Machines Italia

Machines Italia, an Italian Trade Commission Project

Machines Italia was designed by the Italian Trade Commission to promote Italian-made machinery and technology to manufacturers in North America. In partnership with 15 leading Italian machinery manufacturers' associations, Machines Italia supports numerous activities in North American overseen by the ITC's Chicago Office, ranging from programs with academic institutions to business development for multiple machinery sectors.

Machines Italia's 15 member associations represent more than 10,000 companies. Participating industry sectors include companies involved in the production of equipment for agricultural/farm machinery, ceramics, earthmoving machinery, fluid power equipment and components, food processing, glass, foundry and metallurgical, footwear Leathergoods and tannery, marble and stone, metalworking, packaging, plastics and rubber, printing, graphic and converting, textiles and wood.

Italy's industrial machinery, equipment and parts industry represents a fifth of all Italian global exports, 20% of which is sent to U.S. companies and consumers annually. Many Fortune 100 companies use Italian machinery and technology ranging from agricultural to aeronautics companies.

Italian Machinery's Competitive Advantage

Flexibility, creativity and innovation are the three reasons most cited by North American companies for using Italian machinery and technology.

• Flexibility: Italy is home to hundreds of small and medium manufacturing companies where company owners typically manage the day-to-day operations. This feature yields ultimate working flexibility, quick response times, and unparalleled attention to developing tailor-made solutions for customers.
• Creativity: Italians are known for their creativity, and not just in food and fashion. They hold a reputation for out-of-the-box thinking in design and engineering. Since the days of Leonardo da Vinci, Italians have followed the guiding principle that development can only be achieved by understanding one's needs and goals. In the manufacturing arena, this approach translates into application-specific solutions to meet customer needs.
• Innovation: The Italian heritage of innovation dates back centuries. Ingenuity and innovation continue to thrive within today's Italian manufacturing industry, known for its leadership in machine development, integration, and technological advancement.

North America's best-known manufacturing giants have discovered the benefits of integrating Italian equipment into their production lines and processes. As part of a re-industrialization of local markets, Italian solution providers are helping North American manufacturers turn out viable products every day, in many cases more efficiently and competitively. This, in turn, provides economic growth and development within local economies.

The Italian Trade Commission and Machines Italia: The Italian Trade Commission

The Italian Trade Commission (ITC) (also known as Istituto nazionale per il Commercio Estero, or I.C.E.) is an Italian government agency entrusted with the promotion of trade, business development and industrial cooperation between Italian and foreign companies. It supports the internationalization of Italian firms and their consolidation in foreign markets.

Getting to know the Italian market through the Italian Trade Commission

Learning about Italy's market and industries is the first step to identifying business opportunities for your company. The Italian Trade Commission, with its network of 117 offices in 87 countries around the world, provides information and assistance to foreign entities interested in establishing relationships with Italian companies. In particular, ITC provides:

• A primer on the Italian market, including information on Italian foreign trade, national trade policies, current Italian laws and regulations designed to attract foreign investments and assist foreign investors, and Italy's economic outlook.
• Access to information on Italian companies through specialized websites dedicated to Italy's major production sectors.
• A portal to Italian companies. Foreign companies can submit offers and requests of a business development nature to a database, broken down by sector and market, enabling Italian companies to easily access and identify new proposals.
• Information on trade fairs and exhibitions held in Italy throughout the year.

Information

The Italian Trade Commission provides various informational materials and services, including statistical economic data, sector guides, market research studies, and information related to customs, financial and currency regulations to help Italian small and medium business and institutions with trade-related opportunities and decisions. ITC 'has developed over 600 publications covering economic trends, country profiles, investment reports, country-risk analysis, monographic research and trade issues.

Promotion

International fairs, exhibitions, congresses, and communications are just some of the ways in which the Italian Trade Commission increases business opportunities for Italian companies. ITC supports Italian companies' entrance into new markets, strengthens the 'Made in Italy' brand, and promotes industrial co-operation and foreign investments in Italy. It serves as a guide for Italian companies as they plan strategies and meet the necessary requirements to approach foreign markets.

The Machines Italia project through its affiliated ITC offices actively participates in numerous activities and programs with North American universities, trade associations and government agencies. The focus is on developing joint-ventures, B2B relationships, and industrial and technological partnerships between North American companies and Italian machinery and technology manufacturers.

Multilateral Co-Operation

The Italian Trade Commission assists Italian companies in activities of international co-operation in order to encourage joint-venture opportunities and industrial and technological partnerships with foreign companies. It also promotes industrial co-operation through workshops and bilateral meetings, financial and operative advice and specific seminars for companies operating in the services sector.

Training Services

The Italian Trade Commission's training activities are based on the following pillars: research, innovation, communication and quality control of training processes, agreements and programs with Italian Regions and local government for the training of foreigners, students and firms.