Dear Readers,
As we reach mid-2025, global trade evolves in an increasingly uncertain landscape, because of tariffs negotiations and ongoing armed conflicts. The Italy-North America partnership on manufacturing, which mobilizes several interlinking supply chains, is being tested but appears resilient, thanks to the common trust in trade, entrepreneurship, innovation and collaboration. This issue of Machines Italia’s newsletter contains several stories attesting as much.
Italian companies continue to strengthen their presence in Canada. DeAMS Italia, a high-tech aerospace firm from Campania, signed a five-year deal with Bombardier and launched a Montreal subsidiary focused on automation, artificial intelligence and engineering. Ferrero is investing $445 million to expand operations at its Brantford plant, creating 500 jobs and unveiling its first product made outside Europe. At the June 2025 G7 Summit, Italy and Canada reaffirmed their strategic partnership, focusing on several areas most of which rely on advanced machinery and technological solutions produced by one or both countries.
Mexico remains a key market. Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani’s recent mission emphasized renewed collaboration, especially at the Italy–Mexico Business Forum. Leaders highlighted priorities like advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, clean energy, and digital infrastructure. With strong supply chain links and shared goals, Mexico remains a vital partner for Italian industrial machinery makers in North America.
Amidst tariff challenges, Italian companies are expanding in the United States. Modula, a vertical storage systems leader, is investing over $36 million to double capacity at its Franklin, Ohio facility, illustrating the strength of Made-in-USA production paired with Italian engineering. Packaging leader Serioplast will invest $25.7 million in a new Virginia manufacturing site, aiming to drive growth and innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability.
These initiatives underscore the ongoing impact of Italian technologies in North America’s evolving manufacturing landscape and resonate with Machines Italia’s mission to boost awareness, engagement, and collaboration. Earlier this year, over 430 users participated in the 2025 Machines Italia Awareness Survey, sharing opinions on factors affecting their purchasing decisions and on how Italian equipment has enhanced their operations. The study results were presented in a content loaded webinar which I recommend viewing on demand, if you missed it live.
To further support connections between Italian companies and North American buyers, our B2B concierge service provides free of charge, personalized assistance to buyers interested in getting information and quotes on Italian machinery… engineered with passion! On the same page it is possible to indicate one’s interest to be invited to attend one of Italy’s outstanding international trade shows, all expenses paid.
Beyond business connections, fostering talent and knowledge of the Italian engineering ecosystem remains a key focus. This year’s Italian Technology Awards welcomed top university students from USA and Mexico to Italy for a unique educational and cultural experience, strengthening transatlantic ties and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
I encourage you to explore the company updates in this edition of the Newsletter, stay connected with our country offices and peruse our online directory and buyers’ concierge services. Whether you are seeking insights, contacts, solutions or collaborations, we’re here to support your engagement with the appropriate Italian counterpart.
As I approach the end of my tenure as Trade Commissioner in Canada, having previously contributed to Machines Italia’s efforts from ITA’s office in Chicago, I would like to thank all those who believed in the programme and helped renewing, rebranding and popularizing it, in the common interest of making trade and cooperation easier and more advantageous. It has been professionally rewarding to work on this dynamic partnership and I remain confident that Machines Italia can help improve both the perception and the bottom line of the Italian machinery manufacturing industry’s presence in North American markets.
Warm regards.
Marco Saladini
Italian Trade Commissioner in Canada
