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AMAFOND Conference 2024: New President and Engaging Discussions

Foundry industry in Italy facing challenging times

Pressemitteilung | Reading time: min | Bildquelle: AMAFOND
Thomas Fritsch, Chief Editor

This year’s AMAFOND Conference, held as always in Rezzato, focused on the challenges and opportunities currently facing the foundry industry. Andrea Todeschini, the new President of AMAFOND and CEO of HA Italia SpA, opened the event by welcoming the many attendees and addressing the difficult market conditions. In addition to industry statistics and facts, the program featured inspiring contributions from experts, scientists, and creatives.

Industry Challenges in the Spotlight

Fabio Zanardi, President of Assofond, presented the latest figures for the Italian foundry industry for 2023 and the first half of 2024. The data underscored the tense situation not only in Italy but globally.

Currently, Italy is home to 868 foundries, including:

  • 710 non-ferrous foundries

  • 124 iron foundries

  • 34 steel foundries

2023 production figures:

  • Iron: 971,215 tons

  • Steel: 62,537 tons

  • Non-ferrous metals: 827,967 tons

Regarding the current situation in the second half of 2024, Zanardi highlighted a significant production decline across all sectors, ranging from 14% to 19%. This stark drop reflects the severe challenges European foundries are currently facing.


Roberto Vavassori, President of ANFIA and a prominent analyst of the European automotive industry, provided an in-depth analysis of the global crisis. Europe is particularly hard hit by what he described as a "true disaster," caused by four main factors:

 

  1. Declining demand: A significant reduction in demand, especially within Europe.

  2. Overproduction: Excess capacity weighing heavily on the market.

  3. Changing consumer behavior in China: New trends and priorities in Asia impacting exports.

  4. Strict regulations in Europe: Excessive regulations undermining competitiveness.

Insights from Science, Art, and Philosophy

The second part of the conference featured contributions from renowned scientists, philosophers, and artists. One particularly memorable speaker was Alberto Albertini, a former Italpresse executive who now serves as a professor at the University of Brescia. Albertini and other experts emphasized the importance of confronting challenges head-on. Courage and innovation, particularly in digital transformation, were highlighted as essential factors for the industry’s future success.

The conference concluded with a clear message: Despite current difficulties, the industry must chart new paths, embrace the opportunities of digital transformation, and face the future with determination.


 

Company Info

AMAFOND - ITALIAN FOUNDRY SUPPLIERS' ASSOCIATION

Corso Venezia, 51
20121 Milano
Italy

Telephone: +3927750219

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