The industrial plant maintenance market - Italy

Since 2020, the global commercial and industrial machinery and equipment repair and maintenance market has experienced growth despite external challenges. From a valuation of $301.85 billion in 2022, it is projected to increase to $326.93 billion in 2023, demonstrating a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3 percent. This increase is expected to carry the market further to reach $434.82 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 7.4 percent. The increase in market value can be attributed to companies investing in maintenance to reduce costly downtime and minimize workplace accidents, indicating a shift in perception where maintenance is seen as strategic investment rather than just a cost.

This growth occurs against a backdrop of economic challenges heightened by the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has led to sanctions, escalated commodity prices, and supply chain disruptions impacting markets worldwide. Despite the downturn in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where Italy, for instance, saw a decrease in turnover for machinery repair companies to €6.38 billion, overall trends point to resilience in the sector with a gradual increase in production value and number of enterprises. The push towards integrating Industry 4.0 technologies like AI and IIoT is driving the market towards more predictive and efficient maintenance operations, underlining a transformative period for plant maintenance.

Italian Market Dynamics in Industrial Plant Maintenance

In the landscape of Italian plant maintenance, a steady evolution has been observed, reflecting the intrinsic value this sector holds for the continuity and efficiency of industrial operations. The multiple facets of this market, encompassing services ranging from preventive to corrective maintenance, illustrate its complexity and significance. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a downturn in turnover during 2020, there was still notable resilience within the sector. Companies witnessed their production value inch upward from approximately €6.27 billion to around €6.29 billion in 2020, indicating an underlying robustness. Concurrently, the number of enterprises grew, reaching slightly over a thousand by 2021. This combination of factors could signal an ongoing fragmentation within the industry, with new players possibly entering the market. The impact of inflation, driven by global economic strains, cannot be understated. High inflation levels have been experienced in Italy, akin to trends worldwide. This scenario has inevitably influenced the costs of industrial plant repair and maintenance services, though specific figures were not disclosed. Turning to the petrochemical niche, Italy’s refining capacity, although reduced from 16 refineries to about ten in 2023, still demands substantial maintenance due to issues like corrosion, fouling, and vibration.

The exactitude behind continuous upkeep stems from these facilities' operational complexities. Interestingly, the Italian petrochemical industry has witnessed considerable downsizing through the years. In the past, numerous crackers were installed across the nation. However, as of recent times, several plants have ceased operations, reflecting broader trends in environmental regulation and market demands. The market for petrochemicals and plastics underwent fluctuations with prices often climbing to historic highs in the first half of 2021, driven by interregional trade and robust downstream demand in the United States. This hike in prices extended to polyethylene and polypropylene, leading to significant impacts on costs related to plastic production and associated materials such as dispensers and cleaning equipment. By the latter half of 2021, petrochemical and polymer feedstock prices globally faced dramatic declines amid economic pressures and the fallout of geopolitical tensions. In geographical terms, Lombardy surfaces as the region with the highest number of areas in need of remediation, with a count close to 7,500 sites, possibly a reflection of the region's dense industrial and economic activity. Tuscany and Veneto follow behind, with counts of roughly 2,500 and 1,300 sites.

Spotlight on Key Industry Stalwarts in the Petrochemical Plant Maintenance Arena

The market for petrochemical plant maintenance in Italy boasts several prominent companies that have carved out strong reputations based on their expert services and significant contributions to the industry. While turnover figures provide a numerical insight into a company's scale, the true testament to their impact lies in their services, innovation, and the trust they have earned from clients in this highly specialized sector. Here is a closer look at some of the main players who are setting the benchmark for excellence in petrochemical plant maintenance:

• STC S.r.l. STC S.r.l. is a company rooted in Busseto that has made a name for itself by offering a broad array of essential services, including plant design and maintenance. Catering to various sectors such as energy, petrochemical, industrial, and civil, STC has developed the versatility required to manage projects of varying complexity, affirming their position as a reliable partner in plant maintenance.
• Nuova SMI S.r.l. Nuova SMI S.r.l. has a rich history dating back to its foundation as SMI in 1982. Renowned for its proficiency in maintenance, construction, and assembly of industrial plants, it has diversified its expertise across multiple sectors. The company is recognized for its work in chemical, petrochemical, food, wastewater treatment, drinking water plants, and pharmaceutical sectors, meeting the high-quality standards these industries demand.
• AIM Service Italia S.r.l. Hailing from Bassano del Grappa, AIM Service Italia S.r.l. operates with a specialized focus on the maintenance of industrial plants. It prides itself on its ability to service a broad range of sectors including chemical, petrochemical, refining, and power generation, showcasing a profound understanding of the unique maintenance challenges presented by each.
• Maintenance Global Service S.r.l. For almost two decades, Maintenance Global Service S.r.l. has been a reliable name in the world of complex industrial plant maintenance. Their services span the power generation sector, industrial purification systems, and chemical and petrochemical industries, signifying their commitment to providing comprehensive maintenance solutions that adhere to the highest of standards.
• Coemi S.r.l. Established in 1974 as a spin-off from the Prestigiacomo Company, Coemi S.r.l. has built a reputation for excellence in installing and maintaining electrical and instrumentation systems. Their client base is expansive, covering sectors such as chemical, petrochemical, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 29/05/2023

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