Italian machinery: facing up to the future

摘要

To say that Italian leather machinery manufacturers face an uncertain future at present is an understatement. Global confidence appears low, investment in new plant and machinery is restrained, and the trusted engine of the Italian leather production industry seems to be misfiring and slowing down. Over the last thirty years or so, Italian machinery manufacturers have raised themselves to virtual world dominance in tannery machinery and technology. Today, however, with the centre of gravity of the whole leather industry appearing to be moving away from Italy, erosion of this position has become a real possibility. Strategies for the future are being carefully considered, to counter the threat to future sales from "home-grown" machinery manufacture from Asia and South America.