So many ideas, so many projects, and an incredible drive to move forward. Because companies need it, especially in such complex times…
We felt it was essential to ask Riccardo Cavanna, former president of Ucima (packaging machinery) and newly appointed head of the new Confindustria organization, about the key topics that led to this initiative, the priorities, and what we can expect from the future. A broad and engaging conversation revealed a scenario involving approximately 1,300 companies and 70,000 employees, generating over 18 billion euros in revenue.
“As with all challenging projects, you reach the finish line feeling a bit exhausted,” Cavanna begins with a smile. “It has been and continues to be an important process. Contributing to the creation of a federation with immense potential, capable of going beyond the ‘natural limits’ of individual associations, is truly exciting! Right from the start, with the collaboration between Ucima (packaging machinery) and Acimac (ceramic technology), businesses immediately recognized the strength and proactive nature of this initiative. Many of the topics we discussed in what I want to call our founding assembly had already been under development within this “initial core”.
The inclusion of Acimall (wood technology) and Amaplast (plastic machinery) further strengthens us and places all four actors in a much more significant role. I would describe it as a kind of marriage between extended families, a coalition that will certainly present complexities but will ultimately bring great benefits to businesses. Of course, we still need to fine-tune a merger that inevitably comes with delicate aspects—rooted in the history of these four organizations and in the personal and human factors that can sometimes be a source of strength or conflict. We are working extensively on relationship-building to create a shared culture”.
“We have the opportunity to share a lot, exchange information and experiences, and create new synergies,” Cavanna continues. “And we want to take this even further, involving other capital goods associations and demonstrating the intellectual honesty of this model. Our goal is to generate valuable content, initiatives, and services for businesses something that has often been difficult to “solidify” in other contexts”.
Moreover, for the first time, Federazione Confindustria Macchine will have direct representation of the capital goods sector within the Confindustria general council. “We are talking about an open model that can be adjusted and evolve to meet the needs of those who decide to join, aiming to provide a strong voice for the entire capital goods manufacturing sector”.
In short, in what is certainly not an easy time for industry associations, it’s time to roll up our sleeves…
“That’s exactly what a group of entrepreneurs has decided to do, creating a real team to drive a completely new phase, dedicating time and energy to finding the right path a model based on aggregation and the integration of structures. We are merging organizations that serve member companies, employing a total of 80 people and generating nearly ten million euros in revenue”.
… Can you explain this in more detail?
“Behind all this is a clear strategic vision: the primary objective is to provide services to member companies. This is the core function of an association.
By joining forces, we will not only manage all services with greater efficiency and expertise, but we will also make our combined technical knowledge available to businesses. We have a privileged position compared to other providers, and this is why we have decided to offer additional services that companies need—complementing our institutional responsibilities”.
In the FCM ecosystem, there is certainly no lack of diversity…
“Certainly. We are talking about very different sectors, markets, and business environments. But I prefer to focus on the many things we have in common like design, for example. We could have called ourselves the “Federation of Design Tools” given the great beauty inherent in the products created using our technologies. We, as manufacturers, provide solutions to produce not just effective products but aesthetically valuable ones that drive purchasing decisions”.
“This common thread is immensely valuable. You can see its impact every day—in furniture stores, supermarket shelves, and every aspect of human life. This is one of the greatest strengths the federation must showcase: identifying shared values and scenarios, creating new research and development pathways. Strength in unity is essential, especially when competing with those who focus solely on price, such as Turkey, India, and China, by always staying one step ahead”.
“We are, and will continue to be, increasingly engaged in strong and effective lobbying,” continues the president of Federazione Confindustria Macchine. “We have a lot to say and do in Rome and Brussels to defend the values of the industries we represent. Take sustainability and recycling, for instance—our member companies have made tremendous progress in recent years, while many of our competitors haven’t even begun addressing these issues”.
In an international landscape where calling it ‘complex’ feels like an understatement…
“Trump’s announced tariffs are certainly a concern, but I see them more as a tool to initiate dialogue with Europe. If the United States wants to revitalize its manufacturing sector, it will have to rely on Italian and European machinery, as there is no ‘made in the USA’ technological offering in this field
Far more critical and tragic are the ongoing conflicts that are destabilizing many parts of the world, posing significant uncertainties not only for our businesses but for the future as a whole.
We will also have to work hard on trade fairs, despite the many complexities, such as scheduling, positioning, exhibition centers, and opportunities for consolidation. But there’s one thing we can and should do immediately: create specific synergies among our event management teams to optimize the work of our exhibition teams.”
Optimistic?
“…Realistically so! I firmly believe that in life, you should always give your best and run as fast as you can. Italian entrepreneurs understand resilience very well; they are experts at adapting to new situations. Let’s not forget that we have an outstanding talent for industrial mechanics, making us global leaders. We know how to navigate international markets with intelligence and empathy…”
