GIMAV - Associazione Italiana Fornitori Macchine ed Accessori per la Lavorazione del Vetro

- Exports remain a fundamental growth driver for GIMAV members. In the last year, we have observed a gradual recovery and rebalancing of export markets, despite geopolitical uncertainties and macroeconomic pressures.
Europe remains a core market, particularly Germany, France, Spain and Eastern Europe, while North America continues to be strategically important for high-end technologies. At the same time, the Middle East, Southeast Asia along with selected African markets are showing increasing demand, especially for advanced processing solutions, energy-efficient glazing and automated production lines. Eastern Europe, in particular, stands out for its combination of infrastructure development, construction growth and increasing quality requirements, making it a key area for medium-term expansion.

- The glass and façade supply chain is currently facing a complex mix of challenges and opportunities. Energy costs, availability of raw materials, and logistics volatility remain critical factors, although the situation has improved compared to previous years. Italian manufacturers have demonstrated strong resilience, thanks to flexible production models, vertical integration, and a strong focus on high-value-added technologies rather than commodity products. In façades and architectural glass, Italian companies are highly competitive globally due to their ability to combine advanced engineering, customization, aesthetic quality and reliable after-sales service. The main opportunity lies in transforming supply chain pressure into acceleration toward automation, energy efficiency and smarter production processes.

- Eastern Europe plays a strategic role in the development plans of many GIMAV members, and Romania is one of the most dynamic and interesting markets in the region. Compared to other Eastern European markets, Romania is characterized by fast-growing demand for modern façade systems, increasing alignment with European quality and sustainability standards, and a market that is still evolving, leaving room for technological upgrading. This creates significant opportunities for Italian suppliers of high-performance glass processing technologies and façade solutions. Also, the glass processing machinery sector accounts for approximately 20 million euro of Italian exports in this sector (approximately 1% of total exports). Although Italian export forecasts for the sector are slowing down - and this also applies to Romania - the country remains a mature and solid destination market for Italian capital goods, including those for glass processing. Italy is seen as a supplier of medium-high quality machinery, reliable technology and process know-how, not just "stand-alone" goods. Furthermore, "Made in Italy" is perceived as superior to low-cost competitors, more flexible than the big German players, and ideal for medium-sized plants. Romania is home to flat glass factories (float and processing), hollow glass production (containers) and a widespread network of small to medium-sized processors.

- Energy efficiency is a central theme for the sector, both in construction applications and in manufacturing processes. Our members are actively developing solutions that support high-performance façades, low-emissivity glazing, solar control glass and advanced insulating systems. At the same time, digital tools such as BIM integration, artificial intelligence, data-driven production management, and advanced factory automation are increasingly adopted. These technologies improve productivity, reduce waste, enhance quality control and support sustainability goals, both in the factory and on site. Smart glazing, predictive maintenance and digital twins are no longer future concepts but concrete solutions already entering the market.

- Despite global uncertainties, the Italian glass technology sector continues to show strong export orientation and innovation capacity. Trade fairs remain a key indicator of market vitality. Vitrum has confirmed its role as a strategic meeting point for international buyers, technology suppliers and decision-makers, with a growing focus on innovation, sustainability and future scenarios. For Eastern European stakeholders, Vitrum represents a privileged access point to advanced technologies, know-how and global networks.

- Looking at the next 2-3 years, the main risks include energy volatility, geopolitical instability and skills shortages. However, the opportunities are equally significant: renovation-driven construction growth, stricter energy regulations, and the digital transformation of manufacturing and building processes. Our message to the Romanian market and local decision-makers is clear: investing in quality, sustainability and technology is not a cost, but a competitive advantage. Collaboration with experienced technology providers, adoption of digital tools and alignment with European standards will be key to building a resilient, efficient and future-proof façade and glass industry.

 

(articol aparut in revista Fereastra, editia Ianuarie/Februarie 2026)