New machines are becoming smarter as they combine mechanical, electronic and digital technologies. This hybrid world is transforming manufacturing and the way people work. Transformation is the theme of Machines Italia magazine Vol. XV: Transforming How We Work, One Machine At A Time available online at the link below: https://www.old.machinesitalia.org/magazine

Helping to restore the global economy after the Covid-19 pandemic crisis and related socio-economic damage, Italian machine builders have driven the recovery by designing and implementing new solutions and technologies that have helped manufacturing companies, particularly in North America, to produce more, at better quality, with less waste and using fewer resources.

Major challenges still lie ahead, particularly the shortage of skilled workers and a still fragmented supply chain. Rising geopolitical tensions in major regions of the world and still high energy prices and inflation continue to be significant obstacles to any return to pre-Covid economic conditions.

Yet despite these challenges, Italian equipment manufacturers continue to move forward, incorporating new technologies into their machines for the benefit of customers and their workers. The digitization advocated by Industry 4.0 is concretely affecting the way companies structure their work processes. In addition, remote monitoring and data analysis are becoming increasingly important for both manufacturers and OEMs.

Machines are becoming more intuitive and easier to operate and maintain. They are now able to alert operators to problems and indicate how to fix them. And training has become a real added value that machine manufacturers can offer their customers to help them retain and train workers with the technical skills required by today's production processes. In fact, one Italian company runs a foundation whose exclusive task is to share construction industry skills with new workers.

Sustainability has become another key demand as end users of industrial technology want to reduce their use of water, energy and raw materials. Producing healthier products is also critical for many customers, as a vegan produce company in Atlanta relies on an Italian manufacturer of shrink-wrap equipment to protect the nutritional value of its juices. Compostable food packaging is also expanding business opportunities for Italian packaging suppliers.

Combating climate change by switching to batteries and moving away from fossil fuels is another area where Italian companies are taking a leadership role. This includes finding ways to create a circular economy where materials can be reused and pollution can be reduced. Italian equipment manufacturers are also working to recycle textiles. These two examples show how "Made in Italy" has come to mean quality and innovation.

Finally, this year's issue of Machines Italia shows how the fusion of digital, electronic and mechanical technologies is bringing new levels of productivity and advanced capabilities to the Italian metalworking industry and the companies that use their innovative products around the world. It is an exciting time to be working in the manufacturing sector.

I invite you to read Machines Italia Vol. Xv: Transforming How We Work, One Machine At A Time and and continue to follow and support the Machines Italia platform.

Marco Verna

Director ICE Agency Chicago