Revamping and Retrofitting is the new exhibition project hosted by BI-MU 2024, which will show how machine tools and systems can, if suitably refurbished and equipped with new functions, have a second life, thus responding to new demands in a market that is developing but different and complementary to that of new products. Let's bear in mind that the average life of the Italian machine park is about 20 years, as the latest Ucimu-Sistemi per produrre survey carried out in 2021 revealed; a significant survey, as it underlined a fact that is as important as it is obvious: entrepreneurs are reluctant to ‘retire’ machinery that is still working.
The retrofitting offer takes the form of machines and systems on which maintenance and modernisation work has been carried out involving the replacement of key components. At BI-MU 2024, machinery built after the issue of the Machinery Directive 98/37 EC of 1998 will be on display: in practice, what is known as ‘safe used’ machinery. This is aimed at a demand interested in cost-effective solutions without, however, deviating from the quality and, of course, the (also) safety criteria of the Machinery Directive.
BI-MU 2024 will be the ideal place to intercept this demand; the event is a reference for users from all the main manufacturing sectors. The sector confirms its focus on the theme of sustainability, giving space to those who choose to extend the life of a machine, in line with the criteria of Sustainability and Circular Economy. Technologies that, on the one hand, must enable processes that are increasingly efficient and less burdensome for the environment and, on the other, must be able to guarantee the flexibility required to adapt to the needs of the company and the market, both present and future. Furthermore, the transition towards a truly sustainable industry model also requires a paradigm shift in the management of the technologies used in progress, which must be able to guarantee ever greater efficiency but, at the same time, must also be managed in a circular perspective.
This gives rise to the need, on the one hand, to equip oneself with the most innovative technologies to make processes more efficient and make the factory ‘future-proof’ and, on the other hand, to extend the life cycle of the assets used to promote sustainability. By retrofitting and revamping, companies can meet this dual challenge and implement the paradigms of Industry 5.0.
The results of a recent survey of the Revamping and Retrofitting market indicated a good growth trend in the sector, where a wide range of companies are active, from machine tool and machinery manufacturers (or their specific divisions) to agents, traders and maintenance operators. This market, estimated at €1.5 billion in 2022, is expected to grow, and companies in the sector show optimism for the future.
Our participation at BI-MU 2024 in the Revamping & Retrofitting area will allow us to meet customers from the entire manufacturing world at an international trade fair.