-Region-business representatives at Italy Pavilion-

OSAKA, Oct. 1, 2025/ANSA=Kyodo JBN/ -- 

The theme of innovation and advanced manufacturing as sources of attraction for foreign capitals was the focus of the meeting 'Investing in Piedmont: Crafting the Future of Manufacturing & Innovation' held at the Italy Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka.

    The event, organized by the Business and Made in Italy Ministry, the Piedmont Region and Ceipiemonte, highlighted the region's role as a European high tech investment hub, thanks to policies of support ranging from fiscal incentives to logistical aid and access to applied research networks.

    The protagonist was the chemical-pharmaceutical company Procos Spa, which announced an investment plan worth 150 million euros over the next eight years in the Cameri plant near Novara.

    "It comes in addition to the 100 million already spent for the expansion of production, bringing the overall value to 250 million", stated the CEO Enrico Zodio, together with the Chief Commercial Officer Kingo Yamashita.

    The investment strengthens the production site in Piedmont in the strategic sector of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

    Crea-Advantest, specialized in the design and manufacturing of automatic test equipment for power semiconductors, is also growing.

    After the acquisition by Japanese group Advantest, the company is aiming to increase its revenue from the current 15 million to 50 by 2029 and to boost its personnel to include 100 units.

    "Thanks to Piedmont's ecosystem, we are accelerating our industrial plan", said the Managing Director Fabio Marino, recalling the cooperation with Turin's Polytechnic University and the role played by young engineers who have studied in the region.

    Metal One, a company of the group Mitsubishi and Sojitz active in steel, which launched an investment in Asti in 2024, also spoke about its experience at the meeting, along with Yaskawa, a global leader in industrial robotics.

    The latter has invested in Orbassano in 'Yaskawa Space Italy', a multifunctional training and congress centre inaugurated in 2022.

    "We have found communities, partners and universities here to build the industry of the future", highlighted Tatsuya Yamada, the company's Senior Manager.

    Satisfaction for the announcements was also expressed by Ambassador Mario Vattani, the Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka.

    "The Italy Pavilion has proven itself as a strategic platform for the diplomacy of growth", he stated.

    Piedmont's Councillor Andrea Tronzano said "investments in crucial sectors strengthen the region's appeal".

    "We are moving as one system to present a cohesive and competitive territory", added the Secretary General of Unioncamere Piedmont Paolo Bertolino.

    Meanwhile Dario Peirone, President of Ceipiemonte, said "Japan is a target country, with 11 new investments being evaluated.

    "In parallel, we are supporting Japanese companies already present with aftercare actions", he noted.

    And institutions welcomed the announcements.

    According to Riccardo Scarpulla, Director of Office II - Mission Unit for the Attraction and Unlocking of Investments at the Business and Made in Italy Ministry, legislative reforms, initiatives and services promoted by the Business and Made in Italy Ministry enhance and promote foreign investments in Italy.

    The event registered the presence of over 60 Japanese companies including investors, businesses and institutions, confirming the interest in Piedmont's industries of excellence including aerospace, automotive, automation and robotics.

    Such assets, together with research and training, make Piedmont one of the most dynamic areas of Europe in industrial transition and innovation.

Source: General Commissioner’s Office of Italy for Expo 2025 Osaka