The report from the Economic Observatory on the Construction Industry, compiled by the Directorate of Economic Affairs and the Study Center of ANCE (the Italian National Construction Industry Association) and issued in December 2015, shows that in 2015 the Italian economy has returned to growth after the lengthy recession of the preceding years.
The ISTAT data indicated that GDP increased for the third consecutive quarter. Following on from the +0.1% achieved in the first quarter of the year and the +0.6% in the second, in the third quarter GDP increased by 0.8% with respect to the same period in the previous year. After years of declining domestic demand, the positive GDP trend was supported by an upturn in consumer spending, which increased again in the third quarter of 2015 (by 1.1%, building on the 0.7% increase in the second) and by the gradual return of investments in productive capital.
The progress of the Italian economy is influenced by the global economic context, and specifically by factors such as the reduction in the oil price, a more favourable exchange rate and better conditions for financing, which are due in part to the European Central Bank’s policy of quantitative easing.
In this climate of recovery, Recodi’s turnover increased by 20% with respect to 2014. This upturn was due to a 49% increase in turnover from sales of concrete floors, whereas turnover from sales of resin floors remained unaltered. The boost in turnover began in June and continued through the remainder of the year.
The company won two large orders relating to the construction of two large logistics centres, carried out in late 2016 and early 2016. The EXPO in Milan generated two major orders for the Coca Cola pavilion and the Japan pavilion, which also had a positive impact in terms of the company’s image and marketing.
To ensure a constant flow in the acquisition of new orders, the company endeavours to raise its profile throughout Italy. To this end, in 2015 it participated in three trade fairs: Sigep, held in Rimini from 17 to 21 January; Ipack Ima, staged in Milan Rho from 19 to 23 May; and Macfrut, held in Rimini from 23 to 25 September. In addition, in October a conference was staged by Recodi, with all of the leading names in the chemical/pharmaceutical sector being invited to participate. The 41 attendees represented companies in the pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetics industries, as well as design studios and companies associated with the chemical/pharmaceutical sector. The event was featured in BergamoNews with a video-interview, and in the NCF journal and the Giornale della Logistica. Thanks to the event, Recodi succeeded in establishing new contacts and in consolidating existing relationships. The company believes strongly in the potential of the sector, both in Italy and internationally.
Recodi is increasingly gearing its business towards its international client base, and in 2015 it was involved in projects in the US and Switzerland. It also won an order for work to be carried out in Iran in 2016. The company is adapting its infrastructure to allow it to work with increasing frequency in overseas markets.