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Concrete Products

GIC 2024 highlights optimism, innovation, and investment in Italian concrete sector

By Richard High, 16 May, 2024
Two men stand looking at a yellow and red concrete pump

Organisers of Italy’s GIC 2024 say this year’s show broke records, and emphasized optimism, innovation, and sustainability in the Italian concrete sector, thanks to a host of new product launches and governmental support

Last month’s GIC 2024 (18-20th April) buzzed with record-breaking participation at Piacenza Expo in Italy. The event hosted 263 exhibitors, up from 234 at the previous edition in 2022, while visitor attendance soared. Over 6,000 visitors from Italy and abroad descended on the halls of Piacenza Expo for GIC 2024, compared to around 5,000 in 2022.

“The growth in visitor numbers is certainly exciting, but what truly matters is the quality of interactions at the event – and we put considerable effort into ensuring that the right people attend to help exhibitors expand their businesses,” explained Fabio Potestà, director of Mediapoint & Exhibitions, the company behind GIC.

Underlining its significance in the industry, GIC 2024 received the support of more than 60 trade associations from across Europe. Alberto Truzzi, president of ASSOBETON (the Italian national trade association of manufacturers of concrete products, components, and structures), said: “GIC is an important and reference event, where concrete producers, machinery producers, users, customers, and designers can meet up. We are happy to be part of this entourage and to have excellent relations with GIC, which is an opportunity to do business and create culture.”

CAMS debuted a new electric screed preparation truck, boasting a more compact design, enhanced efficiency, and zero on-site emissions thanks to its electric engine.
Masterscreed launched the MS 60 laser-guided screeding machine, featuring smooth movement with a 6 m extension, 4 m width, and 360° rotation. This new product is ideal for laying large-scale concrete floors such as in warehouses or data centres.
Gefran, a supplier of automation and control components, launched two new sensors tailored for use on mobile hydraulic equipment such as excavators, telehandlers, or pavers. The GSH-sensor with draw wire, used for arm measurements, now boasts an extended reach of up to 12.6 m, while the KMC pressure sensor sets a new standard for compactness, meeting the demand for smaller electronics among OEMs.
Brokk showcased its latest innovation, the Brokk 170 demolition robot, making its debut in Italy. This updated model features a new remote control, enhanced electronics, and improved software, promising increased efficiency, reliability, and user-friendliness, thus reducing the learning curve for new operators.

Optimism in the European and Italian concrete markets

Despite slow growth in the European construction sector, there was a positive mood at the show, with 90% of exhibitors expressing optimism regarding the future growth of the European concrete market over the next five years, driven in part by the pressing need to renovate aging concrete infrastructure and the financial support offered via the NextGenerationEU initiative.

Demonstrating support from the Italian government, GIC 2024 received an official visit from Elena Murelli, member of the Italian security commission and senator for the Emilia-Romagna region, where Piacenza is located. 

"There have been many accidents in Italy concerning bridges, roads, and railways, and so the development of new technology and maintenance of infrastructure is very important,” said Murelli during her tour of the exhibition. “We are investing a lot in Italy with our new minister [for transport and infrastructure] Matteo Salvini and have a lot of money from the NRRP [National Recovery and Resilience Plan] we are using to build new infrastructure and guarantee the maintenance of existing infrastructure – and drive innovation across all aspects.”

45% of GIC exhibitors surveyed said NRRP investments are already boosting demand for their offerings. While 20% acknowledged they have yet to see the full impact, they remain hopeful about the opportunities the NRRP may bring.

Determination to reduce concrete’s environmental impact

Alongside infrastructure renewal, GIC exhibitors cited sustainability as the other main opportunity for growth in the European concrete industry. Companies offering solutions for reducing emissions and recycling materials reported a surge in adoption, reflecting an increasing understanding of the environmental impact of the concrete industry and a strengthening resolve to improve it. 

A significant majority (57%) of exhibitors said that sustainability is now their customers’ top concern. Looking ahead, an even larger portion (86%) believe that sustainability will be even more crucial for winning new business in the coming years.

Nevertheless, there is still some scepticism about the achievability of environmental targets and several exhibitors stressed that sustainability needs to be delivered as part of a package of benefits, including greater longevity, and lower cost.

However, the GIC organisers said overwhelming optimism expressed by exhibitors towards the future growth of the European concrete market, buoyed by governmental support and investment initiatives, underscores the sector's resilience and potential for development. 

As the industry continues to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities, the determination to reduce environmental impact while driving efficiency and innovation remains steadfast, reflecting a collective vision for a sustainable and thriving future.

The next edition of GIC will take place 16-18 April 2026. Find out more at www.gic-expo.it/en.

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