International Ties

Riccardo Rosa, President, UCIMU–SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, outlines how IMTEX FORMING 2026 serves as a strategic platform to strengthen Indo-Italian ties, foster partnerships, and showcase Italy’s future-ready manufacturing solutions.

India represents one of the most promising export destinations for the Italian Machine Tool Manufacturing industry represented by UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, notes the association’s President Riccardo Rosa.

Within this context, IMTEX FORMING plays a pivotal role. Rosa describes the exhibition as “the first and primary marketing tool” for Italian companies operating in distant markets. “At a trade show as lively and vibrant as IMTEX FORMING, companies have a chance to meet not only customers but also with to explore collaborations and areas of mutual interest,” he adds, emphasizing the show’s collaborative potential.

To further strengthen this engagement, UCIMU has launched targeted initiatives aimed at supporting Italian companies and promoting their offerings in India. One such effort is the PIATTAFORMA INDIA project, envisioned as a comprehensive support hub for providing assistance and advice to Italian companies interested in operating in the area. “Piattaforma India is assisted by an Indian official who acts as a facilitator directly on site,” Rosa explains.

Complementing this initiative is the ITC–Italian Technology Center in Pune, which has been operational for over 13 years. The center promotes the ‘Made in Italy’ brand and supports around ten Italian capital goods manufacturers in making contacts with the Indian industry, institutions, and cultural bodies.

Italian Participation at IMTEX FORMING 2026

Italy’s leadership in sheet metal forming machinery is well established. Rosa points out that “Italy has always been highly specialized in the Sheet Metal Forming Machinery sector,” adding that the country ranks second globally in production as of 2024.

IMTEX FORMING 2026 has robust participation from Italian machine tool builders keen to expand their footprint in India. Rosa describes the exhibition as “a great opportunity for Italian machine tool builders interested in increasing their activity in one of the most vibrant markets.”

Around twenty Italian companies are participating in the show, including direct exhibitors and brands represented. Some are included in Ice-Agenzia Collettiva, while some have opted for individual booths.

Given the importance of the market and the event, UCIMU is present with a manned booth, and the association has organized a visit by its new General Manager, Davide Della Bella, along with members of the marketing team

Future-Ready Italian Solutions for Indian Manufacturers

Italian forming technology is widely recognized for its design-driven engineering and adaptability. Rosa identifies the core strengths of the sector as “flexibility, very high technological standards, marked product customization, and after-sale assistance.”

In recent years, these strengths have been reinforced by advanced digitalization and machine interconnectivity. This evolution has enabled higher productivity, improved efficiency, enhanced machine safety, better resource utilization in compliance with eco-sustainability, and reduced downtime—benefits he believes can be particularly relevant for Indian users.

Trade Flows Between Italy and India

The growing collaboration is reflected in trade figures as well. According to the latest surveys processed by UCIMU’s Economic Studies Department & Business Culture Centre, Rosa notes that during January–September 2025, India emerged as the fourth-largest destination for Italian machine tools, with exports exceeding €135 million. In contrast, Italy’s imports of Indian machine tools during the same period stood at approximately €2 million.

Image Source: UCIMU