Top five promising aluminium machining and technology companies in Italy

Italy is going through a very radical transformation from traditional manufacturing to advanced, sustainable, and flexible manufacturing. The leaders of Italian manufacturing sector, of which aluminium constitutes a very significant part, are staking their future on advanced machinery, robotics and related areas. To leverage upon this trend, family owned SMEs who once formed the basis of aluminium downstream manufacturing in the country are coming forward and forging strategic alliances with global technology companies resulting in wide diversifications.

The eleventh edition of METEF which is being currently held at VeronaFiere, Verona, Italy (from June 21^st to 24^th) saw a huge congregation of many of these evolving Italian aluminium manufacturing companies. Following are the top five promising aluminium machining and technology companies of Italy that are expected to make a big difference in the aluminium manufacturing and applications sector over the next five years:

(Please note the listing below is dynamic and may change under different market conditions).

1. Menphis S.p.A.

Menphis is an independent family company specializing in sublimation technology. With around 110 staff and a total turnover of around 25 million square metres, divided into three divisions of production, Menphis stands tall as the largest Italian film printer for sublimation. Menphis’s key business area covers aluminium profile manufacturing and decoration, fashion, and interior designing. It is also engaged in aluminium powder manufacturing for powder coating.

The company is trying to establish cooperation with an Italian manufacturer of machine in order to provide to the customers around the world a turnkey solution. Menphis is confident that this full offer would be especially welcomed in the emerging market as well as by the customers who are still reluctant to invest their money in sublimation which, according to Marco Menin, Managing Director of the company, is a “beautiful technology” as long as it is carried out properly.

Menphis is currently aiming at expanding its coverage of India and South Asia- the two most promising, emerging markets of aluminium applications.  

2. IMS Deltamatic S.p.A.

IMS Deltamatic builds upon Italian creativity, German precision, and American innovation. From a manufacturer of only automatic thermoforming lines for automotive interiors, the Group has evolved into a diversified engineering company. Presently, IMS Deltamatic has three business divisions:

1. Converting Division- specialized in the design and manufacture of primary and converter first-class machinery in the film and aluminium foil industries, and rewinder machines and related ancillary equipment for producing aluminium foil, plastic film etc.
2. Automotive Division- specialized in the design and manufacture of semi-automatic and fully automatic machinery for the thermoforming of automotive interiors.
3. Specials Division- specialized in the design and manufacture of low pressure, gravity and die-casting tools for aluminium alloy for different industries.

IMS Deltamatic takes pride in its machining expertise and has sold more than 11,000 machines around the world till date.

3. IDRA Group

IDRA Group designs and manufactures die casting presses and automated cells for the light alloy foundry business worldwide. It supplies die casting machines and complete cells from 250 to 5000 tonnes, for aluminium and magnesium. The company specializes in cold chamber technology, but is currently making significant progress in hot chamber technology for a number of light metal alloys as well as plastic injection moulding machines.

IDRA continues to invest in foundry process solutions that guarantee best-in-the-industry casting quality. Over the years, it has acquired leading aluminium (and other light metal) die producing companies in order to supply complete and tailor-made turnkey plants for discerning customers. It has three subsidiary companies in Germany, China and USA. Recently it announced approval for opening a fourth subsidiary company in Mexico.

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4. Italtecno Srl

Italtecno began its journey way back in 1974 as a specialist in surface treatment technologies development for aluminium and its alloys. During the initial years, the company expanded its operations across various sectors adding value to aluminium for use in architecture, car manufacturing and aeronautical industries as well as for a host of other decorative, mechanical and other industrial purposes.

In 1983, Italtecno made its debut in the American market by selling an important license to Lockheed for special anodizing technologies. This was followed by years of worldwide expansion. Equipped with cutting-edge technology expertise, Italtecno is now a reference point for all operators in the global aluminium sector. The Engineering, Plant Manufacturing and Chemistry divisions Italy work in close association with the customers, helping to create customized technological solutions.

5. Laviosa Minerals

Laviosa Minerals SpA is engaged in extraction, processing and distribution of industrial mineral products, process technology and logistics activities through localised production in various parts of the world. It started with foundry operations at the beginning of the 20^th century, and then emerged as a trusted supplier of foundry products and technologies for aluminium and other industries over the years.  Today, Laviosa Chimica Mineraria, a subsidiary of Laviosa Minerals, is a member of Amafond, the Italian Association of companies which produce machinery, plants, furnaces products and services for the foundry industry, since 1950.

Laviosa Minerals has over the years diversified into Industrial Additives and Construction Technologies businesses.  Its Lining division under Construction Technologies is involved in the production of Geosynthetic Clay Liners designed for environmental applications such as the construction of landfills (urban, industrial and special solid waste), reclamation of exhausted landfill sites or contaminated industrial areas, the construction of heap-leaching pads and waste disposal in mining processes. They provide lining solutions for bauxite mining sites as well.

Italy is home to a large number of aluminium machining and technology companies. Each of these companies has its own area of expertise. Till date they have been catering mainly to the European and US markets. With the epicentre of aluminium manufacturing gradually shifting towards the east, they are now expanding to increase their coverage of the emerging markets like China, India, and Southeast Asia.