GIMAV MEMBERS READY FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Representing the best of that expressed by Made in Italy in the area of glass processing, the 46 companies for flat glass and 9 for hollow glass will showcase the greatest innovations developed to meet new market requirements to attending international buyers.



As key-players in the industry for many years, the initial international recovery that is slowly gaining momentum, and above all the increasingly significant growth of rapidly developing countries such as China and Brazil, offers a not-to-be-missed opportunity for Italian companies to reaffirm their long-established leadership.

In the first quarter of this year, Italian machine-building industry exports have increased by a very encouraging 3.2% vs. the first quarter of 2009. Similarly, exports in the area of components have risen by 3.1% over the same period. The machine-building industry should in fact benefit from investments stimulating expansion in emerging markets, as well as those generated to replace products in developed countries. There seems therefore to have been a positive turnaround compared to last year, even if the full force of the upturn cannot yet be firmly ascertained. This phenomenon influences a sector that, with the exception of the unfortunate 2008/2009 period, experienced almost constant growth between 2000 and 2008, leading to an overall 23.5% production increase. Export performance has certainly contributed as the main driving force of this growth.



Within this field, the area of machinery and accessories for glass processing has always maintained a position of world-class leadership, supported by the growing needs of new markets that have proved well appreciative of being able to obtain good or excellent quality products despite lacking in the basic necessary conditions, both in terms of production technologies and skilled labour. The machines designed in Italy are renowned throughout the world for offering a unique blend of technological innovation and ease of management, complemented by readily available technical service offered by large supply companies and willingness to fully understand the needs of local manufacturers.

This precious wealth of technological credibility and reliability is coordinated by Gimav with all the care and dedication that it deserves: for the occasion, 13,000 square metres of Made in Italy will be made available at Glasstec to visitors from around the world (Hall 16 and part of Hall 13). Hall 16 will house the latest technological innovations for a wide range of flat glass applications: sophisticated technologies designed by companies in the sector for the most traditional applications (industrial glass, construction glass, glass for furnishings) and for the most innovative, such as harnessing solar energy. Whereas a specific area in hall 13 will be dedicated to those Italian companies operating in the field of hollow glass: glass tableware, bottles, special glass for pharmaceutical and technical use, as well as state of the art products to meet the high standards of safety and hygiene. Associazione Italiana Fornitori Macchine ed Accessori per la Lavorazione del Vetro

GIMAV

Established in 1980 by a small group of businessmen, GIMAV -- the Association of Italian manufacturers and suppliers of machinery, accessories and special products for glass processing – is recognized today as a guiding force for the entire glass processing industry in Italy and abroad. Its underlying goals include safeguarding the best interests of the industry, fostering the growth and expansion of its business culture, and carrying out activities that boost and support promotion of Italian processed glass products around the globe. As a member of Confindustria, Federvarie and Federmacchine, in 30 years of commercial activity, GIMAV has considerably strengthened its representative presence throughout the industry’s entire supply chain. The sales volume of GIMAV member companies makes up 72% of the overall turnover of Italian manufacturers of machinery, accessories and special glass-processing products. The value and reliability of the Association’s core initiatives are evidenced by the exceptionally high level of member loyalty and constant growth of the membership base over the years. Gimav’s initial, founding members have been joined by some of the industry’s giants, but the true ‘face’ of the industry is represented by the small and medium-sized businesses which have made a lasting impact. Recognizing the importance of each member nurtures mutual respect and gives everyone the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the Association’s strategic and management decisions -- a philosophy that has forged a cohesive group capable of exercising strong international influence, known and respected worldwide.