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MECS stands for Manufacturing Economic Studies but is also an Italian acronym for Method, Experience, Expertise and Specialisation, our core assets.
Experience and expertise in manufacturing machinery
Proprietary and international databases
Direct links with the world of industry
Specialist skills in tailor-made studies
We can help you find concrete solutions
for your business.
Who are your potential customers?Who are your competitors?Where should you invest?
OUR HISTORY
We have been studying the world of manufacturing machinery for the last thirty years. We started up back in the 1990s in a sector where Italian manufacturing is the undisputed world leader: the ceramic industry. From our initial area of specialisation in the field of ceramic technologies, we subsequently diversified into automatic packaging machinery, a sector in which Italy competes with Germany for the world leading position. We are now a reference point for companies of all sizes that generate value through a combination of advanced technology, product customisation, digital solutions and environmental sustainability. But our key strength continues to lie in the field of manufacturing machinery, the technological backbone of all industrial sectors.
1991
THE EARLY YEARS
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 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.
2000
FIRST GLOBAL STUDIES
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.
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.
2001
ACADEMIC COLLABORATIONS
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”.
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”.
2006
THE BENCHMARKING STUDIES
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
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
2009
THE QUARTERLY SURVEYS
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.
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.
2011
THE PRICE MONITOR
Acimac’s research department becomes more structured and acquires new expertise in the fields of econometrics and IT. The newly launched raw materials and components price monitor provides quarterly surveys of supply chain trends in the ceramic machinery sector.
Acimac’s research department becomes more structured and acquires new expertise in the fields of econometrics and IT. The newly launched raw materials and components price monitor provides quarterly surveys of supply chain trends in the ceramic machinery sector.
2012
THE ARRIVAL OF PACKAGING
Integration between Acimac and Ucima at the headquarters in Villa Marchetti marks a further step forward in the expansion of the research department. Together with the publishing house Laterza, MECS publishes the first analysis of automatic packaging machinery in a book entitled “La filiera della meccanica strumentale” (“The manufacturing machinery supply chain”).
Integration between Acimac and Ucima at the headquarters in Villa Marchetti marks a further step forward in the expansion of the research department. Together with the publishing house Laterza, MECS publishes the first analysis of automatic packaging machinery in a book entitled “La filiera della meccanica strumentale” (“The manufacturing machinery supply chain”).
2013
THE ANNUAL SURVEYS
Luca Baraldi is appointed head of the research department. Sample-based surveys are extended to the packaging machinery sector represented by Ucima, leading to the publication of the first edition of the Ucima Statistical Survey. The first edition of market-leading publication “World Production and Consumption of Ceramic Tiles” is released.
Luca Baraldi is appointed head of the research department. Sample-based surveys are extended to the packaging machinery sector represented by Ucima, leading to the publication of the first edition of the Ucima Statistical Survey. The first edition of market-leading publication “World Production and Consumption of Ceramic Tiles” is released.
2014
GLOBAL DATABASES
The research department begins purchasing international databases and launches its series of benchmarking and cluster analyses. The first reports on the financial statements of European and global manufacturers of packaging machinery, ceramic machinery and ceramic tiles are published.
The research department begins purchasing international databases and launches its series of benchmarking and cluster analyses. The first reports on the financial statements of European and global manufacturers of packaging machinery, ceramic machinery and ceramic tiles are published.
2016
IPACK-IMA MONITOR
Pilot edition of the Osservatorio Ipack-Ima, now Ipack-Ima Monitor, which analyses international trends in key sectors for Italy’s leading trade fair for food and non-food processing and packaging technology.
Pilot edition of the Osservatorio Ipack-Ima, now Ipack-Ima Monitor, which analyses international trends in key sectors for Italy’s leading trade fair for food and non-food processing and packaging technology.
2017
BIRTH OF THE “CUBE”
After a year of planning, the “Cube” forecasting model makes its debut. The most comprehensive and reliable tool for estimating medium to long-term packaging technology trends, it cross-references international statistics with proprietary data from the research department, which takes on its current name of MECS, Machinery Economic studies.
After a year of planning, the “Cube” forecasting model makes its debut. The most comprehensive and reliable tool for estimating medium to long-term packaging technology trends, it cross-references international statistics with proprietary data from the research department, which takes on its current name of MECS, Machinery Economic studies.
2018
CONQUERING THE MARKET
The research department begins its business activity of selling economic and financial analyses and forecasts tailored to customers’ requirements and divided up into specific technology segments and client sectors.
The research department begins its business activity of selling economic and financial analyses and forecasts tailored to customers’ requirements and divided up into specific technology segments and client sectors.
2019
PHARMINTECH MONITOR
The Pharmintech Monitor is launched in collaboration with the eponymous international exhibition for the pharmaceutical, biotech, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries held in Bologna to follow trends in the Italian and global pharmaceutical supply chain.
The Pharmintech Monitor is launched in collaboration with the eponymous international exhibition for the pharmaceutical, biotech, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries held in Bologna to follow trends in the Italian and global pharmaceutical supply chain.
2020
MECS MAKES ITS OFFICIAL DEBUT
Acimac and Ucima demerge the MECS research centre, which becomes an autonomous limited liability company in which the two associations remain major shareholders. The acronym is maintained but now stands for “Manufacturing economic studies”. The logo is changed and activities are extended to all sectors linked to manufacturing machinery.
Acimac and Ucima demerge the MECS research centre, which becomes an autonomous limited liability company in which the two associations remain major shareholders. The acronym is maintained but now stands for “Manufacturing economic studies”. The logo is changed and activities are extended to all sectors linked to manufacturing machinery.
2021
2021
THE FAMILY EXPANDS: AMAPLAST
THE FAMILY EXPANDS: AMAPLAST
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
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
VALUES
Mission
To be the most authoritative reference point for the manufacturing technology market.
We aim to provide the best information, the most accurate figures and the most reliable forecasts on global manufacturing machinery and on the impact of technologies across manufacturing supply chains.
Our portfolio of off-the-shelf solutions is available online, but our real strength lies in our ability to create and customise analyses and forecasts according to the specific needs of companies and business units.
Vision
We firmly believe that knowledge is an essential competitive tool for companies, which are rooted in their local area but compete globally. Without knowledge of how markets are evolving, without being able to judge their performance against that of their competitors, and without an awareness of trends and development scenarios, they simply cannot aspire to sustainable and enduring development. The knowledge economy will be the most powerful weapon available to players operating across manufacturing supply chains, enabling them to get ahead of their competitors and win over the markets and product niches with the highest growth potential.
OUR TEAM
Simone Sorrentino
President
+39 059 7231870
studi@mecs.org
A passion for numbers and machines has been in his DNA since his school days, and his first work experiences in food processing & packaging technologies also date back to that time. After graduating in Management Engineering, he began his managerial career in the Bologna-based multinational company A&CT and today heads the subsidiary CT Pack, a world leader in integrated packaging and automation systems for the food industry.
Filippo Cocchi
Vice President
+39 059 7231870
studi@mecs.org
Torn between engineering and foreign languages as well as being a talented musician, he opted for a career that would allow him to explore the world and describe it objectively: the study of global economics and geography. He is the historical presence and visionary mastermind behind the MECS research centre.
Luca Baraldi
Chief analyst
+39 059 7123395
l.baraldi@mecs.org
An industrial economist by training, profession and passion, his only distraction from econometric analyses and applied economic theories is the mountains, his sole refuge from numbers. He is the father of the Cube forecasting model, the flagship of the MECS research centre.
Salvatore Curatolo
Professor
+39 059 7123870
s.curatolo@mecs.org
With her passion for computer science, transforming ideas into algorithms has become second nature. At MECS she is the go-to person for anyone who needs to get to grips with CRM software and databases, while her degree in psychology enables her to optimise her colleagues’ potential through teamwork.
Sandra Gambetti
ICT Manager
+39 059 7123411
s.gambetti@mecs.org
After a background in fashion, she decided to combine her passion for creativity with her passion for numbers, graduating in Economics & Management. Determined and curious, she doesn't lose heart even when she has to translate thousands of numbers and tables into colorful charts with high visual impact. She is the newcomer to the MECS team.
Yousra Serroukh
Junior Data Analyst
+39 059 7231870
y.serroukh@mecs.org
WORK WITH US
ARE YOU A UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR OR RESEARCHER?
Have you undertaken projects, research contracts or theses relevant to the world of manufacturing machinery and related sectors and are interested in collaboration?
ARE YOU A RECENT SCHOOL-LEAVER OR STEM SUBJECT GRADUATE LOOKING FOR WORK?
Do you have skills and a passion for computer science, statistics, data visualisation, data analytics or interactive graphics? Send us your CV, we’re looking out for talent.
ARE YOU A STUDENT LOOKING FOR AN INTERNSHIP OR A WORK PLACEMENT?
Are you a student or undergraduate in economics, computer science, statistics or graphic design? We offer at least five internships and work placements in our Modena office each year.
