MECS Research Centre begins its exploration of the plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers sector, debuting with the first balance sheet analysis of AMAPLAST member companies, a report that compares manufacturers of various technologies in the plastics universe and describes their trends over time

The seeds of the future MECS research centre are planted. The economists at Villa Marchetti conduct the first Acimac statistical survey of the Italian ceramic and brick machinery and equipment sector.

The series of international studies is launched in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency ITA. Country Reports on the ceramic technology sector are published, with a focus on Iran, Russia, Egypt, Poland, China and India.

A partnership agreement is signed with the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia to work together on clusters and value chains. This leads to the publication of a book entitled “The evolution of subcontracting relationships within the ceramic technology system”.

Collaboration with the team of researchers from the Economics Department of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia allows global competitive analyses to be conducted with the aim of offering companies a high-value service. The first edition of “Ceramic industry benchmarking: where to produce abroad” is published

The research department begins systematically monitoring trends among Italian ceramic technology manufacturers, leading to the quarterly Acimac Economic Survey which still today provides regular information on turnover, export and order trends.