AMAFOND’s New Secretary General Discusses the Future of the Foundry Industry in Exclusive Interview
Leonardo Turini has taken over the role of Secretary General at AMAFOND, the Italian Association of Foundry Suppliers, succeeding Fabrizio Carmagnini. In an exclusive interview, Turini reflects on his professional journey, shares his perspective on today’s market conditions, and explains his vision for the further development of the Italian and European foundry sectors.
With broad international experience and a strong strategic mindset, Turini brings a comprehensive understanding of both the opportunities and challenges currently shaping the industry. His deep appreciation for Italy’s manufacturing heritage is paired with a pragmatic assessment of the obstacles companies are facing. Increasing geopolitical uncertainty, fluctuating energy costs, and vulnerable supply chains are creating significant challenges for manufacturers worldwide. Nevertheless, Turini believes these circumstances can serve as a catalyst for transformation. He highlights the Italian foundry sector’s proven resilience and its ability to remain competitive through high quality standards, specialized expertise, and ongoing technological progress.
Turini also points out that Europe’s established industrial strengths are undergoing a period of change. With global manufacturing landscapes shifting and developments such as the slowdown of Germany’s industrial sector influencing traditional market structures, companies must adapt to a new competitive environment. However, he views this transformation as a source of opportunity for businesses prepared to innovate and adjust their approaches. His goal is to position AMAFOND as a trusted guide for Italy’s foundry supply industry, an organization that does not merely respond to change but actively supports its members by fostering international connections, encouraging cooperation, and creating stronger partnerships in global markets.
A Global Perspective Built Through International Experience
Turini’s international perspective has been shaped by a career that has taken him across different markets and cultures. After completing a Master’s degree in Political Science as well as an Executive Master’s program in Export Management, he spent eight years working in the United States. During this period, he was active for the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) in Miami and Chicago, two important hubs of American business and industry. In addition, his professional development included specialized training with the Los Angeles Customs Brokers Association, allowing him to gain valuable expertise in international commerce, customs procedures, and the complexities of global supply networks.
Following his time in the United States, Turini continued to build experience in a wide range of international markets, with a particular focus on Europe, India, the United States, and Mexico. However, he views these countries not simply as commercial regions, but as places that have significantly influenced his personal and professional understanding of global business. His extended stays in India, including his time in New Delhi, where he received the news that he would become a father, as well as his family life in the United States, where he became a U.S. citizen, have provided him with unique insights into different economic systems and business approaches. Today, Turini sees the combination of international trade knowledge, technical expertise, and a broad global network as a key strength in his role as AMAFOND Secretary General. For him, leading the association is not limited to advocating for the interests of the industry; it is about creating connections between Italian engineering excellence and new opportunities in international markets.
Building on Heritage to Shape the Future – 80 Years of AMAFOND
Under Leonardo Turini’s leadership, AMAFOND will continue to build on the principles that have defined the association throughout its history. Since its establishment in 1946, technical expertise and a strong sense of cooperation among members have formed the foundation of AMAFOND’s identity. These values will remain central as the organization moves forward. One of the key events of the year will be the association’s 80th anniversary celebration, which will take place in Venice this November. The milestone will honor eight decades of commitment to the foundry supply industry while also highlighting AMAFOND’s ambitions for the years ahead.
Alongside preserving its established strengths, Turini aims to expand AMAFOND’s international presence and role as a partner for its members. Developing access to new markets is among his most important strategic objectives for the future. Through enhanced market insights, broader international connections, and increased visibility beyond Italy, AMAFOND seeks to support its member companies in expanding their global reach, diversifying their activities, and identifying new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Working Together to Enhance Competitiveness
According to Turini, addressing the current challenges facing the industrial sector requires commitment and coordinated efforts from both governments and companies. He emphasizes the need for competitive energy costs, less administrative complexity, and more efficient political processes. In addition, Europe requires a unified industrial strategy that acknowledges the importance of strong industrial value chains while promoting investments in innovation, digital transformation, and technical expertise. At the same time, companies must take responsibility for their own future by continuously refining their business models and increasing their flexibility to successfully navigate changing market conditions.
In this context, Turini views AMAFOND as an important partner and source of stability for the foundry supply sector. The association should serve as a connection point between its members and international markets, while also representing the interests and perspectives of Italy’s foundry industry in discussions with key decision-makers and institutions. A central element in advancing this mission will be the International Foundry Forum in Venice. Turini considers the event an important international meeting place for exchanging knowledge, fostering dialogue, and building stronger cooperation across borders. At the same time, the forum will help translate AMAFOND’s eight decades of experience and tradition into practical measures that support the long-term competitiveness and global positioning of Italy’s foundry supply industry.
About AMAFOND
AMAFOND (Associazione Italiana Fornitori Fonderie) serves as the representative body for Italy’s foundry suppliers. Established in 1946, the association brings together leading companies involved in the development and production of foundry machinery, equipment, melting and thermal treatment systems, die casting solutions, raw materials, as well as a wide range of products and services for ferrous and non-ferrous foundries. Today, with almost 100 member companies, AMAFOND represents a significant share of Italy’s manufacturing capacity in this field. The association supports its members in strengthening their international competitiveness by providing technical, economic, and regulatory expertise, while actively encouraging innovation and the expansion of export activities. In 2026, AMAFOND celebrates 80 years of commitment to the foundry industry.
