The carpentry market in Italy

The steelwork industry is experiencing a period of strong expansion globally, driven by increased demand in strategic areas such as infrastructure, nonresidential construction, and energy projects. According to market estimates, the total value of the industry is set to grow by 66 percent between 2024 and 2034, from $112.77 billion to $187.22 billion. This growth reflects not only the acceleration of urban and industrial development projects, but also the integration of advanced technologies and sustainable solutions in the production of metal structures. In Europe, the industry has also experienced strong expansion, with a 45.5 percent increase in production sold between 2019 and 2023. This trend has been supported by the growing demand for prefabricated structures and innovative materials, key elements in improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability in construction.

In Italy, the metal carpentry sector has consolidated as a pillar of the manufacturing and construction industry. Between 2018 and 2023, the total turnover of companies in the sector increased by 46 percent, from €13 billion to €19.07 billion, with a forecast of further growth to €20.07 billion in 2024. This expansion testifies to the ability of Italian companies to adapt to global economic dynamics, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by major infrastructure projects and the evolution of construction techniques. Domestic demand was mainly driven by the infrastructure segment, which recorded a 56.1 percent increase between 2018 and 2023, and nonresidential construction, which grew by 33.3 percent over the same period. A key role was played by public investment, particularly through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP), which promoted infrastructure renewal and green transition in the construction sector.

Structurally, the industry is characterized by significant fragmentation, with more than 11,700 enterprises active in 2024, up 17.3 percent from 2018. Despite the high number of small and medium-sized enterprises, some large-scale companies, such as Cimolai and Manni Sipre, continue to occupy a leading position, ensuring the competitiveness of Made in Italy also in international markets. The sector's offerings are particularly wide and diversified, including prefabricated structures for industrial and civil buildings, bridges, components for energy plants and telecommunications infrastructure. This production mix allows Italian companies to respond to specific needs both nationally and internationally, consolidating Italy's role as one of the main European players in metal carpentry. The Italian sector is progressively moving toward advanced technological solutions and sustainable production processes. The adoption of robotic welding systems, 3D modeling and the use of recycled materials represent the main lines of innovation, contributing to improving the quality and competitiveness of companies. In parallel, the focus on sustainability translates into greater energy efficiency and a reduction in the environmental impact of processing, factors that are increasingly relevant to the global market.

Analyst's comment

The metal carpentry sector is confirmed as a booming industry with solid growth prospects both domestically and internationally. Increased demand, particularly in the infrastructure and energy segments, represents a strategic opportunity for Italian companies, which must focus on innovation and sustainability to consolidate their competitiveness. However, market fragmentation requires companies to aggregate or specialize in order to better meet future challenges, optimizing costs and increasing responsiveness to the demands of a changing market.