SCM Group demonstrates strength and leadership at Xylexpo 2024

Xylexpo 2024, the most important trade fair dedicated to technologies and equipment for the wood industry in Italy, witnessed a show of strength from SCM Group, the Italian leader in the sector. In a press conference held on the first day of the event, SCM's top management presented the company's vision for the future of the industry, based on innovation, digitalisation, sustainability and customer orientation.

Record results in 2023 and optimistic outlook

At the opening of the conference, Luigi De Vito, SCM Group CEO, highlighted the excellent performance in 2023, when the group surpassed the 900 million euro turnover threshold, thanks to both the Wood Division and the other entities - CMS (technologies for other materials) and Hiteco. Despite a difficult macroeconomic context, SCM officials are optimistic about the development of orders in the second part of 2024 and in 2025. The reasons cited are the group's consistent investments in products, services and global expansion, the company's financial strength and the stability and expertise of the management team.

7% of turnover invested in innovation

One notable statement was that SCM Group allocates 7% of turnover to innovation annually, well above the industry average. "Focused" innovation, concentrating on segments where the company can create the greatest added value, such as CNC machining centres, edge application solutions and finishing technologies, is the key to maintaining and strengthening leadership.

Integrated technologies in complete customer solutions

The SCM stand at Xylexpo reflected this philosophy, abandoning the classic approach of presenting individual machines in favour of a process-oriented vision. All technologies and innovations were integrated into complete production workflows and digitally connected via the proprietary Maestro Connect IoT platform. This gave customers a clear picture of how they can improve the productivity and sustainability of their own manufacturing processes using SCM solutions.

Beyond technology: software, services, people

The "SCM is more" philosophy was explained by Pietro Gheller, newly appointed director of the Wood Division. Beyond machines and equipment, the SCM offering brings added value to customers through digitisation, sustainability, versatile software solutions (both vertical and horizontal), a proactive approach to service based on data analysis collected from thousands of connected machines, and by investing in people - the group's employees, partners and customers.

Focus on the timber construction segment

A strategic direction highlighted at the conference was the focus on the sustainable timber construction segment. SCM launched new dedicated machine models (Oikos XS, CLT sanding machines) and is counting on the collaboration with Randek (Sweden) to become a relevant player in this high potential niche.

Long-term partnership with customers

In essence, the message conveyed by SCM Group was that of a long-term partnership with customers, beyond the simple supplier-buyer relationship. From continuous improvement of manufacturing technologies and services, to digital solutions that deliver value, to joint competence development projects (SCM Academy), everything is designed to support customers' competitiveness and success, regardless of the economic climate.

A concrete example of this approach: the SCM stand at Xylexpo was built entirely with the solutions and know-how of one of the group's Italian customers - living proof of the results that can be achieved through close supplier-user collaboration.

In conclusion, SCM Group's strong presence and messages at Xylexpo 2024 are an expression of well-deserved leadership through innovation, passion and customer focus. With a clear strategy and impeccable execution, SCM positions itself as a benchmark and essential partner for any company active in the woodworking industry.