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Thailand looks at Italian system |
Thailand is an attentive observer of the Italian ceramics industrial system, interested in understanding the reasons for its success, its history and its strategies, in order to improve technological levels and personnel skills in the sector in Thailand. Professor Surachet Sittikit, from King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, began his task of gathering information for a fact finding survey commissioned by the Thai Ministry of Industry by meeting Acimac’s director Paolo Gambuli in the headquarters of the association of Italian manufacturers of ceramic technology.
Professor Sittikit gathered information on the collaboration between machinery suppliers and ceramic manufacturers, on the key features that contribute to making the Italian ceramic machinery sector a world leader, and also on the challenges connected with international competition today. Special attention was devoted to the aspect of technical training for operators and personnel, as well as technological innovation, a field where Italian machinery manufacturers are undeniably in the forefront. On this subject Gambuli had words of praise for the advanced level of mechanical and electrical expertise of Italian sector companies, capable of designing and building extremely complex and sophisticated machinery. This thanks also to a consistent demand from the Italian ceramic industry, a fundamental factor in boosting growth and development in the sector dedicated to supplying its technical tools. Also discussed was the Acimac Quality Mark, whose use is rapidly spreading among affiliated companies and which around the world is synonymous with cutting-edge technology, reliability and excellent post sales service.
The professor from King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok will go on to have discussions with Confindustria Ceramica and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Among potential future collaborations is the idea of introducing lessons on ceramics technology given by Italian experts in courses in the professor’s home university.
Thailand manufactures roughly 140 million square metres of ceramic tiles per year, making it the tenth largest producing country in the world. Its foreign sales come to 27 million square metres, placing it among the top ten exporting nations. Its national consumption is 121 million square metres, of which 20 million is imported. Exports of ceramics machinery to Asian countries (excluding China) reached a value of 120 million euros in 2006, accounting for 9.6% of the sector’s total exports. |
