Extrusion International 4-2026

17 Extrusion International 4/2026 countries increased by an average of 12% (with Tunisia the only exception), whereas shipments to sub-Saharan African markets contracted by 30%, despite positive performances in Ni- geria and Kenya. According to ISTAT data, imports increased signi cantly by 23%, reaching a value of 1.17 billion euros. This trend can largely be attributed to the effects of the Industry 4.0 and Transition 5.0 investment incentive programmes. Most recent ISTAT foreign trade data for the rst quarter of the cur - rent year indicate a slowdown, with imports declining by approximately 31% and exports by around 4%. During the meeting, the nine members of the General Council for the 2026–2028 term were elected: • Alessandro Balzanelli – FB BALZANELLI • Michele Bandera – BANDERA • Elena Barrale – EUROVITI • Alessandra Bosco – INGLASS • Andrea Comerio – COMERIO ERCOLE • Alberto Piva – PET SOLUTIONS • Fabiola Plebani – MAST • Renzo Privitera – GEFRAN • Corrado Zanga – UNILOY. According to President Massimo Margaglione, "Although the sector's performance declined compared with 2024, the overall picture is not particu - larly alarming, both because it follows four consecutive years of growth and in light of the numerous and serious geopolitical challenges that have characterized the global environment for some time. Despite considerable dif culties, our companies have dem - onstrated their ability to withstand these pressures." AMAPLAST www.amaplast.org Presence in North America Strengthened Measuring technology specialist PiXARGUS is further expanding its sales activities across the Atlantic un- der the umbrella of the CiTEX group. Jeff Foster, Vice President Business Development of the CiTEX sister com- pany iNOEX LLC, is now representing PiXARGUS for North America. A renowned expert in inline me- trology, with deep knowledge of the Americanmarket, Jeff now also brings inspection systems from PiXARGUS into his portfolio: “Jeff is an ideal ad- dition who will further strengthen PiXARGUS’ presence across the USA, Canada and Mexico,” says PiXARGUS Sales Manager, Michael Frohn. Expert in complex solutions – from consulting to the implementation Jeff Foster is a US citizen. Since last year, he has been successfully leading the North American sales ac- tivities of iNOEX LLC. He brings with him 18 years of inline metrology and automation experience. Jeff is a sea- soned expert who accompanies his clients with profound consultation all the way through to the successful implementation of solutions of com- plex scope – always with the aim of maximizing productivity and quality for his clients. Now, he is also going to assist the clients of PiXARGUS with his know-how and expertise. Sales Manager Michael Frohn is con dent that “With this move, we are under- scoring our commitment to growth and closer customer relationships.” Demo tour of the new PiXARGUS Pro lControl 7 XLine series iNOEX LLC is well prepared for the new sales area: It has obtained from PiXARGUS an AllRounDia DualVision system as well as the company’s brand new inline inspection systems Pro lControl 7 PlastX for plastic pro - les and Pro lControl 7 RubberFlex for rubber extrusion. Jeff will soon get in touch with interested US- based PiXARGUS clients. He is addi- tionally planning a dedicated initia- tive for the market launch of the new XLine series in the American market: Selected companies will get the op- portunity to experience live – at their sites – the capabilities of the smart in- line inspection systems. PiXARGUS GmbH A CiTEX Group Company www.pixargus.com iNOEX LLC A CiTEX Group Company www.inoex.com Jeff Foster, Vice President Business Development of CiTEX sister company iNOEX LLC, is now also the port of call for PiXARGUS clients