Mechanical subcontracting continues to be a strategic asset for Italian industry and the broader European manufacturing sector. After a two-year slowdown, the industry is expected to enter a period of gradual stabilization, with an anticipated improvement in operating conditions during the second half of 2026.
Automotive, aerospace, energy, defence, packaging and agri-food are just some of the sectors that rely on the excellence of a supply network made up of highly specialized micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. These companies are called upon both to capitalize on the sector’s strengths and to address crucial challenges affecting its competitiveness, from innovation and the energy transition to internationalization.
In this context, MECSPE – the leading exhibition dedicated to innovation in manufacturing – plays a strategic supporting role. Scheduled to take place at BolognaFiere from 3 to 5 March 2027, MECSPE offers entrepreneurs access to expertise, technologies and cutting-edge solutions through its dedicated Mechanical Subcontracting Hall.
For many years, both the exhibition and the Hall have benefited from the prestigious collaboration of the most important industry associations, whose contribution enhances the event’s authority and strengthens its connection with Italy’s entrepreneurial fabric.
What are the sector’s strengths?
According to Roberta Piccinini, National President of CNA Meccanica and CNA Produzione: «Mechanical subcontracting companies are an essential component of Italy’s industrial competitiveness. They are often small businesses, but with an extraordinary wealth of expertise and technical capabilities. Their strength lies in their ability to adapt to change, operate across different supply chains and develop tailor-made solutions for increasingly demanding markets.»
This perspective is reinforced by Maruska Sabato, MECSPE Project Manager: «The sector can rely on two major drivers of growth: innovation and internationalization. Investments in automation, digitalization and high value-added components are reshaping production processes, while the ability to build strong partnerships throughout the supply chain is creating new opportunities in global markets. The result is an increasingly competitive sector, capable of responding to the needs of demanding and rapidly evolving markets, while maintaining the practical approach that has always distinguished Italian manufacturing.»
Exports represent another strategic asset for Italian companies. Mechanical engineering and subcontracting account for a significant share of Italian manufacturing, with a strong international outlook and a substantial presence in global value chains. This confirms the high regard in which companies in the sector are held abroad for their reliability, quality, customization capabilities and production flexibility.
To support this international expansion, MECSPE has long promoted a structured internationalization programme featuring international buyers and dedicated incoming activities designed to foster connections between global demand and high-quality Italian supply.
What challenges is the sector facing?
According to Roberta Piccinini: «To continue growing, the sector needs the right enabling conditions: sustainable energy costs, investment in skills, simpler incentive schemes and stronger integration among companies. As CNA, we are committed to supporting this path, including through initiatives such as the Artigianato e Scuola project and the CNA Network, which encourage industrial connections, supply chain integration and new development opportunities.»
Energy costs remain one of the most critical issues affecting business competitiveness. Data from the CNA Energy Observatory highlights a structural gap compared with the European average, with particularly significant consequences for SMEs operating in the metalworking subcontracting sector.
Wholesale electricity prices in Italy are approximately 28% higher than in France, around 31% higher than in Germany and 53% higher than in Spain. In this context, energy efficiency, electrification and the transition toward more sustainable production models are becoming decisive factors for strengthening business competitiveness.
In addition to energy-related challenges, the sector is also facing a significant skills shortage. Around 60% of the technical roles sought by metalworking companies are difficult to fill, particularly positions such as CNC machine operators, specialized welders, industrial maintenance technicians and mechanical design engineers.
To help bridge this gap, MECSPE has launched MECSPE Young & Career, an initiative designed to promote talent and facilitate connections between companies and the next generation of Industry 5.0 professionals.
What are the advantages of participating in MECSPE, and particularly in the Mechanical Subcontracting Hall?
«MECSPE is where the quality of mechanical subcontracting meets the needs of Italian and international industrial supply chains,» concludes Maruska Sabato. «The Mechanical Subcontracting Hall, in particular, showcases a sector that is central to industrial production and made up of highly specialized companies that guarantee precision and flexibility. Collaboration with authoritative associations such as CNA strengthens our connection with Italy’s business community and allows us to bring expertise, valuable content and a supply-chain perspective to the exhibition. Our goal is to provide companies, entrepreneurs and managers with a practical environment for networking and dialogue, fostering new partnerships and enhancing the role of mechanical subcontracting in the competitiveness of manufacturing.»
From March 3 to 5, 2027, MECSPE will once again be the place where industry leaders come together to look toward the future of Italian manufacturing.
For more information: www.mecspe.com/en
