Spanish Machine Tool Sector up by 5.4%

San Sebastian, Spain – The Spanish machine tool and advanced manufacturing sector reached a new milestone in 2018 with the sales of €1,796.1 million, representing a growth of 5.4 percent with respect to 2017’s €1,703.5 million. Performance was up in metal cutting (+15.7%), components (+6.9%), tools (+4.6%) and machining and services (+24.2%). The metal forming sector has been unable to avoid a setback of 7.38 percent this year. César Garbalena, Chairman, AFM, the Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Machine Tools, accessories, parts and tools, said, “Contrary to 2017, 2018 has been notably better for metal cutting than for metal forming. The portfolio of orders accumulated over the last two years has maintained the level of sales in line with the forecasts we made at the beginning of the year.” Exports have increased by almost 10 percent, bringing the sector to its highest figure with €1,363.2 million, compared to €1,239.8 million in 2017.

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