Interview with Mr Sandro Salmoiraghi

ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) is a private national body that gathers Italian textile machinery companies producing more than 80% of the entire Italian textile machinery production, and some associated members (consortia, technical schools, technical magazines, research centres).Its main purpose is to promote Italian textile machinery sector and support activity, mainly abroad, through the most updated and innovative promotional means, constantly improved during its over 60 years of existence. To promote and spread Italian textile machinery knowledge throughout the world, ACIMIT provides information on the activity of the producers through a wide range of promotional activities (like exhibitions, technical seminars, missions in Italy and abroad etc.), usually in collaboration with ICE (Italian Trade Commission). Besides, ACIMIT appraises its member companies about commercial, financial and technical problems and solutions sourced from diverse markets in order to facilitate their entry. Leading an association of 200 Italian textile machinery and accessory companies is indeed a position of great respect and responsibility. Mr Sandro Salmoiraghi is the President of ACIMIT, who was born in Bellano (Lecco), into a family whose roots are deeply set in the textile industry. Having completed his studies in industrial mechanics in Milan, and after a few years’ experience at various companies in the machining and metalworking sector, he embarked on his own business venture in the textile machinery industry- the Salmoiraghi SpA, company that builds automated handling systems, storage and robotization installations for the chemical fibre, machinery and foods sectors. Exports represent a major share of the company’s overall earnings, in some years even exceeding 90%. Over the years, Mr Salmoiraghi has held important positions in Confindustria (the Confederation of Italian Industry); the most noteworthy of which are his appointments as President for Small Industry and Vice President of Confindustria. He is currently Vice President of the machining and metalworking group and a member of the Board of Directors of Confindustria Monza and Brianza, as well as sitting on the Central Council for Small Industry at Confindustria. He has been a member of ACIMIT’s Board of Directors for many years. Two months back, in May 2009, Mr Salmoraighi assumed the position of President at ACIMIT. In a one to one with Face2Face team, Mr S