Investing is the Key Word
Gianluigi Barettoni, President of AFEMO, illustrates which technologies and markets we need to focus on
What technologies are now indispensable for a company that wants to keep up with the times?
Definitely prototyping machines because they make production times faster with a clear reduction in costs in the preliminary phase of creating a new piece of jewelry. Another fundamental element is the laser, which has undergone continuous evolution in recent years: it can be used in the creation of chains, in cutting and engraving, thus allowing even greater product customization, which is another decisive factor in the success of a brand. If we then wanted to find a key word for the sector, it is perfection, because there is no step along the supply chain that has not been researched and developed in the last decade to meet the increasingly numerous and targeted demands and needs of our customers. Undoubtedly another boost to our sector is the focus that all manufacturers are giving to improving the production chain from a green and sustainable perspective.
Which are the most promising markets for short-term investments?
We aren’t seeing any markets undergoing particular growth at the moment. I would say that there is a constant diversified demand all over the world, without any particular exploits. However, we are registering a lower-than-expected growth process in several countries that we had considered as possible new markets. Obviously, we suffer a certain amount of competition from other technology- exporting countries that, compared to us, benefit from a better geographical and cultural proximity. Our merit is still that, despite competition from local machinery manufacturers that can count on lower production costs, the demand for Italian machinery remains dominant thanks to the quality of our products and our continuous innovation. Then there are stand-alone cases, such as China, which, although working steadily, is not growing as much as in the pre-Covid period, or counter-trends such as Ukraine, which has, instead, recorded an upturn in demand. However, the growth of the European market is a highly noteworthy aspect: we are seeing large French groups that represent the world's most famous brands making significant investments, especially in Italy, expanding and opening new factories in our territory. This, in my opinion, gives a positive impetus to our entire industry, also in terms of the positive outlook for training and employment, focusing above all on young people who will guarantee a future for our sector.
Afemo and the Italian Trade Agency: what’s in the pipeline?
We have been collaborating with ITA for years in joint actions focused on the development of exports to “emerging” countries, such as the Middle East and South America, and more generally by carrying out operations that aim to create greater connections between machine manufacturers and jewelry brands in order to introduce ourselves as a “system”. The success of the T.GOLD and Vicenzaoro combination stems precisely from this strong link between fashion and technology, an advantage for both exhibitors and buyers. For this reason, we are working with ITA for a greater connection, especially on foreign initiatives, to strengthen the link between machinery and the finished product in order to give our sector ever- greater weight on foreign markets.
Definitely prototyping machines because they make production times faster with a clear reduction in costs in the preliminary phase of creating a new piece of jewelry. Another fundamental element is the laser, which has undergone continuous evolution in recent years: it can be used in the creation of chains, in cutting and engraving, thus allowing even greater product customization, which is another decisive factor in the success of a brand. If we then wanted to find a key word for the sector, it is perfection, because there is no step along the supply chain that has not been researched and developed in the last decade to meet the increasingly numerous and targeted demands and needs of our customers. Undoubtedly another boost to our sector is the focus that all manufacturers are giving to improving the production chain from a green and sustainable perspective.
Which are the most promising markets for short-term investments?
We aren’t seeing any markets undergoing particular growth at the moment. I would say that there is a constant diversified demand all over the world, without any particular exploits. However, we are registering a lower-than-expected growth process in several countries that we had considered as possible new markets. Obviously, we suffer a certain amount of competition from other technology- exporting countries that, compared to us, benefit from a better geographical and cultural proximity. Our merit is still that, despite competition from local machinery manufacturers that can count on lower production costs, the demand for Italian machinery remains dominant thanks to the quality of our products and our continuous innovation. Then there are stand-alone cases, such as China, which, although working steadily, is not growing as much as in the pre-Covid period, or counter-trends such as Ukraine, which has, instead, recorded an upturn in demand. However, the growth of the European market is a highly noteworthy aspect: we are seeing large French groups that represent the world's most famous brands making significant investments, especially in Italy, expanding and opening new factories in our territory. This, in my opinion, gives a positive impetus to our entire industry, also in terms of the positive outlook for training and employment, focusing above all on young people who will guarantee a future for our sector.
Afemo and the Italian Trade Agency: what’s in the pipeline?
We have been collaborating with ITA for years in joint actions focused on the development of exports to “emerging” countries, such as the Middle East and South America, and more generally by carrying out operations that aim to create greater connections between machine manufacturers and jewelry brands in order to introduce ourselves as a “system”. The success of the T.GOLD and Vicenzaoro combination stems precisely from this strong link between fashion and technology, an advantage for both exhibitors and buyers. For this reason, we are working with ITA for a greater connection, especially on foreign initiatives, to strengthen the link between machinery and the finished product in order to give our sector ever- greater weight on foreign markets.
