeding Expectations in Good Times and Bad As the North American market continues to rebound, Italian industrial equipment and machinery producers are powering this comeback with progressive partnerships and innovative solutions.

M

y work as the Italian Trade Com-

where Italian equipment and machinery innovations

missioner in Chicago gives me an

can be found as well. Often, Italian innovations are

up-close view of North American

enabling world-class production processes such as

manufacturers. Without a doubt, the

one-piece flow, just-in-time deliveries, and fast ma-

2007-2009 recession was the most challenging pe-

chine changeovers. In other instances they are help-

riod I have seen these companies endure.

ing North American producers find new ways to

Now that the North American economy is recov-

package goods that reduce waste, lower costs, and

ering, I also see that manufacturers did not rest dur-

entice customers. And finally, in the crucial effort to

ing the Recession. They streamlined operations, in-

reduce energy consumption both in the factory and

vested in new technology, and continued to build

in the marketplace, Italian equipment and machin-

strong relationships with customers and suppliers.

ery are delivering leading asset-management capa-

Their Italian industrial machinery and equipment

bilities and other energy-conservation technologies.

partners were working alongside them; and now,

As we embark on what appears to be a much

these North American manufacturers are reaping ex-

more positive economic cycle, know that Italian ma-

ponential benefits as sales rebound.

chine and equipment partners will continue to stand

Consider the auto sector as the prime example.

alongside their North American customers, helping

As the largest manufacturing sector in North Ameri-

them to break new ground in technological develop-

ca, it has roared back to life with renewed potential.

ment, performance, and customer satisfaction.

All along the supply chain, Italian innovation and

From the construction of new plants to the pack-

solutions are powering this comeback with a long

aging of finished goods — Italian machinery exceeds

history of superior knowledge in fields such as glass,

expectations!

industrial ceramics and textiles, metals processing, rubber and plastic components, electronics, and

Sincerely,

other specialties.

Growth is driving other North American sectors, such as consumer goods and home remodeling,

Machines Italia magazine

Partners in Growth

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Spring 2011

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Pasquale Bova Trade Commissioner - Chicago

The latest issue of Machines Italia examines how North American companies are using Italian Machinery to overcome 21st Century Challenges by using great design and creative problem solving.

www.machinesitalia.org

table of contents

Table of Contents 4

4

Partners in Growth As N. American manufacturers ramp up production to meet rebounding demand, Italian equipment and machinery makers are right beside them.

10

Back in the Race The N. American auto industry is on course again, and Italian equipment and machinery manufacturers are along for the ride.

10

13

Smart Technology Eases the Burden Italian companies are addressing assembly challenges of all types with advanced technology.

16

Bring It On! Have an operational challenge that you can’t meet on your own? Italian industrial-equipment and machinery manufacturers are eager to help.

22

Maximizing Machine Performance Italian producers are improving asset-management features and supplying equipment for asset-management technology.

13 26

Machines Italia News News briefs from a selection of our 10,000 partners.

30

Italian Technology Award Programs Educational programs offer students a chance to advance learning.

31

Italian Innovation in the Spotlight Machines Italia is taking innovation on the road at major N. American events.

32 16

Trade Shows in Italy Upcoming exhibitions sponsored by our partner associations.

34

Innovation at Work in Global Markets A brief look at Machines Italia’s 14 partner associations and industries.

Italian Trade Commission - Chicago Address: 401 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 3030 Chicago, Illinois 60611

22

Toll-Free: 1-888.ITALTRADE / 482.5872 (U.S. and Canadian Callers) Telephone: 312.670.4360 (outside the U.S. and Canada) Fax: 312.264.6209 E-mail: info@italtradeusa.com Web Site: www.machinesitalia.org The Italian Trade Commission’s North American offices in Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Toronto and Mexico City are principally responsible for the machinery and technology sectors covered in this publication.

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responding to demand

Partners in Growth As North American manufacturers ramp up production to meet rebounding demand, Italian equipment and machinery makers are providing support with innovative designs, reliability, and a problem-solving approach to customer relations.

Sur-Seal Gaskets and Packing Inc.

Sur-Seal Gaskets and Packing Inc. has been able to increase productivity, reduce costs, and reduce downtime with ATOM’s innovative knifecutting machines.

A

fter the bleakest econom-

tionwide. Also, companies are using

ic downturn since The

this ramp-up period to rationalize

Great Depression, con-

product offerings and refine market-

sumers are buying again,

ing strategies to better match custom-

and public infrastructure investments

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Spring 2011

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er demand.

are on an upswing. The turnaround

Much of this growth is happening

is coming at a good time for North

in industries with long histories of us-

American manufacturing companies,

ing Italian-made industrial machinery

which not only are benefitting from

and equipment, which is renown for

years of efficiency efforts, but also can

quality, ease-of-use, innovation, and

take advantage of recent technological

durability. Even during the extended

advances in machinery, equipment,

global economic downturn, Italian

and materials.

machinery manufacturers invested

In addition to pent-up demand for

in technological advancements and

commercial and industrial goods, in-

expanded sales and service offerings

dustry and government efforts to re-

for North American manufacturers.

duce energy consumption, operating

These efforts are helping customers

costs, and waste are fueling reinvest-

in a variety of industries capitalize on

ment and replacement projects na-

an ongoing economic rebound.

www.machinesitalia.org

responding to demand

Energy upgrades fuel gasket demand For example, $30 million company Sur-Seal Gaskets and Packing Inc. (www.sur-seal.com), Cincinnati, Ohio, had its best year ever in 2010, said Mick Wilz, Director of Enterprise Excellence. The family-owned manufacturer of gaskets supplies the HVAC, lighting, medical supply, and restaurant-equipment industries. According to Wilz, demand in HVAC and lighting increased greatly in 2010 over 2009, driven by upgrades of outdated and inefficient heating-and-cooling equipment, and the replacement of incandescent lighting with LEED lighting in commercial applications.

To support the growth, Wilz said, Sur-Seal added two new die-cutting machines from ATOM S.p.A. (www.atom.it), an Italian manufacturer based in Vigevano, Italy. The two new machines join 15 others the company has purchased since buying the first pair in 1989.

Wilz said Sur-Seal has preferred Italian-made die-cutting machinery since picking up some used machines that

“The die-cutting equipment that is produced in Italy is superior. They also keep up with technology — new, innovative ways to cut.

They have adapted very well to the increased speed that the industry needs. Plus the machines are very durable, and they hold their value.”

— Mike Wilz, Director of Enterprise Excellence, Sur-Seal Gaskets and Packing Inc.

had been used in the shoe-making industry, which in the United States was based in Cincinnati until it moved entirely overseas.

“The die-cutting equipment that is produced in Italy is superior,” Wilz said. “They also keep up with

Davi Powers Alternative Energy Davi Promau Group of Cesena, Italy, (www.davi.com) has become an important supplier to the wind-power industry in North America by enabling speedy plate rolling for the manufacture of wind towers. According to the company, sales have increased 300 percent over five years, driven in part by its research and development in the area of wind-tower manufacturing. The company’s machinery can roll a “cone” for a wind tower in less than 20 minutes.

“Accuracy is a paramount in the production of wind towers,” according to the company. “The innovations DAVI has made with its wind tower system make it the most accurate and time efficient machine in the industry. It will precisely pre-bend and roll a cone ready for welding on the machine in just one pass.”

According to the American Wind Energy Association (www.awea.org), installations of small wind turbines in the United States are growing at about 15 percent annually.

technology — new, innovative ways to cut. They have adapted very well to the increased speed that the industry needs. Plus the machines are very durable, and they hold their value.”

Sur-Seal’s new ATOM machines are die-less knifecutting machines, which eliminate the need for making dies. Wilz said this has increased customer responsiveness greatly. Before, it would take two days to make a die before operators could even start on a customer order.

Now, they can start cutting minutes after a customer calls to place an order. About half of the ATOM machines the company has are knife-cutting machines, and eventually they all will be, Wilz said.

The new technology supports Sur-Seal’s continuous-improvement program, which has been spotlighted in presentations to the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (www.ame.org). In addition to shortening order-to-delivery cycle time, the laser machines reduce machine downtime because they can run unattended, and the company doesn’t have to carry as much inventory — both machine parts and finished goods.

“They’ve taken out all kinds of waste,” Wilz said of the knife-cutting machines.

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responding to demand

Sur-Seal Gaskets and Packing Inc.

Sur-Seal Gaskets and Packing Inc. is investing in additional ATOM machines to meet growing demand for its products.

Home renovations on the rise

laminate, and hardwood flooring; as well as ceilings

HVAC and lighting aren’t the only type of renovations

and cabinets. The iconic $2.8 billion U.S. company has

that are increasing. According to Harvard University’s

been on a process-improvement frenzy since 2009.

Joint Center for Housing Studies (www.jchs.harvard.edu),

“At Armstrong, we are seeing phenomenal results

home-remodeling expenditures in the U.S. will rise at

with relatively flat markets today, and that’s making

an inflation-adjusted annual average of between 3 per-

us a better supplier by improving quality and delivery

cent and 5 percent between 2010 and 2011. The Center

with a much lower cost,” said Don Maier, Senior Vice

issued a report that predicts long-term recovery for the

President of Global Operations and Supply Chain, in

remodeling industry, which was hit with double-digit

an interview for Managing Times magazine. “When the

declines during the recession.

Homeowners will be replacing flooring, windows, doors, fixtures, driveways, etc. In fact, demand for windows and doors in the United States is forecast to rise 6.6 percent per year to $31.2 billion in 2014, according to Windows & Doors, a new study released by The Freedonia Group Inc. (www.freedoniagroup.com), a market research firm. This increase is a rebound from the 2004-2009 period, when demand fell 4.3 percent annually, reflecting the collapse of the housing market between 2007 and 2009.

Employees at Lancaster, Pa.-based Armstrong World Industries (www.armstrong.com) are ready to meet customer demand with a wide range of vinyl, linoleum,

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“All of our projects help customers to grow because we provide applicationoriented, customized solutions according to their needs.”

— Marco Manzini, President and CEO, Siapi America Inc.

responding to demand

market does pick back up, we are going to take full advantage. I am a firm believer that lean is a growth enabler if you truly focus on your customer.”

For Armstrong’s new and classic floor-cover-

Homeowner improvement spending should grow strongly over the next five years Compound annual growth rate (Percent)

ing designs, all of the film that is used to create the

8

tile design rolls off of a nine-station Cerutti S.p.A.

7

(www.cerutti.it) film-printing machine at the Beech

6

Creek, Pa., plant. Although the machine has been in

5

use since 1985, it has kept up with technological ad-

4

vances through upgrades. It can process up to 600 feet

3

of film per minute if needed. Cerutti S.p.A. is head-

2

quartered in Casale Monferrato, Italy.

Toasting the good times Consumers are increasingly raising their glasses to celebrate better times as well. According to the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS, www.discus.org), supplier volumes rose 2 percent to 190 million cases in 2010, and revenue grew 2.3 percent to $19.1 billion. In addition to drinking more liquor, North Americans are

7.3

3.9

3.5

1 0

-1.4

-1 -2

Note: Home improvement spending levels used to calculate the compound annual growth rate are in 2010 dollars.

Source: “A New Decade of Growth for Remodeling,” Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies

drinking more wine and beer, as well as soft drinks.

Blow Molding Helps to Fuel Recovery for Plastic, Rubber, and Mold Machinery According to Assocomaplast (www.assocomaplast.org),

or partnering to make them in response to customer and

the Italian Plastics and Rubber Processing Machinery and

competitive pressures to use more sustainable packaging.

Molds Manufacturers’ Association, more than 70 percent

For example, in its 2009-2010 Sustainability Report

of members responding to a December survey expect

released in February of 2011, the Coca-Cola Co.

FY2010 to bring in increased revenues with respect to the

(www.thecoca-colacompany.com) notes that packaging is

previous year. Half expect an increase of at least 10 percent

responsible for 34 percent of its carbon footprint, just under

in sales. With respect to October 2010, 40 percent of

the No. 1 contributor at 36 percent, — retailer/vendor

companies recorded order increases in November. In light

refrigeration. In addition to investments in fuel cell and

of this generally brighter picture, Assocomaplast forecasts a

refrigeration technology, Coca-Cola is funding bottle-to-bottle

production increase of around 8 percent for 2010, about 3.5

recycling projects, and in conjunction with United Resource

billion euros in business.

Recovery Corp. recycled more than half a billion PET bottles in

This rebound will continue in 2011, according to a December article published on Plasticsnews.com. “Machinery

the first year of the partnership.

Frank Varuzza, sales manager for North America of

executives reported strengthening capital spending on the

Bologna, Italy-based Automa S.r.l. (www.automa.it), told

packaging side, PET blow molding machines, and extrusion

PlasticsNews.com at least three customers have projects

blow molding machines to make polyethylene packaging,” the

to replace some of their old machines to improve efficiency.

report said.

Automa makes one-step PET machines and extrusion blow

One of the trends driving this rebound is heightened

molders. Varuzza said U.S. blow molders are reporting

interest from food and beverage companies that are

more than 80 percent factory utilization, with far fewer idle

increasingly interested in making their own blow-molded bottles

machines than the last two or three years.

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responding to demand

Some of these beverages are in new categories, such as drinks that improve alertness or foster relaxSiapi America Inc.

Siapi customers use innovative bottle shapes and sizes to attract customer attention and for safer and more cost-effective storage and transport of non-food liquids.

ation. According to Zenith International Research (www.zenithinternational.com), the global market for these relatively new products is now $521 million.

For these beverages and other liquids, PET containers increasingly are replacing other materials as a “greener” alternative. PET is lighter (reducing transportation costs), safer, and can be recycled easily. According to packaging industry association Pira International (www.pira-international.com), the global PET industry will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5 percent through 2014.

To respond to this demand in North America, Siapi S.r.l (www.siapi.it) of San Vendemiano, Italy, began oper-

Compact coil manufacturer ServoPresse S.r.l. helps clients maximize manufacturing space

ating Siapi America Inc. (www.siapiamerica.com) in Norcross, Ga., in 2010 as a fully owned subsidiary. The site serves as a sales center for North American customers and includes a fully equipped showroom with two plastic blow-

Today, ServoPresse S.r.l. (www.servopresse.it),

molding machines, one for large capacity and one for wide-

based in Settimo Milanese, Italy, produces a complete

mouth containers.

range of coil lines for use in all types of machine

According to Marco Manzini, President and CEO of

tools, such as presses, shears, bending presses,

Siapi America Inc., the subsidiary has 40 installations

punching machines, profile-forming machines, etc. The

— which is less than one-tenth of the company’s global

production range covers all dimensions of coils up to

installations — but installations in North America are ex-

a maximum capacity of 25 ton, thickness minimum/ maximum from 0.2 to 20 mm, and length minimum/ maximum from 200 to 2000mm. This is the direction that ServoPresse S.r.l. is following in the search for an even more competitive and exclusive market, not aiming at quantity, but at quality of its lines.

pected to grow.

Manzini said customers are using Siapi machinery to make large-capacity bottles for water coolers, and wide-mouth containers for food and non-food products.

Customers are both end-users and converters. They are turning to Siapi for partnership in adapting to a new type of packaging for a variety of reasons, such as to reduce packaging costs or attract more customer attention.

“All of our projects help customers to grow because we provide application-oriented, customized solutions according to their needs,” Manzini said. “We allow them to manufacture new shapes of containers with lighter weight and with more marketing appeal. And

Compact coil feeders use a common base for mounting the coil handler, straightener and feeder.

Hoses and wires are channeled through the machines chassis to alleviate possible damage from outside sources. By just pushing a button, hydraulic systems allow these units to easily change feed-line height and open the straightening head for threading and cleaning. With hydraulic reel rotation and expansion, combined with the hold-down arms and two-axis peelers as standard, the coil can be threaded safely by the push of a button.

this allows the customers to enter new market sectors or attract new customers.”

Manzini said Siapi and Siapi America Inc. take a research-based approach to solving customer challenges so that each solution is unique.

“We are there from the beginning, defining and developing the preform and the container design, identifying the right machine and fine-tuning the machine through extended prototyping to make the shape economically and industrially viable, and to come out in the end with a valuable, cost-based solution.”

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responding to demand

Italian Companies Enabling Growth, Innovation in Mexico and Canada Italian packaging machinery supporting sector

able Development Technology Canada (SDTC,

growth: The Director of the Latin America Office

www.sdtc.ca) to demonstrate TGI’s proprietary

for the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers'

“Next Gen Energy Efficiency Breakthrough Technolo-

Institute (PMMI, www.pmmi.org), Jose Martinez,

gy” System for the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) indus-

reported in February that the packaging industry

try. TGI’s second SDTC supported project to develop

generated more than 66,000 jobs in Mexico in 2010

leading edge clean technology will be completed in

and is growing at 3.2 percent.

collaboration with Canada’s leading steel producer

Mexico’s economy “remains strong, and the import of machinery is a good option for local companies,”

ArcelorMittal Dofasco (www.dofasco.ca).

“Supporting clean energy technology in Canada

Martinez said. "Mexico imports 62 percent of the ma-

is an effective way to both reduce greenhouse gas

chinery used globally for producing package products,"

emissions and create high-quality jobs for Canadi-

Martinez said, "with the main importers being Italy,

ans,” said David Sweet, Member of Parliament for

Germany, and the United States. Mexico bought more

Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Westdale. “SDTC

than US$500 million in machinery and parts for pack-

funding to Tenova Goodfellow’s Next Gen Electric

aging in 2010, and is among the top 10 of importers

Arc Furnace system is another example of how we

of machinery in the world."

are strengthening Canada’s position as a leader in

“Forty-five percent of packaging machinery used in the country is destined for food; 25 percent for

clean energy technology.”

The Next Gen EAF project aims to demon-

drinks; 12 percent for pharmaceuticals; and the

strate a comprehensive real-time monitoring and

remaining for other personal care products and other

process control system where the electric furnace

products,” Martinez concluded.

is controlled and operated according to the total Fiat Group

electrical and chemical energy input adjusted dynamically for energy losses. The objective is to use an array of advanced sensors and process models to manage the EAF mass and energy balance online with the primary goal being to make a step change of approximately 5 percent (36 kWh/ton of steel)

Fiat will produce Freemont in Mexico: Italian automaker Fiat (www.fiat.com) announced that the new Fiat Freemont, the first vehicle resulting from

reduction in EAF energy use and related GHG emissions.

“SDTC and the Government of Canada have

its partnership with U.S.-based Chrysler, will be

enabled TGI to remain a strong competitor world-

produced in Mexico. The vehicle will be produced for

wide in the global steelmaking industry. The Next

export in the Toluca plant, which also manufactures

Gen EAF project will continue to build on that suc-

Fiat 500 for the U.S. market and the Dodge Jour-

cess, enabling us to maintain our innovative edge

ney. The SUV was developed by Fiat and Chrysler,

within the EAF Steelmaking Industry,” states Mauro

respectively, and will be available in the second half

Bianchi Ferri, CEO of TGI.

of 2011.

TGI demonstrates next-generation EAF technol-

The project will receive more than $1.5 million in funding over three years by SDTC. In addition to

ogy in Canada: Tenova Goodfellow Inc. (TGI), a unit

SDTC funding, this project is leveraged by a signifi-

of Milan, Italy’s Tenova S.p.A. (www.tenovagroup.com)

cant cash and in-kind investment from the consor-

has announced a contribution agreement with Sustain-

tium partners.

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automakers rebound

Back in The Race After a devasting downturn that required government intervention to reverse, the North American auto industry is on course again, and Italian equipment and machinery manufacturers are along for the ride.

Prima North America

Prima Industrie S.p.A. recently upgraded its Rapido laser-cutting machine to make it faster and to offer a choice of two types of lasers.

A

few years ago, Italian machinery company Prima Industrie S.p.A. (www.primaindustrie.com), headquartered in Collegno, Italy, was selling between 20 and 25 3-D laser metal-fabrication machines a year to the global auto market.

This year, it will deliver about 100. It’s a reflection of what’s happening in the North American auto sector — companies are coming back, and they are stronger than when they went down.

As producers along the auto supply chain increase production, they are taking advantage of new technologies and improved benefits of Italian-made industrial machinery and equipment. In turn, Italian machinery and equipment makers are supporting the more steamlined and flexible operations that the industry has adopted.

For example, Prima recently completed redesign of its main product, Rapido, and rebranded it Rapido Evoluzione 2. According to Carl Bryant, who heads automotive sales for Prima North America Inc. (www.prima-na.com) the upgrade included lots of technical enhancements, the most significant being a choice of laser sources. In addition to Prima’s traditional CO2 laser, buyers have the option to purchase

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automakers rebound

Pirelli Tire North America

New Equipment Makes Auto Companies More Competitive North American auto industry leaders say the top three benefits of investing in new plant equipment are a higher quality product (26 percent); increased throughput (23 percent); and lower overall operating costs (20 percent). And of those companies that use Italian-made industrial machinery, most say the biggest benefit they derive from it is help in meeting strategic and operational goals.

These and other findings from the 2011 Auto Industry Awareness Study are available at www.industryweek.com/machinesitalia-research2011.

Pirelli of Milan is one of many Italian equipment and machinery companies involved in the North American auto supply chain that is building new capacity to serve climbing auto sales. Here, at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, Pirelli shows off its Scorpion Zero tires on a Ford Edge Sport.

Why did you choose an Italian manufacturer to meet your company’s needs?

Contributes to meeting operational 28% metrics and strategic goals Return on investment

21%

Desired machine available only from Italian manufacturer

18%

the machine with a fiber laser (2kW, 3kW or 4kW). Ad-

Customization opportunities

3%

ditionally, Prima increased linear speeds and accelera-

Attractive financing

3%

tions to the point where machines now have a maximum

Other

tooltip velocity of 175 meters per minute.

No reply

“It’s very, very fast,” Bryant said. “The thing moves

18% 9%

around incredibly fast. This required a new base, which was engineered with a granite casting, the largest synthetic granite casting produced in Europe and specially designed by us. It really allows us to push the envelope for speed and performance from a dynamics standpoint.”

Bryant said all of this has become necessary because of the growing popularity of hot-stamped steel components in the automotive field. To make a hot-stamped steel component, parts makers take a boron steel blank and form it in a die at an elevated temperature; and then it is controlled cooled so that the material comes out four

From your perspective, what is the biggest benefit from the purchase of new equipment?

Improved product quality

26%

Increased throughput

23%

Lower overall operating costs

20%

More flexible production planning

12%

Less machine downtime

10%

Other

4%

No reply

5%

times stronger.

“This helps the OEMs reduce weight and improve crash stability,” Bryant explained. “It is a process that began at Volvo about 12 years ago, but it's now become popular across all makes and models.”

What is your general perception of Italian suppliers of machinery and equipment? Percent indicating “yes” to each statement are presented.

Offer high quality equipment

24%

at its Italian headquarters in Collegno just outside of Tu-

Utilize the latest in technology

23%

rin, Italy. However, to better serve the expanding North

Reliable with minmal down-time to production

19%

Provide service and support

17%

Currently, all Prima’s 3-D laser machines are made

American market, Prima will begin final assembly operations at a site in Minneapolis in the second quarter of 2011. The machine parts will still come from Italy, athough the company purchases its 3D lasers in the United States, including from a sister company, Convergent Lasers.

Offer machinery/equipment that 17% grows or adapts to my company needs Competitive pricing in relation to other suppliers

15%

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automakers rebound

Bryant said customers who prefer Prima machines want one of the two types of lasers it offers — which are easier to use and maintain than alternatives — and/or they want a machine with CNC capabilities because it reduces waste and inventory. Changeover from one part to another takes 15 minutes, and parts can be designed and adjusted with advanced software before production, instead of making interations in post-production.

“Our customers don’t like to bank up hundreds and hundreds of parts and just have them sitting around,” Bryant said. “They need to be dynamic in the way that they changeover. The flexibility to have a machine that will make a variety of parts quickly is significant.”

Another Italian manufacturer investing to serve growing North American auto sales is Pirelli Tyre S.p.A. of Milan, Italy

(www.pirelli.com), which is

“Our customers don’t like to bank up hundreds and hundreds of parts and just have them sitting around. They need to be dynamic in the way that they changeover.

The flexibility to have a machine that will make a variety of parts quickly is significant.”

— Carl Bryant, Sales Leader/Automotive, Prima North America

building its first tire-production plant in Mexico. The new factory, to be located in the city of Silao, will produce high-performance and ultra high-performance tires for cars and light trucks utilizing Pirelli’s state-ofthe-art manufacturing technology.

The facility will be operational in 2012. Targeted daily production capacity is 10,500 tires, with an annual capacity of 3.5 million units in 2014, increasing to approximately 5 million units by 2015.

Spring 2011

improve production on both plastic and metal manufacturing lines.

The money will cover three new production lines for all of its powertrain production systems, which in-

The new greenfield project responds to continued

clude die casting, machining and assembly in addition

and growing demand from the NAFTA region and

to plastic molding. Magneti Marelli also expects to add

Latin America.

up to 65 jobs to its existing workforce of 290, according

“We are very proud to become members of the Si-

to a Jan. 4th news release from the Lee County Economic

lao community, in Guanajuato,” said Guillermo Kelly,

Development Corp. Magneti Marelli’s powertrain group

CEO of Pirelli Latin America. “This new facility is

makes a variety of engine performance parts, including

important because it complements our production in

air-intake manifolds, throttle bodies in both aluminum

Latin America. The new factory location is also crucial

and plastic, and fuel rails.

as it will allow us to better serve both our Mexican

One of the reasons Italian companies such

customers and the NAFTA region. This is a significant

as Magneti Marelli are expanding in the North

investment for our customers as we will feature the

American auto industry, according to Massimo

latest technology developed by Pirelli to be able to

Denipoti, president of the Detroit-based Italian-

supply the needs of the continually evolving market.”

American Alliance for Business and Technology

Mauro Pessi, Chairman and CEO of Pirelli Tire

(www.iaabt.org), is Fiat’s (www.fiat.com) recent pur-

North America: “We are a brand on the move, and this

12

will invest $15 million in its Sanford, N.C., facility to

chase of 25 percent of Chrysler.

is the type of support we need to continue reaching

“Most of our members have seen increased orders

our goals and adding to our impressive results and

in the last few months mainly thanks to the recovering

relationships.”

economy, help from local governments, and the involve-

Another Italian auto equipment manufacturer,

ment of Fiat with Chrysler. Some of them were already

Magneti Marelli S.p.A. (www.magnetimarelli.com),

supplying to Fiat in Italy, and they found themselves in

headquartered in Corbetta, Italy, has announced it

a good position to supply the American market.”

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assembly innovations

Smart Technology Eases the Burden To assemble state-of-the-art products while using the most innovative methods is not an easy task. Manufacturers of all sizes must meet similar challenges.

Alabama Port Authority

1,800 to 1,900 employees (from the regions of southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and northwest Florida) are operating the 7 million square-foot facility, which had been under construction for three years, prior to opening in July 2010. When fully operational, the steelmaking and processing plant will have an estimated annual capacity of 4.3 million metric tons of end product (a metric ton equals 2,204.62 pounds). The amount of steel used in building the new plant would be enough to build 10 Eiffel Towers.

As one of the single largest U.S. construction projects during the last three years, TK’s highly advanced steel mill represents a $5 billion investment and combines the company’s 200 year-old history of steel and metallurgical experience with the most modern technology.

ThyssenKrupp USA employs magnetic lifting equipment from Italy's Tecnomagnete at its new facility in Alabama.

Bill Leonard, who heads TK’s Teams for Cranes, cautioned that both the technology and the undertaking are so new that there is minimal operational data at this point.

However, he explains that TK chose the major manufacturer

A

Tecnomagnete S.p.A. (through the North American agent

nology. The preparation required in bringing in the right

technology is used to move large loads of steel from

equipment to get the job done is critical.

place to place.

Tackling heavy lifting

systems activated by electric input and with intrinsic

Calvert, Ala., is the site of an enormous greenfield

safety. Leonard explains that electromagnets in the U.S.

project instigated by ThyssenKrupp Steel USA LLC

often run on battery backup, AC or DC. Tecnomagnete’s

(TK),

ssembly efficiencies contribute to profits.

Tecnomagnete

Doing it the best way requires a knowledge

tagline reads “Safety Through Power,” citing the Italian

Inc.,

www.tecnomagnete.com),

whose

of the marketplace, from assessing vendors

company’s impeccable history in the development of

to understanding up-to-the-minute tech-

magnet technology in the European market. The magnet

Tecnomagnete has developed permanent magnet

USA

permanent electro-magnets are safer because with

(www.thyssenkruppnewusplant.com), a company with

standard electro-magnets, if power is lost, the load is lost.

200,000 employees worldwide and multiple interests

Since batteries are an extra burden to maintain, there is a

across the globe.

cost savings involved.

along

with

ThyssenKrupp

Stainless

Plans to employ 2,700 people in the new Alabama

“We move product from the River Terminal all the

steel and stainless operations are underway. Presently

way out to the shipping area; our processes are engineered 1-888-italtrade

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13

assembly innovations

“We operate 24/7 in all weather conditions and safety is critical. You don’t want to drop a slab!”

— Bill Leonard, Crane Team, ThyssenKrupp Steel USA LLC

Smaller projects require quality A vital tool in manufacturing, the chuck is a clamp that holds an object with radial symmetry that is most often cylindrical. Busch Precision Inc. (www.buschprecision.com) of Milwaukee, Wis., has come to depend on quality chucks to produce its line of precision tooling, machinery rebuilding, and many contract manufacturing projects.

Founded in 1907, Busch’s 35 employees strive for

with optimal efficiency in mind,” Leonard said. “At the

excellence in all of the machining operations that are

moment, our coils are primarily being shipped to service

part of its ISO 9001:2008 certification requirements.

centers . . . [and] we needed raw materials here, and the

Cold-operated

State invested in Pinto Island, the Port Authority’s year-

component to realizing a high quality result in these

and-a-half-old steel-loading terminal, where slabs of steel

business areas.

are

an

important

weighing up to 36 metric tons are delivered and trans-

“We recently replaced the magnetic chucks and

loaded from large ships onto shallow draft river barges

controllers on our long Danobat surface grinder,” said

for transportation on the Tombigbee River to Calvert.”

Bob Behnke, grinding department manager and a 21-

A projected 3 million metric tons of slabs per

year veteran at Busch. “Tecnomagnete was selected

year will be supplied to the American plant for the

due to the 20 years of outstanding life we received on

production of flat carbon steel.

our previous two grinders. The service we received

“We use magnets in Pinto Island and our River

was very professional.

Terminal, where slabs are offloaded onto trucks and

“The products are easy to use and don’t leave a

moved to the furnace mill for sorting with technomagnets

lot of magnetic residue. Tecnomagnete fine-tuned the

and then put in the hot strip mill to be rolled into coils,”

gauss levels, using both computer-created software

Leonard said. “Sorting with these magnets is necessary

programs and electronics in the units themselves.

because customers may need certain grades of steel, and

There are different levels of workholding, eight

operators in the slab yard may have to move slabs to get

different power levels of gauss holding power. Among

to the right ones. The crane goes over to the slabs, and

the products we manufacture are long precision

the magnets are activated by pushbutton. An average

straight edges, ground in a straight stage. It’s necessary

slab weights from 20 to 30 metric tons, with a maximum

to hold them in a light condition with very little

weight of 36 metric tons. Tecnomagnete sells TK the

magnetism — a delicate balance.”

magnetic systems and works with the crane suppliers to

Behnke explains that it is paramount to hold

mount them into the cabs. The PLCs (programmable logic

parts and to be able to use different gauss power levels.

controllers) are very sophisticated,” he concluded.

Since Busch Precision makes long, narrow components,

Four sets of the BR360 magnet system (each has

the use of cold-operated chucks, which feature

two magnets) were first purchased in 2008. Four were

streamlined design and provide energy efficiency are

ordered for Pinto Island, three at the River Terminal,

the optimum solution.

and six more at the slab yard. Additional sets for mobile

According to Behnke, when the company is ready

applications will be ordered in the future. Four cranes

to upgrade, they will again select Tecnomagnete. “They

operate at one time; operators are trained in Calvert by

always look to improve what they have through design

company teams.

changes. The diverse product selection is a real plus.

Another reason that TK chose Tecnomagnete is that they were able to provide technical documentation

14

components

The portable lifting device we purchased has worked extremely well. Their products are first rate.”

to back up their products, according to Leonard. “We

Built-in benefits include LED lights such as green

could understand it and we felt this type of product was

lights to indicate ON FULL POWER and a flashing green

the safest under adverse conditions. We operate 24/7 in

light to indicate VARIABLE POWER. A white flashing

all weather conditions, and safety is critical. You don’t

light means that no power is on. A default light is red.

want to drop a slab!”

The operator-friendly controllers are easy to read;

Spring 2011

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www.machinesitalia.org

assembly innovations

two pushbutton-type pads charge or de-charge the Euroimpianti S.p.A. robotic machinery such as this laserguided vehicle can reduce costs and improve efficiency in assembly.

magnetic chucks.

Behnke adds that Tecnomagnete wants to custom-fit machines. “When you talk to their service department, they are quick to return calls.” If they need additional support, their company in France provides timely service, including sending a service technician. Price-wise and quality-wise, you couldn’t find a better value.

“We work with tight tolerances, plus or minus .0001 in size (parallel, square and straightness) and without these chucks, it would make for some long days! Finetuning is the key. Half the battle is in workholding. If you can’t hold the part with the correct gauss levels, it will be a struggle all the way through production. Busch won’t risk using another manufacturer.”

Robots replace unskilled workers, improve efficiency Manufacturers are investing in robotic technology

Euroimpianti S.p.A.

to replace humans for many assembly jobs. Such an upgrade can improve efficiency and reduce costs in many ways: decreasing headcount, product damage, and

In a recent installation at a Canadian packaged-foods

employee injuries; while increasing velocity, efficiency,

producer, Euroimpianti systems eliminated the need for

and quality.

about 15 unskilled laborers who worked at the end-of-

For 35 years, Euroimpianti S.p.A. (www.skilledrobots.com),

line, assembling pallets of boxed products for shipment.

Vincenza, Italy, has been an industrial leader in the

“The benefits include improved efficiency, quality

production of integrated end-of-line systems (palletizing,

and reliability, as well as uptimes,” said Elio Pasqualini,

laser-guided vehicles, automatic truck loading). The

Marketing and Image Manager at Euroimpianti. “Two

company recently expanded its North American presence

to three highly skilled technicians workers per shift

by acquiring C&D Robotics Inc. of Texas, and renaming the

could run the entire operation. One or two people in

company C&D Skilled Robotics Inc. (www.cdtech.info).

the control room can manage and view the whole production system working in real time through a synoptic control panel/screen.”

The Euroimpianti installation includes six high-

“Everything is automated and integrated. The various parts of the system communicate with each other and are able to identify the different products, sort them, trace the routes, and decide on the destinations.”

speed palletizing stations, where 70 to 80 different

— Elio Pasqualini, Marketing and Image Manager, Euroimpianti S.p.A.

with each other and are able to identify the different

types of boxed frozen products from 12 different production/assembly lines arrive. The boxes are sorted and placed on different pallets/skids to be picked up by an (unmanned) laser-guided vehicle (LGV) and delivered to the automated wrapping station. After the skids have been wrapped, the LGV loader recoups the empty pallets and takes them to the storage section.

“Everything is automated and integrated,” Pasqualini said. “The various parts of the system communicate products, sort them, trace the routes, and decide on the destinations. The system also communicates with the other machines in the upstream processes.”

1-888-italtrade

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15

problem solvers

Bring It On! Have an operational challenge that you can’t meet on your own? Italian industrial equipment and machinery manufacturers are eager to help you find a solution.

Construction of two customized units took place over a 10-week period at Fassi’s plant in Albino, Italy.

Fascan International

I

ndustrial companies face multiple operational

(www.graniteconstruction.com), which won a bid to repair

challenges — inside the plant, out in the field, in

several of the elevated subway stations in Brooklyn, N.Y.

negotiations with customers and suppliers, and

Fascan is the distribution business of Fassi, and the

elsewhere. Italian makers of industrial equip-

two collaborate regularly on projects for North American

ment and machinery address these challenges for

customers, such as Granite.

customers through customized adaptations, develop-

This

ment of new technologies, expanding product lineups

these factors:

for new applications, and collaborative design and

V Many

planning. Here are some of their stories as well as a roundup of new machinery designed in response to customer needs.

project’s stations

daunting hadn’t

challenges seen

any

included meaningful

repair since the era of Teddy Roosevelt.

V There was little access to the work area except from the subway tracks themselves.

V While some of the sites could be accessed at

Earth-moving machinery: Fascan solution leads to successful project FASCAN

International

(www.fascan.com),

street crossings, it would mean employing multiple 300-ton cranes to lift the 24,000pound sections of precast piers, causing Fassi

Cranes (www.fassigroup.com), and a team from Crane

16

considerable traffic headaches and neighborhood disruption.

Specialists Inc. (www.cranespecialists.com) solved

What Granite Construction needed was a piece of

multiple major challenges for Granite Construction

heavy equipment that could travel on the rails, keep up

Spring 2011

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www.machinesitalia.org

problem solvers

ily transported to other locations. The solution: a customdesigned, remote-controlled heavy-duty crane with the ability to push, pull, lift, and haul — all within the limitations of an antiquated — yet operating — underground and elevated metropolitan rail system.

Fascan International

with the work on the stations as needed, and still be eas-

The project was no small task. This new piece of equipment needed to meet several unique requirements.

Besides the basic ability to lift multi-ton loads, the finished equipment needed to be: V Compact enough to travel on the rails through the tight 19th-century tunnels of the New York City subway; V Light enough to be lifted some 30 feet above the ground to sections of elevated rails; V Able to propel itself through the subway tunnels; V Able to tow heavy loads from the front or the rear; and, V Transportable from one end of the city to the other.

And all of these things needed to be accomplished without impeding the existing flow of subway traffic.

But if there was one thing the Fascan team was familiar

subway trains passed. In addition, the crane “knew” ex-

with, it was using versatility to solve a challenge. The

actly where it was working within the 360-degree arc

team took Granite Construction’s requirements and set to

and could prevent an operator from crossing over the

work creating exactly the kind of equipment that the

perimeter where the stabilizers had not been extended.

company needed.

“Just having the flexibility to work on, above, or

Fascan took one of its existing crane designs and be-

along the rail system makes this equipment extremely

gan to incorporate the adaptations that the equipment

valuable,” says Jeff Kline, vice president of Crane Spe-

would need. Construction of two units took place over a

cialists. “Granite Construction found that they could do

10-week period at Fassi’s plant in Albino, Italy.

much more with this truck and crane unit than they

Once completed, the cranes were shipped to

imagined when they sat down to design it.”

Crane Specialists Inc. in Manheim, Pa., where they were

This responsiveness extends to all of the markets that

each fitted to a truck chassis and enhanced with cus-

Fascan serves, including mining, energy, defense, heavy

tomized features.

industrial, etc. Indeed demand in the energy/utility in-

The completed “transit cranes” exceeded expecta-

dustry

prompted

crane

distributor

DUECO

Inc.

tions. The cranes were radio remote-controlled. Pressure

(www.dueco.com) of Baltimore to join the Fascan dealer

readings, operating temperatures, and safety mechanisms

network to specifically serve that market.

could be monitored via the screen of the radio remote. An

“DUECO has been providing innovative, quality so-

operator could even perform equipment diagnostics on

lutions for bucket trucks and digger derricks for over 55

the crane remotely.

years, and the addition of the Fassi articulated cranes

The crane was constructed with four remote-controlled stabilizers. But unlike many cranes, the stabilizers

“Just having the flexibility to work on, above, or along the rail system makes this equipment extremely valuable,” says Jeff Kline, Vice President, Crane Specialists Inc.

will add a new dimension to our ability to support utility customers,” said Judie Taylor, President of DUECO Inc.

could be custom deployed to ensure strong support for

on the right side could be extended out and down, and

Textiles: Santoni technology enables new categories of apparel

the stabilizers on the left side could be extended straight

In addition to operational challenges in the field, manu-

down. With this modification, work could continue while

facturing companies also face in-plant challenges such

the unit without impeding the continuous subway traffic.

For example, if the crane were on the rails, the stabilizers

1-888-italtrade

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17

problem solvers

machines, which include the SWD 6/2J double-needle

“Just having the flexibility to work on, above, or along the rail system makes this equipment extremely valuable. Granite Construction found that they could do much more with this truck and crane unit than they imagined when they sat down to design it.� — Jeff Kline, Vice President, Crane Specialists Inc.

bar-warp knitting machine and the SM8-TR1 and SM6RIB2 circular seamless knitting machines.

The company said garments on display derived from the SWD 6/2J provide support, compression, and greater comfort without seams; and it displayed seamless garments with sleeves. Santoni described the SM8TR1 garments as highly breathable with excellent moisture management. “These features, combined with a high productivity, provide unique performance benefits for all those who are interested in producing sportswear to meet the latest trends and demands,� said Patrick Silva, Santoni’s Marketing Manager.

Not only did seamless knitting machinery fill the pantyhose void and repurpose what could have been obsolete technology, it also opened new sales opportunities (both new products and incremental sales) for a mature industry with slim profit margins. This new alternative reduced production costs and created prod-

as how to use existing technology to supply new mar-

ucts that could successfully demand a higher price.

kets. This was the case in the textile industry when it

Producers say that consumers are willing to pay more

began manufacturing seamless garments. Italian com-

for characteristics such as better fit, lighter and softer

pany Santoni stepped up to address this problem.

fabric, enhanced comfort, and engineered traits such as

The Santoni S.p.A. (www.santoni.com) name is

shaping and support.

synonymous with seamless knitting, a technology that teristics previously unattainable, such as enhanced

Seamless Technology Advantages

breathability, fit, and comfort. Some leading North

t -PXFS MBCPS DPTUT

American users of seamless technology include Play-

t 'FXFS NBDIJOFT

tex, Nike, Levi Strauss, Jockey, and Victoria’s Secret.

t 4NBMMFS XPSL TQBDF

has spawned sportswear and active wear with charac-

Early seamless knitting technology came on the apparel scene in the 1980s in response to the industry’s desire to fill a void created by decreasing demand for pantyhose. The production processes and machinery used for hosiery provided the launching point for creating seamless knitting in other apparel categories. “The introduction of the seamless product has revolutionized the global production process,� according to Santoni. “This was really an innovative discovery that allowed companies to knit ready-made apparel, something fully different from what had been done up

t -PXFS FOFSHZ DPTUT t -PXFS JOWFOUPSJFT PG ZBSO BOE GBCSJD t 'BTUFS TBNQMF QSPEVDUJPO t -PXFS TFXJOH BOE GJOJTIJOH DPTUT t "MJHOT XJUI KVTU JO UJNF QSPEVDUJPO t 0OF QJFDF GMPX WJB DPNQMFUF garment production. t "EEJUJPO PG FOHJOFFSFE GFBUVSFT TVDI BT compression, fit, support, stimulation, and ventilation.

Source: The Hosiery Association’s Seamless Consortium Handbook

to that moment.�

Today, Santoni fulfills 97 percent of the global garAt an industry trade show in Europe this February,

Industrial filtration: Cosema has a solution for every industry

Santoni displayed a wide range of sportswear and knit-

Another internal operational challenge is customization.

wear garments made from its latest seamless knitting

Although the basic science of many production process-

ment industry’s seamless machinery demands.

18

Spring 2011

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www.machinesitalia.org

problem solvers

Self-cleaning drum filters ftr/mtr

es is the same, requirements can vary greatly by industry, For example, many industries require filtration to keep processes moving smoothly and costs in check.

One of the most common needs is cleaning the coolant

This range includes drum filters

Cosema S.r.l.

plant size, waste-reduction goals, and other factors.

with single and also multiple drums, designed to allow an ample flow of coolant. The FTRs can be used in most of the

used to cool machined parts in metal-processing appli-

applications of the machining and

cations such as grinding, polishing, honing, and boring.

industrial washing machine processes.

Other liquids requiring filtration include lubricants, fats and oils, water, etc. Usually, the purpose is to extend Lomanga, Italy-based Cosema S.r.l. (www.cosema.net), a leading provider of filtration systems in the United States and Europe, meets customer demand by offering

De-oiling skimmers Designed to separate water-based

Cosema S.r.l.

the life of the liquid and maintain its quality.

cutting fluid from the tramp oil and grease floating on the surface of clean coolant tanks.

a wide range of options. They are designed to operate differently based on the size and type of the particles being filtered, customer preference of filter type, size of

More problem-solving machinery

operation, and available space.

Operational challenges come in many other areas. One is

“Cosema has a whole family of filtration machines,

“housekeeping,” also known as 5S, which requires —

so they can install a single machine for one manufac-

among other things — appropriate storage of materials

turer, or install 10 machines for another manufacturer

and components to reduce scrap (damaged goods) and

and call it a system,” said Leonard Ardizzone, an engi-

time wasted looking for missing items.

neer at EnPro Group (www.enprodiv.com), Cincinnati,

For storage of metal bars and other equipment,

a subsidiary of Hydrotech Inc. (www.hydrotech.com)

Costruzioni Meccaniche Scortegagna S.r.l. (www.rusch.eu),

and Cosema’s U.S. distributor and partner. Ardizzone

Cogollo del Cengio, Italy, introduces its new automatic

said his company actually finishes and assembles

bar-storage systems: RÜSCH MAG-B are shelf units struc-

many of the gravity bed filters (FB/AM) to meet cus-

tured in towers. Each tower is made of shelves in which

tomer requirements.

there are drawers where the goods can be stored. Inside the tower is placed a lift with retractile forks, that accord-

Cosema’s wide variety of designs include: Gravity filters fb/fbl

ing to the commands from the CNC control unit, automatically takes the selected drawer and moves it to the

Cosema S.r.l.

The gravity filters use non-

ground, where an ejection system (shuttle or motorized

woven fabrics as filtering media,

slide) lets the drawer out, so that the operator can load or

suited for cleaning coolant used

unload the goods.

for machining when a high degree of filtration is required.

Modularity is a point of strength for RÜSCH MAG-B. In fact, according to can join more tow-

Cosema S.r.l.

Suited for the treatment of

ers together to create

coolant with a heavy concen-

a large-dimensions

tration of ferrous particles;

loading system. The

comprised one magnetic sepa-

modular

rator installed on gravity filter.

permits extension of

structure

your investment, for

Hydrostatic filters fsp Cosema S.r.l.

The hydrostatic filters use

instance, buying a single

tower

and

Costruzioni Meccaniche Scortegagna S.r.l.

the company, you

Combined gravity filters am/aml

Costruzioni Meccaniche Scortegagna S.r.l.'s new system for the storage of metal bars and other equipment.

non-woven fabrics as filtering me-

then in the follow-

dia and are also installed on cen-

ing years adding more towers. Furthermore, by bringing

tralized filtering systems.

together more towers and some sawing machines, it is 1-888-italtrade

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19

problem solvers

“. . . the addition of the Fassi articulated cranes will add a new dimension to our ability to support utility customers.”

— Judie Taylor, President, DUECO Inc.

The new generation Risco vacuum fillers are equipped with a central computer to monitor all major parts subject to wear and tear. This determines, during maintenance operations, which parts need to be replaced on the basis of their use. The Risco Monitoring Service (RMS) allows the user to always have at disposal all asset-management data.

Finally, automation often is the answer to accelerating production. For this, Italian machinery and equipment manufacturers are adding CNC capabilities to a variety of models. For example, the latest invention from S.I.M.A.S.V. S.r.l. (www.simasv.it), located

possible to create a complete automatic cutting centre.

in the province of Vicenza, Italy, is the 30°>140° vari-

Another challenge is increasing throughput (veloci-

able-angle hydraulic notching machine AV226/PA-

ty), while keeping costs in check. An increasingly com-

CNC. It has been designed with system-regulating

mon practice for manufacturers is to reduce lot sizes

blades by means of an electronic control integrated to

and increase delivery frequency. One Italian company

the machine; this notcher was in fact born to meet the

providing innovative machinery to support this practice

strict

accuracy

is BIZZOZERO MICA S.r.l. (www.bizzozeromica.it)

ment

of

Usmate-Velate, Italy. The Clever Boxmaster 2750 from

European Space Research

BIZZOZERO is a transversal printer slotter to work and

& Technology Centre

print corrugated carton sheets of any size and of any

ESTEC (www.esa.int).

-

AV226/PA-CNC

model distinguishes itself

duction of small lots of boxes, and users can make one

from the other notchers in

big box in less than four seconds. The machine can

the

produce more than 100 types of boxes. The machine

blades are moved singular-

can be completed in line by the automatic feeder and

ly and controlled by an

the Repeatable Flexo Jumbo Print 2500X2500 mm.

electronic NC; thanks to

market

because

its

Risco designs its meatprocessing machines with exclusive plastic resin components that extend the life of the machine and reduce downtime.

this system, the machine

with the same or fewer assets by reducing downtime.

achieves an extraordinary

Many Italian machinery and equipment manufacturers

cutting precision equal to 0.1°. A wide range of option-

are addressing this by building machinery with attri-

al and customised equipment completes the extended

butes specifically designed to reduce downtime. For

standard outfit of the machine.

Corporation

The official importer of

(www.riscousa.com), the North American unit of Risco

S.I.M.A.S.V. notching machines

S.p.A. (www.risco.it), Vincenza, Italy, has introduced

for the U.S. market is Carell

an advanced vacuum-filler series. All Risco vacuum

Corp. (www.carellcorp.com).

Boston-based

Risco

USA

fillers are equipped with the superior Risco Long Life

Another example is Thomas

vane product pump that brings together stainless steel

S.p.A. (www.thomas.it), Vin-

components with exclusive plastic resin parts. The

cenza, Italy which over the

Risco Long Life vane product pump provides portion

years has evolved its designs

accuracy and performance in the production of every

for increased efficiency to re-

type of meat product, whether coarse, ground, or emul-

spond to customer need for au-

sion. The patented Risco Long Life rotary vane product

tomation,

pump grants no metal-to-metal contact, thus reducing

control,

drastically the wear on the meat pump components,

among machines.

I

www.machinesitalia.org

increased and

quality

connectability

These machines meet the

S.I.M.A.S.V.

Manufacturers also achieve increased throughput

downtime, and overall cost of ownership.

Spring 2011

customer

of any shape. The short set-up time supports the pro-

example,

20

the

Risco S.p.A.

The

thickness or weight in order to make small or big boxes

require-

S.I.M.A.S.V. created this machine to meet the requirements of its customer, the European Space Research & Technology Centre.

problem solvers

pasta and sheeted pasta. (The process also includes a doughresting system in the forming area as this is a specific requirement in Asian noodles production.)

The extruded or sheeted pasta products are uniformly cooked in a multi-tier cooker. The cooker is also equipped with a rinsing system to wash away starch from Pavan

Thomas S.p.A.

Thomas metal-cutting machines have evolved to respond to a heightened need for precision.

increased need for precision in major sectors (aerospace, medical/science, energy, automotive). Optional equipment can extend the capabilities of Thomas machinery.

Italian food-machinery manufacturer Pavan Group

Pavan’s new pasta-making system can manufacture products made of both traditional flours and rice flours and formed as: filled pasta (tortellini, cappelletti, ravioli), flat pasta (traditional lasagna and rippled edge lasagna), oriental noodles, and extruded fresh long-cut and shortcut pasta.

Pavan

(www.pavan.com), located in Galliera Veneta, Italy, has extended automation capabilities to multiple pasta lines with its latest invention. Pavan has introduced a new concept line in the United States that stands out for its versatility and range of products that can be manufactured. The line is fully automated and covers all stages from the handling of raw materials to the cooking of fresh pasta with a capacity of 2.200 kg/hr. The following types of pre-cooked products, made of both traditional flours and rice flours, can be obtained: filled pasta (as tortellini, cappelletti and ravioli), flat pasta (as traditional lasagna and rippled edge lasagna), oriental noodles, extruded fresh long-cut and short-cut pasta.

Pavan’s system enables complete production of pasta products.

Semolina, flour and rice flour stored in big bags are sent to different dosing devices, which feed two mixing tanks providing the required flexibility to manufacture

the pasta. The product is then cooled with a special sys-

both extruded and laminated product, either with tradi-

tem having a low-water consumption, which reduces en-

tional raw materials or with gluten-free raw materials.

ergy consumption and wastewater.

The different mixtures of raw materials can be obtained

The space-saving configuration of the line makes it

automatically by simply loading the desired recipe from

suitable for small production rooms. The control system

the PLC unit. The line for gluten-free products is obvi-

features a PLC that manages the process parameters and

ously equipped with a dedicated flour and feeding sys-

allows for an automatic start-up on production change-

tem. When manufacturing products based on rice flour,

over. To complete the forming and cooking line, Pavan

a special steaming stage is provided within the mixer.

also includes an integrated system for packaging, post-

After the dough-forming stage, the line splits to manufacture two kinds of products simultaneously: extruded

packaging pasteurisation and sterilization in accordance with the target shelf life of the final product.

1-888-italtrade

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asset management

Maximizing Machine Performance Whether gaining insight into machine conditions or precisely controlling processes, advanced sensors and other electronics provide crucial information to operators.

LeTourneau

A

sset management is a phrase that has come to mean a number of things. Sometimes it means a formal and

comprehensive software solution, but it can also refer to preventive maintenance of expensive equipment, efforts to save energy, and use of high-tech instrumentation to guide machine performance.

22

Spring 2011

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LeTourneau

Colgar equipment streamlines production at LeTourneau.

www.machinesitalia.org

asset management

Big equipment equals big challenges Smart management of industrial machinery is essential to LeTourneau (formerly LeTourneau Technologies, www.letourneau-inc.com), a Longview, Texas-based manufacturer of machines and fabricated components

"We had expected to reduce process time, but certainly not by this amount.”

for large rubber-tired loaders used worldwide by the

— James Floyd, Machine Shop Manager, LeTourneau

mining industry, as well as jackup rigs that drill for oil and gas offshore in places such as the Gulf of Mexico, the Persian Gulf, and the North Sea. The company also makes drilling equipment used on offshore and land-drilling rigs. box for the jackup rig,” LeTourneau machine shop

Exceptional reduction in process time

manager James Floyd said. There are 12 such gear

A stunning benefit that the company realized was drasti-

boxes required per rig. There are four different mod-

cally decreased machining process time for the gear boxes

els, ranging in size from up to 12 feet high to 20 feet;

on the Colgars. Compared with the older, smaller ma-

these weigh up to 100,000 pounds.

chines that the company had used, time was reduced

“Our major structure that we machine is a gear

“Once machined, we assemble all the subcomponents and ship the assembly to various shipyards such as Vicksburg, Miss., and Brownsville, Texas, where they are installed onto the jackup rig. Once a

from 200 hours to 120 hours on the largest gear box and from 60 hours to 32 hours on the smallest.

“We had expected to reduce process time,” Floyd said, “but certainly not by this amount.”

jackup rig is constructed and moved on location,

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) software pro-

these gear boxes push the legs down to the ocean

grams track production stats, timelines, tool life monitor-

floor and ultimately, once settled in on the bottom,

ing, and maintenance reminders (e.g., 1,000 hour hydrau-

raise the drilling platform to a working height of ap-

lic filter service needed), along with fault history.

proximately 50 feet above the water.”

The company’s equipment has been at work for about

LeTourneau has five rig models designed to oper-

100 hours per week since installation. In order to manage

ate in harsh offshore environments, drilling in depths

their assets and maintain that kind of production level,

that range from 300 feet to 550 feet of water.

LeTourneau employs a preventive maintenance (PM) sys-

Italian expertise plays into this challenging pro-

tem for weekly and monthly checks on the Colgar ma-

duction process: Colgar S.p.A. (www.colgar.it ) based

chines. Additionally, factory representatives come in an-

in San Pietro all'Olmo, Italy, is a 66-year old company

nually to perform a more thorough check-up.

that, since 1970, has become a leader in the manufac-

“Our shop, being 60-plus years old, is not a controlled

ture of a variety of high-quality machinery, including

environment, so all our machine tools must operate in a

boring machines. In 1999, Colgar became ISO 9001

rugged environment,” Floyd said. “Both Colgars perform

certified. In use at the LeTourneau facility are two

well and have met our expectations to date. When consid-

Colgar FRAL 400 Floor Type Horizontal Boring Mills.

ering future capital needs, additional Colgars are certainly

They are equipped with 107 HP (80 kW) spindle mo-

on the list.”

tors and have 196-inch (5m) of Y axis travel.

“When researching machine tool manufacturers for a machine that could machine a gear box of this

Maximizing production time Saving manpower is a significant way to cut costs, and

size in one setup, we found very few OEM provid-

Graham Architectural Products (www.grahamwindows.com),

ers,” Floyd said. “There were none in North America.

in York, Pa., has bought three pieces of Italian-made

The Colgar FRAL 400 model seemed to fit our need,

equipment over the last three years that have accom-

and their delivery was within our expectations.”

plished that goal. The largest is a piece of CNC

LeTourneau purchased the first one, a 4.5 meter-

machinery from FOM USA (www.fomgroupusa.com),

by-10 meter in 2005, and another, 5-meter-by-10 me-

the North American agent of FOM Industries S.r.l.

ter, in 2007.

(www.fomindustrie.com).

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23

asset management

FOM Industries S.r.l.

The Keope Theta machine features blades that pivot 20 degrees, right and left.

Graham manufacturing engineer Jeff Boyd, who

“FOM is amazing. Our quality manager and I went

CNC multifab — the Linea LT. The machine took the

over there. They have a beautiful facility in Italy. It’s a

place of eight people by performing eight operations,

very vertically integrated company, making everything

or more, over what used to be done independently.

right there.”

Such streamlined production has freed up the former

The size of the Linea LT machine is around 60 feet

workers for reassignment to pursue other manufactur-

long. A dozen 20-foot-long pieces of aluminum are in-

ing tasks.

dexed side-by-side into the machine, which grabs the GROUP

end of the bars, taking them into the center chamber.

(www.fom-group.com/home), a group of 16 companies

There, multiple spindles use tools that have been pro-

that come together to meet customer requirements, and

grammed to make holes or slots. When the machining is

which has been known for more than 30 years for manu-

complete, parts move ahead to an online saw that can

facturing quality systems for cutting and machining alu-

perform angled or straight cuts. The material is then fed

minum. FOM offers an extensive range of machine tools

past the saw onto rollers to a conveyor.

FOM

Industrie

heads

the

FOM

for cutting and machining aluminum, light alloy, and

Machined parts are assembled into windows and

PVC profiles, frame construction and assembly machine

shipped out in tractor-trailer loads. Contractors pro-

tools, software and services.

vide installation.

Graham, a commercial and institutional window

Graham’s asset-management program depreciates

manufacturer, with subsidiaries in Merrill, Wis., and

all assets over five to 10 years. “To me,” said Boyd, “I

New Castle, Pa., produces aluminum window systems.

look at it as a combination of things. Accounting looks

The subsidiaries produce curtain wall and storefront

at how long and how much depreciation there is; for

systems at the FM Division and thermal systems at the

example, if you have something for 20 years and can

GThurm Division, respectively.

only depreciate it for 10. What we need to do is main-

The company was begun in the 1960s and formally incorporated in 1976. About 150 of its 320 employ-

tain it and care for it. We have been ordering new equipment as our older equipment reaches its lifespan.”

ees work in the manufacturing area. Boyd, who lik-

A second piece of FOM equipment, the Keope The-

ened Graham to a large custom job shop, said its

ta, replaces a large saw, 50 feet long, with two heads;

customers include universities, hospitals, govern-

one is fixed and one is moveable. Blades pivot at 20

ment buildings and special projects such as a pass-

degrees right and left. A third is the Moxie M, a two-

over between buildings.

head compound miter saw. The company has ordered

“We had a CNC machining center called a CO-

24

contact into the machine from both Ohio and Italy.

has worked there for four-and-a-half years, called it a

one now and will probably order two more later.

MALL, another division of FOM,” Boyd said. “We

The machines include sensors to indicate tool wear,

worked with FOM to rebuild it, and I give them a lot of

based on loading. Boyd notes that aluminum is not as

credit. Early on, they sent technicians over from Italy.

hard as steel on a machine tool. A spike in power loads

Now they have people who were trained in Italy that

on the spindles can be indicated and tools can be

work at their Ohio facility. There is a direct modem

changed depending on the job requirements. He says

Spring 2011

I

www.machinesitalia.org

asset management

that his workers understand saw blades based on their

ment works during production. For example, Massa’s

experience and that FOM “tells us what to expect in

products often are used for filling, packaging, liquid-

hours or weeks or piece cuts. We go to 80 percent of that

and bulk-levelling, Web loop monitoring, and high-

and re-sharpen the blades. Any accidents and we go in

speed counting.

and make changes, but we’ve had almost none of that.”

Most of Massa’s products are custom-designed and

Graham personnel include electro-mechanics that

require specific high-quality parts. In 2004, the com-

troubleshoot both electrical and mechanical issues. When

pany began working with Meccanotecnica Riesi (MR)

new machines start up, employees are sent for a couple of

(www.meccanotecnicariesi.com), an original equipment

days of training at a FOM facility.

manufacturer for research institutes and manufacturing

These valuable equipment assets feature better preci-

companies. Located in the industrial center of Sicily, Mec-

sion (plus/minus 0.006 inches of tolerance) than any made

canotecnica specializes in producing high-precision me-

in America or elsewhere in Europe, according to Boyd.

chanical parts based on client needs. Although a small

While Moxie is an entry-level machine, Boyd says that pre-

company, it has a global presence, with close to 90 per-

cision is even built into that.

cent of business from international clients. Founded on

“I’ve seen a lot in 30 years of engineering. FOM can

the principles of innovation, value and quality, Meccano-

be very proud of their products. The company has made

tecnica Riesi has become very competitive in the fields of

good inroads here in the states. People come to see our

aeronautics, aerospace, and maritime production.

equipment in operation.”

The components Meccanotecnica Riesi makes for the transducers at Massa require the use of certain materials that are difficult to machine. The quality of the machinery to make such delicate parts is essential.

“What we need to do is maintain it and care for it. We have been ordering new equipment as our older equipment reaches its lifespan.”

— Jeff Boyd, Graham Architectural Products

“When we find that we have requirements for intricate machining, particularly in volume, they can do a good job for us,” said Don Massa, the president of Massa Products. “I was impressed with the quality of what they do.”

Meccanotecnica Riesi uses precision manufacturing techniques to maximize design possibilities. The workshop is equipped with machines such as, the Milling and Boring Universal Machine DMU 125P, Workcentre DMU 50 EVO LINEAR, Workcentre DMC 63V and ANAYAK 2200. Engineers use the latest computer-aided design (CAD) tools available, and conceptualize and draft designs with the tool “VISI” from Vero, creating detailed 2-D and 3-D sketches.

To feed its on-going R&D pipeline, Meccanotecnica

Process control

Riesi has built relationships with various North Amer-

Massa Products Corp. (www.massa.com), Hingham, Mass.,

ican universities, including the Lawrence Berkeley

is a user of Italian machinery that is also a provider of

National Laboratory and Wayne State’s engineering di-

asset-management systems. Massa is a leading innovator

visions on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) project.

in the design and manufacture of electroacoustic prod-

Meccanotecnica’s machining skills proved useful in

ucts, transducers, and systems for both air ultrasonic ap-

making precision plates for the accelerator. Meccano-

plications and underwater sonar systems. Many of Mas-

tecnica Riesi has also begun internship programs with

sa’s products are used for non-contact precision

Embry-Riddle University and Northeastern University.

measurement for factory automation or industrial pro-

Working on a personal level with North American stu-

cess control. Machine operators use Massa’s products

dents has been a valuable experience and we will con-

not only to monitor how machinery and equipment is

tinue to collaborate with these universities and hope-

working, but also to dictate how machinery and equip-

fully more in the future.

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news

Bravo Users Can See Demonstrations at N. American Office Bravo North America, a unit of Montecchio Maggiore, Italy-based,

IMA Acquisitions Expand Markets For Packaging Equipment

To further expand its niche-food packaging machinery lines,

Bravo S.p.A. (www.bravo.it) has located within the offices of Equip-

IMA S.p.A. of Bologna, Italy (www.ima.it), completed its pur-

ment & Concepts Inc. in San Clemente, Calif., between Los Angeles

chase of dairy and convenience food sector of Sympak Cora-

and San Diego. Equipment & Concepts (www.equipmentandconcepts.

zza Group. Additionally, a chocolate and confectionary unit

com) is the U.S. distributor of Bravo Trittico machines and special-

was purchased from the Sympak group of companies.

izes in consultation and equipment for the frozen-dessert industry.

Sales,

technical

“After the last few months of interim management to-

issues,

gether with the Sympak Corazza Group, we are very pleased

and all that relates to Bra-

to see how vivacious this sector is,” commented Alberto Vac-

vo are managed through

chi, chairman and managing director of IMA. “We are look-

the Bravo North America

ing into the possibility of important industrial alliances in

office. Regularly sched-

the packaging sector for the chocolate industry, which could

uled

be extended to other sectors bordering on the ones in which

demonstrations

of

the Bravo machines are

we currently operate.”

held here and geared toward potential customers,

Aquafil Expands N. American Operations

chefs, and those interested

Italian nylon resin and fiber maker Aquafil S.p.A. of Arco, Italy

in learning more about

(www.aquafil.com) is expanding operations of its U.S. unit,

Bravo. Existing customers

Aquafil USA Inc. (www.aquafilusa.com). The company is

also have a place to gather

adding compounding capacity at its fiber plant in Carters-

as the Bravo North America office houses the Bravo Trittico Club

ville, Ga., and soon will have compounds based on prime

(www.tritticoclub.com). The Club offers existing Bravo customers a

and recycled nylon 6 and 6/6 available to North American

chance to network and share ideas, recipes, and all that pertains to

customers, according to Aquafil USA business director Jeff

Bravo ownership.

Johnson. These compounds are used in automotive, electrical/electronics, and appliances.

Losma Serving N. America with Qualified Service

Morara’s New Grinding Machines Saves N. American Companies Energy

Losma S.p.A (www.losma.com), Curno, Italy, is a manufacturer of

MT 900 ID is the new CN Universal Grinding Machine by

oil mist and coolant filters. Its North American branch was founded

Morara of Bologna, Italy (www.morara.it), for internal and face

almost 20 years ago and its strength lies in its ability to combine its

grinding. MT 900 ID is a compact machine, featuring manually

talented and growing workforce with the full-featured product line

swiveling fixed work-head unit with spindle on high-precision

up. The Pompton Plains, N.J., customer service reps have a unique

ball bearings, and cross carriage (X- and Z- axes) with turret

capacity to anticipate customers’ needs while offering state-of-the-art

driven by “torque” motor (B- axis). The machine has been de-

air and coolant filtration solutions, according to the company. “You

signed to satisfy the need of

must always have qualified and knowledgeable local staff in order to

grinding large parts, such as

grow in any market,” states founder and CEO Giancarlo Losma.

railway gears, naval gears,

The knowledgeable and experienced internal technical staff

hubs, and supports. It allows

takes care of any application engineering questions so that each cus-

multiple grinding tasks in one

tomer receives a solution to his

single clamping, with the pos-

filtration issues. Particular care

sibility to mount up to four wheel spindles. Featuring the new

is given to the quality control

CNC Siemens 840D, designed to guarantee the highest energy

and to the verification of prod-

saving, the machine is capable to receive parts mounted on

ucts compliance with CE norms

chuck, with swinging diameter up to 900 mm and maximum

and ISO directives.

length 500 mm, with maximum grinding length of 200 mm.

26

Spring 2011

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news

Tacchella Grinding Center Supports Flexible Production in N. America

New Water-Cooled Chiller Line from Frigel For Multiple N. American Industries

Proflex is the new line of Cassine, Italy-based, Tacchella Macchine’s

Frigel North America, Ltd. in East Dundee, Illinois, a unit of

(www.tacchella.it) CNC external and internal grinding machines that

Florence-based Frigel Firenze S.p.A. (www.frigel.com), an-

is based on flexible production. Proflex is a true grinding center that

nounced a new line of self-contained, water-cooled chillers,

can be customized on the basis of specific production needs and

Microgel RCP. The 12 new models are single-zone units that

grinding applications. At the heart of Proflex’s flexibility is its range of

are ideal for the demanding needs of PET, closure molds,

wheel-head configurations, which makes it possible to use, in differ-

multi-cavity molding, high-speed medical, blow molding, and

ent combinations, multiple tools either conventional or CBN, with

many other applications that need re-

diameters

400

frigerated high pressure/flow coolant.

mm to 760 mm de-

Turbulent flow and low temperature

pending on the adopt-

rise across process heat exchangers,

ed grinding technolo-

molds, etc., are the hallmark of these

gy. The available range

new products.

from

of center heights goes

Available in sizes ranging from 9.2

from 180 to 350 mm,

to 126.7 tons, Microgel RCPs are

with grinding lengths

equipped with shell-and-tube con-

from 400 to 1600 mm.

densers to function with a Frigel

Proflex can be easily customized for any grinding application, by

Ecodry closed-loop clean water cooling system or a conven-

means of an extensive range of modern, ultra-customized accessories

tional evaporative cooling tower system (with or without heat

and optional equipment.

exchanger), making them an option for nearly any facility.

Italian Bioplastics Company Invests in Connecticut

Bausano Responds to N. American Market Needs With New Models

Novara, Italy-based, bioplastics manufacturer Novamont

Rivarolo Canavese, Italy, extruder manufacturer Bausano & Figli S.p.A.

S.p.A. (www.novamont.com) has created a North Ameri-

(www.bausano.it) is releasing three new models this

can unit, Danbury, Conn.-based Novamont North Ameri-

year with many upgrades, including

ca Inc. The unit will market Novamont’s Mater-Bi-brand

improved user interfaces. The

compostable and biodegradable bioplastics.

company said these changes are

In January Novamont announced that it plans to make

in response to customer needs.

“significant investments” in North America, eventually

The new models are: the

building an integrated system of agriculture, industry and

MD72/36, the MD75/30 and the

environment, including a bioplastics refinery.

MD130/30.

“The North American composting market has grown significantly in the past decade, and is now ready to make a big step forward due to higher environmental sensitivity

The company said the new models provide: V More production/hour with the same use of power. This comes from the need to control variable costs (energy, raw materials, or labor.)

and increased attention on the economics of waste diver-

V Better processing of raw materials.

sion,” said Tony Gioffre, president of Novamont North

V Friendlier, more ergonomic use. Machines must “dialog” with the

America, in a news release.

Novamont S.p.A. has 200 employees and reported

operator, providing as much information as possible in an easy and ergonomic way in order to obtain a good standard production.

2010 annual sales of $115 million. The company said

All the information is shown on a 12-inch color touchscreen, where all

its current annual production capacity is about 176

data are available and programmable. This allows recording of all opera-

million pounds.

tional data.

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news

Meccanotecnica Riesi S.r.l. (www.meccanotecnicariesi.com), Riesi, Italy, is sup-

MACC Offering a Variety of Bandsaw Machines in N. America

plying precision components to a research project focused on improving the ability

MACC

of robots to move over deformable terrain, such as found on Mars. Meccanotec-

(www.macc.it), Schio, Italy,

nica Riesi specializes in producing high-precision mechanical parts based on client

has been manufacturing

needs. For this project, which focuses on the science of terramechanics, research-

bandsawing

ers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Washington University of St.

and cutting off machines

Louis, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab are being utilized. Findings will benefit any

for metal and alumini-

company or organization using small, robot-powered vehicles on untested terrain.

um for 35 years.

OMLAT Machines Available for N. American Aerospace Sector, Others

company:

OMLAT S.p.A (www.omlat.com), located south of Turin, Italy, is targeting the aero-

have Quality certification to assure the high

space industry with its high-tech electrospindles, which combine high precision,

performance standards.

Precision Parts From Italy Help U.S. Robot Researchers

Costruzioni

Meccaniche

S.p.A.

machines

According

to

“Our

the ma-

chines' range includes small manual saws as well as automatic ones, and all of them

speed, power, and torque for machining special materials and alloys. One of the

“MACC has about 50 employees, produces

innovations the company has added to its equipment is a quite reliable system that

about 6,000 machines per year and supplies

enables a very fast tools changing without jeopardizing safe-

big distributors in many countries.

ty. Such operation can be delivered in solutions: micro

"Our company offers experience, know how,

switches, adjusted outside the electro spindle, grant-

quality certification and reliable dealers who

ing a fast regulation and/or replacement; or by analogi-

have been working with us through decades.”

cal sensor with a tension or current outlet, which can be adjusted directly from the machine NC.

Sitma Partners With Minnesota Mailer on Innovation

Seda Locates First North American Plant in Wisconsin

Sitma U.S.A., a unit of Italy’s Sitma Machinery S.p.A. (www.sitma.it), has been

Arzano (Naples), Italy-based, Seda Internation-

partnering with direct-mail companies, including St. Cloud, Minn.-based, Nahan

al Packaging Group S.p.A. (www.finseda.com)

Printing (www.nahan.com), to integrate labor-intensive off-line processes into a

has selected Racine County, Wis., for its first

single in-line automatic inserting process. The Sitma SM-15-based inserters match

North American manufacturing plant. The Ital-

a personalized document with a unique card, attaching it to the document via an

ian company will create 189 jobs and receive

integrated hot-melt applicator and pick and place feeder. Subsequent feeders (Sit-

$5.7 million in state assistance. Milan, Italy-

ma offers multiple styles) add selectively fed address-specific or generic inserts as

based Seda produces packaging for ice cream,

required. This system uses one camera to identify Zip-code breaks — easing the

beverages, and fast food containers.

downstream sorting process — and another to provide 100 percent mail verifica-

"Seda makes great packaging products used

tion. Unreadable data codes are automatically rejected. This data-collection system

worldwide, and we are very happy to open our

is networked across all of the inserting lines, providing real time production man-

first North American manufacturing facility in

agement data and generation of a "verified" mailed list.

Wisconsin," said Gianfranco D'Amato, managing director of Seda. "Wisconsin's well-trained work force and Governor Doyle's personal pitch to our company are among the major reasons we are locating our manufacturing operations in Wisconsin, and we look forward to a long

28

and successful relationship with the state."

Spring 2011

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news

S.I.C.M.A.T. S.p.A.Provides UCLA Students An Early Chance to “Get Down To Business”

Millutensil Offering Blue Lines and Green Lines to N. American Manufacturers Since 1955, Millutensil S.r.l. (www.millutensil.com)

S.I.C.M.A.T. S.p.A. (www.sicmat.com), a Pianezza,

has been providing die and mold spotting presses and

Italy-based maker of machine tools for the auto industry,

equipment for presses and conveyor systems to custom-

participated in the UCLA Anderson School of Manage-

ers all over the world. Milan, Italy-based, Millutensil

ment’s GAP program in 2010 and as a result received

S.r.l. is able to offer whole lines for sheet metal working

multiple ideas to improve business operations.

(Green line), along with its

“We’re really stimulated from this opportunity,”

original Blue line products

said Ettore P. Miletto, CEO of S.I.C.M.A.T. S.p.A. “It’s a

for highly precise machin-

privilege we could collaborate with one of the most

ery designed to make the

important and efficient universities in the world.”

adjusting, checking, and

S.I.C.M.A.T. S.p.A. worked with a team of five stu-

repairing of complex molds and die-splitters easier.

dents for the 24-week program, which allows students

“The die-splitter is an innovative, versatile and efficient solution, in line with

to practice business-planning skills and offers advice

the increasing automation of the manufacturing processes and with the higher

to companies. Miletto said the company will likely

safety standards,” according to a company statement.

implement at least one of the business plan ideas,

Millutensil S.r.l. offers an after-sales guarantee of efficiency and quality.

which were not made public.

Europrogetti Presents Innovative Box-Making Machines to N. America

Tube Tech Offering LaserCutting Machinery

Europrogetti designs, manufactures and sells machines for box factories, for the automatic production of most types of rigid set-up boxes covered with paper (luxury packaging for gift boxes, cosmetics and perfume boxes, wine and spirits boxes, biscuits and cakes boxes, shirts and shoes boxes, binders slipcases, CDs, DVDs and books slipcases).

Europrogetti S.r.l. Group (www.epsrl.it), Sinalunga, Italy-based, has revolutionized the rigid set-up box industry. At present its range of products include: V Line type EP240, fully automatic with a patented quad stayer machine that produces slipcases with a maximum height of 24 centimeters, with paper and cardboard blanks die-cut into cross, "T" or "double T"

Tube Tech Machinery S.r.l. of Cazzago S.M., Italy

shaped, box set-up with or without stay tape or with the use of hot-melt glue,

(www.tubetechmachinery.com) is offering a wide range

boxes with special geometric shapes.

of laser-cutting machines for tubes and sheet metal, in-

V Line type EP175, in the market since January 2010 not only has higher

cluding the following models: FL 250/300; FL 600; TS

performance than the previous version EP170 but also allows the use of two new

4.20; TL 3.12; and FL 400. The company's success has

patented systems: the "anti bubbles" system serves to eliminate air bubbles that

been attested to its expansion into international mar-

are formed on the bottom of the boxes during the covering step and also when

kets where it has many leading customers in the iron

using particularly difficult papers while sequential inside turn-in system with-

metallurgical field such as DANIELI, SIEMES-VAI,

out counter-mold allows the creation of very deep turns-in inside the box.

TECHINT, and TENARIS.

V Line type EP150, dedicated mainly to the production of small boxes for perfume and jewelry.

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awards

Italian Technology Award Programs Celebrate A Decade of Hosting N. American Students Educational programs offer students a chance to advance learning.

T

he Italian Trade Commission

and Ancillary Products - www.ucimu.it),

www.ucima.it) and, for the U.S. element,

(ITC, www.italtrade.com), along

Politecnico

the Institute of Packaging Professionals

with several partners, this year,

(www.polimi.it), and in the United States, the

will make it possible for groups

Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ Education

of North American students and professors to

University

of

Milan

Foundation (SME-EF, www.smeef.org).

(IoPP, www.iopp.org).

Italian Technology Award Programs in Mexico

gain firsthand knowledge of Italian machin-

Pasquale Bova, Trade Commissioner of

ery and technology for the machinery manu-

the Italian Trade Commission’s Chicago

Via the Italian Trade Commission Office

facturing industries of machine tools, plastic,

Office said, “Faculty participation provides

in Mexico City, the elements of the

ceramic, marble and packaging. These vari-

the academics with a noteworthy opportu-

Italian Technology Award Program – Italian

ous programs fall within the international

nity to experience and learn about Italian

Plastic Technology Award, Italian Ceramic

program, the Italian Technology Award.

machinery and technology and to enhance

Technology Award and Italian Marble

their programs by sharing such experiences

Technology Award – are respectfully orga-

upon their return to the classroom.”

nized with ASSOCOMAPLAST (Italian

Italy, one of the world’s main producers of advanced manufacturing machinery systems for a wide variety of sectors, has

Students will be accompanied by profes-

Plastics and Rubber Processing Machinery

been providing companies around the

sors from leading academic institutions noted

and Moulds Manufacturers’ Association,

globe with innovative technologies, ideas

for their mechanical engineering programs.

www.assocomaplast.org),

and solutions.

ACIMAC

(Association of Italian Manufacturers of

Packaging Technology Award Program

Machinery and Equipment for Ceramics,

Additionally, also within the overall Italian

Marmomacchine (Italian Association rep-

One of the integrated programs, the

Technology Award program, the tenth edi-

resenting Italian Marble and Stone Machinery Industries, www.assomarmomacchine.com).

Machine Tool Technology Award Program

www.acimac.it)

and

Confindustria

Italian Machine Tool Technology Award

tion of the Italian Packaging Technology

(IMTTA) program is comprised of a compe-

Award (IPTA) program was launched at

These award programs, along with

tition asking upper level students attending

Pack Expo 2010 in Chicago. The IPTA pro-

those already mentioned, will have various

premier North American universities to

gram awards student winners of a writing

training and educational programs both in

write a thesis on the relative innovation

competition (on technical innovations in

Italy and Mexico working with the ITC and,

taking place in mechanical engineering re-

packaging) with a trip to Italy to visit lead-

in many cases, the Politecnico University

lated industries and the issues they face.

ing packaging machinery manufacturers.

of Milan along with local partners.

The aim of the program is to enrich the en-

IPTA 2011 student winners will spend

For many of the aforementioned pro-

gineering education of students and to ad-

two weeks in Italy visiting leading packag-

grams, company tours and discussions with

vance knowledge on issues of importance

ing machinery manufacturers. Faculty from

manufacturers of related industries located

within the industry to the next generation

participating universities will accompany

throughout Italy are scheduled as well as an

of engineering professionals.

the students, providing everyone with a

advanced international engineering program

Winners of the Fourth Italian Machine

valuable opportunity to discover new pack-

provided by Politecnico University of Milan,

Tool Technology Award (IMTTA), selected

aging technologies and enhance their pack-

along with visits to other educational institu-

as having the best papers, will be awarded

aging programs by sharing their experienc-

tions and cultural tours of various cities.

a two-week trip to Italy with activities

es with other students.

For more detailed information and for the latest machinery equipment and technologies from Italy, contact the Italian Trade Commission, Machines Italia division via the respective country offices located on the back cover of this publication or visit our website www.machinesitalia.org which provides information on the overall Italian Technology Award program and activities.

During Pack Expo Las Vegas 2011 this

scheduled for July 4-15, 2011.

The IMTTA is sponsored by the Italian

year, students and faculty are scheduled to

Trade Commission, via its Chicago Office,

be hosted at an awards event by program

UCIMU-SISTEMI

PRODURRE

sponsors -- the Italian Trade Commission, via

(Association of Italian Manufacturers of

its Chicago Office, UCIMA (Italian Packaging

Machine Tools, Robots, Automation Systems

Machinery

30

PER

Spring 2011

I

Manufacturers

www.machinesitalia.org

Association,

north american events

Italian Innovation in the Spotlight Machines Italia takes “Turning innovation into productivity” on the road to major North American events.

I

f you make the purchasing decisions for

plastics and rubber industries, which will be

your company, you have an enormous

utilized by non-profit, academic and private

responsibility. You must know the ins

enterprises alike.

Calendar of North American Events Inauguration of the “Centro Tecnologico del Plastico” (Plastic Technology Center) June 6, 2011 Puebla, Puebla, Mexico

and outs of production in a way no one

CME - Canadian Manufacturers and Ex-

else does—finding machines and systems so-

porters' Business2Business Forum “Global

lutions that are functional, reliable and dura-

Business Opportunities and Innovation Strat-

ble, with readily available service and spare

egies”, Ottawa, June 13-14, 2011. Machines

parts. You decide whether the return on in-

Italia is a partner at this national forum which

and Innovation Strategies”

vestment ultimately can be realized. In short,

will bring together more than 300 leading

June 13-14, 2011

much of your company’s success depends on

manufacturing and exporting decision mak-

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

your purchasing choices.

ers from across Canada and the globe to learn

www.cme-mec.ca

Italian machinery can make your decision easier.

CME-Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters' Business2Business Forum “Global Business Opportunities

industry trends, solutions and discover new Pack Expo Las Vegas /

global opportunities.

Process Expo

That’s why Machines Italia, together with

Machines Italia Manufacturing Summits.

its partner associations, is proud to be a fea-

Machine Italia’s invitation-only events for

September 26th – 28th, 2011

tured participant and/or sponsor of major in-

leading C-Level North American executives

Las Vegas, Nevada

dustry events. Over the course of 2011 / 2012,

will feature top North American and Italian

www.packexpo.com

Machines Italia will, or is planning to, appear

Manufacturing experts, editors and industri-

at the events listed in the box at right.

alists to address key concerns facing manu-

To strengthen global competitiveness

facturing today and tomorrow.

within the manufacturing industry, these

Machines Italia representatives and part-

events will include presentations on techno-

ner Italian machinery manufacturers’ associ-

logical advances within the industry and in-

ations will be at the events to help you iden-

structional workshops on best practices.

tify the best Italian solution providers to meet

Machines Italia will be at these events to re-

your unique production needs.

veal the latest in Italian mechanical innova-

Visitors to Machines Italia’s booths will

tion, representing its partner associations

have access to information on the world’s

and companies.

most skilled engineers, designers and manufacturers, who have been inventing or retool-

Machines Italia Manufacturing Summits Fall 2011 (dates TBA) Canada and US OESA - Original Equipment Suppliers Association's 2011 Outlook Conference and 13th Annual Meeting of Members November, 2011 (dates TBA) Detroit, Michigan www.oesa.org

Major Event Highlights

ing productivity-enhancing systems for de-

Take advantage of these events with Machines

cades. Representatives will be available to

Italia presentations and engage with its local

respond to your needs or point you towards

representatives.

appropriate materials, including case histo-

Convention & Industry Showcase

Inauguration of the “Centro Tecnologico

ries, industry white papers, news, and testi-

October 26th-28th, 2011

del Plastico” (Plastic Technology Center) in

monials on how Italian solution providers

St. Louis, Missouri

Puebla, (Puebla) Mexico, June 6, 2011.

are keeping North American manufacturers

www.emda.net

Machines Italia via the Italian Trade Com-

both productive and competitive.

EMDA - Equipment Marketing & Distribution Association 2011 Fall

Coverings 2012

mission’s Mexico City Office together with

As Machines Italia frequently adds addi-

the Italian Plastics and Rubber Processing

tional events and conferences to its roster,

April 17-20, 2012

Machinery and Moulds Manufacturers’ Asso-

please remember to visit the event websites or

Orlando, Florida

ciation, Assocomaplast, will open this new

contact our Offices at info@italtradeusa.com

www.coverings.com

technology center for the development of

or 888-ITALTRADE (482-5872) for more

new technologies and applications for the

information.

1-888-italtrade

I

31

exhibitions

Italian Exhibitions

listed by sector Sector

Trade Show

Title

Machines Italia Partner Association

Show Location

Show Dates

Agriculture

EIMA International 2012

International Agricultural Machinery Exhibition

UNACOMA

Bologna, Italy

Nov. 7-11, 2012

Ceramic Technology

TECNARGILLA 2012

International Exhibition of Technology and Supplies for the Ceramics and Brick Industries

ACIMAC

Rimini, Italy

Sept. 2012

Food Technology

CIBUS TEC 2011

Food Processing Packaging Technology Exhibition

Not in Attendance

Parma, Italy

Oct. 18-21, 2011

Food Technology: Meat Industry

EUROCARNE

International Exhibition of Meat Industry

ANIMA (ASSOFOODTEC)

Verona, Italy

May 24-27, 2012

Food Technology: Catering & Restaurant

HOST 2011

International Exhibition of the Hospitality Industry

ANIMA (ASSOFOODTEC)

Milan, Italy

Oct. 21-25, 2011

Footwear & Leathergoods Machines

SIMAC 2011

International Exhibition of Machines and Technologies for Footwear and Leathergoods Industries

ASSOMAC

Bologna, Italy

Oct. 18-20, 2011

Foundry

FOUNDEQ EUROPE

Exhibition of Equipment and Products for the Foundry of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

AMAFOND

Montichiari (BR), Italy

April 18-21, 2012

Glass

VITRUM 2011

International Trade Show Specialized in Machinery, Equipment and Systems for Flat, Bent and Hollow Glass and in Glass and Processed Products for Industry

GIMAV

Milan, Italy

Oct. 26-29, 2011

Graphic Arts, Print Media, Communication

GRAFITALIA 2013

International Exhibition for Graphic Arts, Print Media and Communication

ACIMGA

Milan, Italy

May 7-11, 2013

Machine Tools for Metalforming

LAMIERA

Machines and Equipment for the Machining of Sheet Metal, Pipes, Sections, Wire and Metal Structural Work, Dies, Welding, Heat Treatments, Surface Treatment, Finishing

UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE

Bologna, Italy

May 9-12, 2012

Machine Tools, Robots, Automation Systems, Components

28. BI-MU

Metal Forming and Metal Cutting Machines, Robots, Automation and Auxiliary Technologies

UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE

Milan, Italy

Oct. 2-6, 2012

Machine Tools, Robots & Automation Systems

EMO MILANO 2015

The World of Metalworking

UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE

Milan, Italy

Oct. 5-10, 2015

Machine Tools, Robots, Automation Systems

BI-MU MEDITERRANEA 2012

Machine Tools, Robots, Automation

UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE

Bari, Italy

Feb. 2012

Marble

MARMOMACC

International Exhibition of Stone Design & Technology

ASSOMARMOMACCHINE

Verona, Italy

Sep. 21-24, 2011

Marble

CARRARA MARMOTEC

International Fair for Marble Technologies & Design

ASSOMARMOMACCHINE (Exhibitor)

Carrara, Italy

May 23-26, 2012

Packaging

PACKOLOGY

Exhibition of Technology for Packaging and Processing

UCIMA

Rimini, Italy

June 2013

Package, Printing and Converting

CONVERFLEX 2013

International Exhibition for Package, Printing and Converting industry

ACIMGA

Milan, Italy

May 7-11, 2013

Packaging / Bottling Machinery

SIMEI 2011

International Exhibition of Machinery, Equipment, and Products for the Production, Bottling and Packaging of Drinks

Not in attendance

Milan, Italy

Nov. 22 -26, 2011

Processing, Packaging and Material Handling

IPACK-IMA 2012

International Exhibition for Processing, Packaging and Material Handling Industry

ANIMA (ASSOFOODTEC)

Milan, Italy

Feb. 28-March 3, 2012

Packaging/ Pharmaceutical

PHARMINTECH 2013

International Exhibition for the Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical and Personal Care Industry

Not in attendance

Bologna, Italy

April 17-19 2013

Plastics & Rubber

PLAST 2012

International Plastics and Rubber Industries' Exhibition

ASSOCOMAPLAST

Milan, Italy

May 8-12, 2012

Robots, & Automation Systems, Mechatronics

BIMEC 2011

Biennial Exhibition for Mechatronics and Automation

UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE

Milan, Italy

Nov. 16-19, 2011

Subcontracting

SFORTEC

Technical Subcontracting Exhibition

UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE

Milan, Italy

Oct. 2-6, 2012

Tanning Machines & Chemical Products

TANNING-TECH 2011

International Exhibition of Finishing and Knitting Machinery Tanning Industry

ASSOMAC

Bologna, Italy

Oct. 18-20, 2011

Woodworking Machinery

XYLEXPO 2012

Biennial Exhibition for Woodworking Technology

ACIMALL

Milan, Italy

May 8-12, 2012

32

Spring 2011

I

www.machinesitalia.org

Exhibitions

Web Site

Organizer

Address

Zip

City Code

Telephone*

Fax*

Email

www.eima.it

UNACOMA Service Surl

Via Venafro, 5

00159

Roma

06 432981

06 4076370

eima@unacoma.it

www.tecnargilla.it

RiminiFiera S.p.A.

Via Emilia, 155

47900

Rimini

0541 744468

0541 744243

info@acimac.it

www.fiereparma.it (www.cibustec.it)

Fiere di Parma S.p.A.

Via Rizzi, 67/a

43100

Baganzola (PR)

0521 9961

0521 996270

techno@fiereparma.it

www.eurocarne.it

VERONAFIERE Ipack-Ima S.p.A

Viale del Lavoro,8 Corso Sempione, 4

37135 20154

Verona Milano

045 8298111 02 3191091

045 8298288 02 33619826

info@veronafiere.it ipackima@ipackima.it

www.host.fieramilano.it

Fiera Milano Rassegne S.p.A.

Strada Statale del Sempione, 28

20017

Rho (MI)

02 49971

02 49976586

info.rassegne@fieramilano.it

www.simac-fair.it

Assomac Servizi S.r.l.

Via Matteotti, 4/2, CP 73

27029

Vigevano (PV)

0381 78883

0381 88602

exhibition@assomac.it

www.foundeq.com

Edimet S.p.A.

Via Brescia, 117

25018

Montichiari (BR)

030 9981045

030 9981055

info@edimet.com

www.vitrum-milano.it

VITRUM S.r.l.

Via Petitti, 16

20149

Milano

02 33006099

02 33005630

vitrum@vitrum-milano.it

www.grafitalia.biz

CENTREXPO S.p.A.

Corso Sempione, 4

20154

Milano

02 3191091

02 341677

centrexpo@centrexpo.it

www.lamiera.net

CEU-CENTRO ESPOSIZIONI UCIMU S.p.A.

Viale Fulvio Testi, 128

20092

Cinsello Balsamo (MI)

02 262551

02 26255214/ 349

ucimu@ucimu.it

www.bimu.sfortec.com

EFIM-ENTE FIERE ITALIANE MACCHINE S.p.A. in cooperation with CEU CENTRO ESPOSIZIONI UCIMU S.p.A.

Viale Fulvio Testi, 128

20092

Cinsello Balsamo (MI)

02 262551

02 26255214/ 349

ucimu@ucimu.it

www.emo-milan.com

EFIM-ENTE FIERE ITALIANE MACCHINE S.p.A. promoted by CECIMO (European Association for the Machine Tool Industries)

Viale Fulvio Testi, 128

20092

Cinsello Balsamo (MI)

02 26255860/ 861

02 26255882

info@emo-milan.com

www.bimu-mediterranea.it

ENTE AUTONOMO FIERA DEL LEVANTE in cooperation with CEU-CENTRO ESPOSIZIONI UCIMU S.p.A.

Viale Fulvio Testi, 128

20092

Cinsello Balsamo (MI)

02 262551

02 26255214/ 349

bimumed.esp@ucimu.it

www.marmomacc.com/ home_en.asp

VERONAFAIRE

Viale Del Lavoro, 8

37135

Verona (VR)

045 8298111

045 8298288

info@veronafiere.it

www.carraramarmotec.com CarraraFiere S.r.l.

V.le G. Gallilei, 133

54036

Marina di Carrara (MS)

0585 787963

0585 787602

info@carraramarmotec.com

www.packologyexpo.com

Rimini Fiera S.p.A.

Via Emilia, 155

47900

Rimini

0541 74468

0541 744243

info@packologyexpo.com

www.grafitalia.biz

CENTREXPO S.p.A.

Corso Sempione, 4

20154

Milano

02 3191091

02 341677

centrexpo@centrexpo.it

www.simei.it

Ente Mostre Enologiche (E.M.E.)

Via S. Vittore al Teatro, 3

20123

Milano

02 72222825/26/28

02 866575

info@simei.it

www.ipackima.it

Ipack-Ima S.p.A.

Corso Sempione, 4

20154

Milano

02 3191091

02 33619826

ipackima@ipackima.it

www.pharmintech.it

Ipack-Ima S.p.A.

Corso Sempione, 4

20154

Milano

02 3191091

02 33619826

pharmintech@ipackima.it

www.plastonline.org

PROMAPLAST S.r.l.

20090

Assago (MI)

02 82283744

02 57512490

info@plast2012.org

www.bi-mec.it

EFIM-ENTE FIERE ITALIANE MACCHINE in cooperation with CEU CENTRO ESPOSIZIONI UCIMU S.p.A.

Centro Direzionale Milanofiori, Palazzo F/3 Viale Fulvio Testi, 128

20092

Cinisello, Balsamo (MI)

02 262551

02 26255214/ 349

ucimu@ucimu.it

www.bimu-sfortec.com

EFIM-ENTE FIERE ITALIANE MACCHINE S.p.A. in cooperation with CEU-CENTRO ESPOSIZONI UCIMU S.p.A.

Viale Fulvio Testi, 128

20092

Cinsello Balsamo (MI)

02 262551

02 26255214/ 349

ucimu@ucimu.it

www.tanning-tech.it

Assomac Servizi S.r.l.

Via Matteotti, 4/a- CP 73

27029

Vigevano (P)

0381 78883

0381 88602

exhibition@assomac.it

www.xylexpo.com/eng

XYLEXPO

Centro Direzionale Milanofiori, 1a Strada Palazzo F3

20090

Assago (MI)

02 89210200

02 8259009

info@xylexpo.com

*When calling Italy, dial 011 + 39 (country code) before the local number 1-888-italtrade

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33

associations

Innovation at work in global markets AGRICULTURE/FARM MACHINERY UNACOMA represents Italian manufacturers of tractors, agricultural machinery and gardening machinery.These Italian manufacturers produce everything from power mowers for the homeowner to tractors and harvesters used by the world’s leading agribusiness enterprises. UNACOMA members account for 90% of Italian farm machinery production. Italian farm equipment manufacturers rank first in the world in terms of the range of machines produced. www.unacoma.com

CERAMICS Italian manufacturers of machinery and equipment for ceramics have earned a world-class reputation for providing solutions that meet a vast range of customer needs—from traditional ceramics to the latest design trends. Customers around the globe choose machinery produced by members of ACIMAC, the Association of Italian Manufacturers of Machinery and Equipment for the Ceramic Industry, because it is easy to program and simple to maintain; this machinery is also known for its ability to increase productivity and for its design flexibility. www.acimac.it

EARTHMOVING MACHINERY COMAMOTER is the group of UNACOMA representing the Italian manufacturers of earthmoving machinery, attachments and components. COMAMOTER has approximately 40 members (manufacturing over 80% of the total output) who build high-quality, reliable, heavy, medium and light equipment for worldwide use, valued at over $3 billion a year. Italy exports more than $1 billion of earthmoving machinery, equipment and parts annually to more than 140 countries worldwide. www.comamoter.com

FOOD TECHNOLOGY ASSOFOODTEC – the Italian Association of Machinery and Plant Manufacturers for Food Production, Processing, Preservation – representing, in a global leadership position, the most important reference of the Italian associations in technologies field for food industry. Prestigious and qualified companies, a great wealth of experience and reliability, an increasing technical development of products…this is what ASSOFOODTEC can offer. ASSOFOODTEC moreover operates within the Federation of Italian Mechanical and Engineering Association (ANIMA). www.assofoodtec.it

FOOTWEAR, LEATHERGOODS AND TANNING ASSOMAC is the association representing the Italian manufacturers of footwear, leathergoods and tanning machinery. The 180 member manufacturers are world leaders in this sector supplying the most advancedfootwear, leathergoods and tanning technologies all over the world. The industrial sectors represented by ASSOMAC export almost 70% of their production. www.assomac.it

FOUNDRY AND METALLURGICAL MACHINERY AMAFOND is the Italian association of companies producing machinery, plants, furnaces and products for the foundry industry. Its 80-member companies provide machinery used in the manufacturing of everything from automobile engines and components to domestic appliances. AMAFOND credits the “Italian approach” to business—characterized by extra customer care and stronger personal relationships—as one of the reasons its member companies attract worldwide customers. www.amafond.com

GLASS As an evolution of the Italian glass-making tradition, GIMAV—the Italian Association of Glass-Processing Machinery and Accessory Suppliers—represents Italian excellence in glass-making machinery today. This industry sector has expanded internationally by employing innovative technology that meets today’s marketplace needs. GIMAV’s 80-member companies are known for customizing machines to meet exacting end-user specifications—from high-rise building construction to fine arts applications.

www.gimav.it

34

Spring 2011

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www.machinesitalia.org

associations

MARBLE AND STONE Three hundred and twenty-five companies form the foundation of Associazione Italiana MARMOMACCHINE (CONFINDUSTRIA MARMOMACCHINE), the association representing the Italian marble and stone machinery industries. These companies supply the advanced technology that makes Italy a global leader in the stone and manufactured stone industries. Italian machinery is engineered to be versatile and provide customers with unique solutions to process marble and stone at competitive prices. www.assomarmomacchine.com

METALWORKING UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE is the Italian Machine Tools, Robots and Automation Manufacturers’ Association. As an official representative of the industry, UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE acts as a worldwide ambassador for some of the latest technology developed in Italy. More than 200 member companies, who produce around 70% of the output for the sector, have won universal recognition for their quality, flexibility, reliability and customization. www.ucimu.it

PACKAGING UCIMA groups represent the Italian Manufacturers of Automatic Packing and Packaging Machinery. Its members represent 70% of the total Italian production and, on average, 80% of Italian exports. One packaging machine out of every four in the world bears the wording “Made in Italy.” And the United States is the industry’s main outlet market for the sector. The worldwide success of the Italian packing and packaging industry is firmly rooted in a consolidated technological tradition and in the ability to find customized packing solutions. www.ucima.it

PLASTICS AND RUBBER The companies of ASSOCOMAPLAST, the Italian Plastics and Rubber Processing Machinery and Molds Manufacturers Association, are globally renowned for their “turnkey solutions”—addressing customer needs through sophisticated machines and engineering. As a result, the Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery industry has seen steady growth since its inception in 1960. Italian machines are highly prized by the world’s most industrialized and economically advanced countries. www.assocomaplast.org

PRINTING, GRAPHIC AND CONVERTING ACIMGA, represents the Italian manufacturers of machinery for the graphic, converting and paper industry. Members of this association are world leaders in making machinery for rotogravure and flexographic printing, paper and cardboard processing, and converting. Most of what is produced is absorbed by the packaging market with 60% of the industry's turnover, followed by the graphic arts industry with about 35%, the rest is employed in various sectors. www.acimga.it

TEXTILE MACHINERY ACIMIT is the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, representing 80% of the entire Italian textile machinery production. Each member takes pride in helping their manufacturing customers spin “cloth into gold.” Italian textile machinery manufacturers meet the full spectrum of industry needs (spinning, weaving, knitting and finishing machines), and leading American textile and clothing manufacturers rely on the quality of Italian high-tech machinery. www.acimit.it

WOOD In every segment of woodworking, from sawmills to the industrial processing of solid wood and panel to finishing, the Italian industry is present with technological solutions capable of responding effectively to a multitude of user requirements. ACIMALL, the Italian Woodworking Machinery and Tools Manufacturers’ Association, with over 220 of the most qualified companies in their field, represents 90% of the whole industry, both in terms of employees and in turnover. www.acimall.com 1-888-italtrade

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35

Atlanta C/o Italian Trade Commission 233 Peachtree Street N.E., Suite 2301 P.O.Box 56689 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Toll free: 888-ITALTRADE (482-5872) Tel: 404.525.0660 Fax: 404.525.5112 E-mail: atlanta@ice.it Chicago C/o Italian Trade Commission 401 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 3030 Chicago, Illinois 60611 Toll free: 888-ITALTRADE (482-5872) Tel: 312.670.4360 Fax: 312.264.6209 E-mail: info@italtradeusa.com Los Angeles C/o Italian Trade Commission 1801 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 700 Los Angeles, California 90067 Toll free: 888-ITALTRADE (482-5872) Tel: 323.879.0950 Fax: 310.203.8335 E-mail: losangeles@ice.it Mexico City C/o INSTITUTO Italiano Para El Comercio Exterior Edificio Omega – Campos Eliseos N. 345 Colonia Polanco – 11560 Mexico D.F. Toll Free: (in Mexico City) 5281 50 10 or (outside Mexico City) 1.800.696.6032 Tel: (+52 555) 2808425 2813950 – 2813957 Fax: (+52 555) 2802324 E-mail: info@italtrademexico.com Toronto C/o Italian Trade Commission 180 Dundas Street West, Suite 2002 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1Z8 Toll free: 888-ITALTRADE (482-5872) Tel: 416.598.1566 Fax: 416.598.1610 E-mail: info@italtradecanada.com Published on behalf of the

www.machinesitalia.org

Office of the Italian Trade Commission in Chicago USA