Bruno Bettelli re-elected chairman of Federmacchine

His re-election took place during the federation’s annual meeting, which also provided an opportunity to present the 2024 financial statements and 2025 outlook for the Italian capital goods industry.

Bruno Bettelli, founder and CEO of I-Tech, has been confirmed as chairman of Federmacchine for the two-year term 2025-2026. His re-election took place during the federation’s annual meeting, held at a critical moment for the Italian capital goods industry.

The year 2024 closed with a general downturn, especially in the domestic market and in imports, amid weak demand and global instability. Turnover fell by 7.4% to €52.5 billion, but Bettelli noted that levels of business remained historically high thanks to positive results in previous years.

Deliveries by Italian manufacturers to the domestic market dropped by 13.7% to €16.4 billion, while domestic consumption contracted by 14.3% to €26 billion. Imports also saw a significant decline of 15.2%, falling to €9.8 billion. Exports, although down, proved more resilient, decreasing by 4.2% to €36 billion.

For 2025, a slight trend reversal is expected, with turnover forecast to rise by 1.6% to €53.3 billion. Exports are projected to remain essentially stable (+0.6%), while domestic consumption is expected to grow by 2% to €26.7 billion.

However, Bettelli voiced concern over the climate of uncertainty created by the trade conflict with the United States, the biggest export market for Italian machinery. While considering the introduction of excessively high tariffs unlikely, he warned that President Trump’s repeated announcements could dampen investment and slow international demand.

On the domestic front, Bettelli stressed the need for a new industrial policy, as the Industry 4.0 and 5.0 incentive measures that have supported the adoption of advanced technology are close to expiring.

“We urge the government to begin work immediately on a new plan to support Italian manufacturing from 2026 onwards,” he said.