PRESS RELEASE
A 50th SIMAC Tanning Tech record edition:
44% foreign visitors, but the sector's exports are negative
- Record edition: over 9,000 entries to the reference event for the sector of machinery and technology for the footwear, leather goods and tanning industries.
- The exhibition is confirmed to be increasingly appreciated at international level, as demonstrated by the 44% foreign attendance and 26% of exhibitors (out of 316) from outside Italy, from over 20 countries.
- In the overall contraction of exports (-11.55%) in the first half of 2024, only the tannery machinery sector held its own (+ 6.77%), but thanks to foreign orders in 2023.
Vigevano, 23 September 2024
A record 50th edition for SIMAC Tanning Tech, the leading international event for machinery and technology for the footwear, leather goods and tanning industries. From 17 to 19 September, more than 9,000 entries were registered in the 15,000 square metres of exhibition space at Fiera Milano Rho, confirming the extent to which the event has been able to turn the spotlight on the excellence of Made in Italy. Excellence also recognised at international level, as demonstrated by the 44% foreign attendance and 26% of exhibitors (out of 316) from outside Italy, from over 20 countries.
An edition of SIMAC Tanning Tech that highlighted, once again, the industry's ability to evolve and innovate in an increasingly competitive global context, responding to the latest demands for sustainability, digitalisation and optimisation of production processes. In fact, despite an overall contraction in exports (-11.55%) in the first half of 2024, the figures show an increase of 6.77% in the tannery machinery sector, thanks to foreign orders placed in 2023. It is significant that more than 75% of sales in the half-year were concentrated in just 10 countries, which shows that, with a few exceptions, the tannery machinery sector is in difficulty, like the other sectors of the industry. The spare parts sector, on the other hand, is less in difficulty, with a smaller drop in exports (- 5.52%) in all destinations.
“Despite the general contraction of exports in the first six months of the year, we remain confident for the future of our sector” commented Assomac President Maria Vittoria Brustia. “The leather processing machinery sector has recorded some encouraging signs that show how the quality of our technologies is still recognised and appreciated in international markets. We look to 2025 with optimism, betting on the ability of our companies to innovate and adapt to global challenges. However, it is crucial that the Italian government actively supports us in the promotion and protection of Made in Italy, especially in an increasingly competitive international context. We need additional support for the internationalisation of our companies, to ensure that our sector can continue to represent excellence in the world”.
An excellence for which SIMAC Tanning Tech remains the main showcase, as demonstrated by the synergy that continues to be pursued with the concurrent Lineapelle, the most important international leather fair. A collaboration, which has enabled SIMAC Tanning Tech to maintain a high level of attractiveness and the presentation of novelties throughout the industry, rewarded by the great participation in the events organised and the strong osmosis of visitors between the two fairs.
“The excellent result obtained at this edition demonstrates the importance of our exhibition as a meeting point for the global industry and the centrality of innovation in our sector” commented Assomac General Manager Agostino Apolito. “The broad international participation, the result of the fruitful collaboration with Italian Trade Agency, and the interest shown in the new technologies on display, confirm the strong attractiveness of the sector. Our industry is ready to face the challenges of sustainability, digitalisation and efficiency, and SIMAC Tanning Tech proves to be the ideal platform to support this transformation. I am convinced that these days full of meetings and discussions will lead to new and profitable opportunities for the future. The overall growth in the number of visitors is certainly positive, and we hope that the foreign presence will be a signal for growth in investment”.
Important results that already lead to the confirmation of the 51st edition of Simac Tanning Tech, which will be held from 23 to 25 September 2025.
50 editions of SIMAC
SIMAC Tanning Tech has spanned half a century of history, evolving from a national exhibition to a global platform for the footwear and leather processing industry. The first edition was held in 1973 in Milan, marking a significant change: for the first time, the machines and technologies of the sector became the absolute protagonists. The event came after decades in which Italian mechanical industries had exhibited at generic or finished product-related events, such as the Milan Trade Fair and other national and international exhibitions.