SIMAC TANNING TECH. A global leader in technology for the industry
The 52nd edition of the Italian trade fair took place at Fiera Milano Rho, Italy, as the largest international event dedicated to machinery, technologies, systems and solutions for footwear, leather goods and tanning. ASSOMAC, the national association representing manufacturers in the sector, was responsible for organizing the event.
This global dimension was also reflected in the exhibition's composition: 30% of the brands, exhibitors and organizations represented more than 20 countries, while nearly half of the visitors came from abroad. Attendance was 25% higher than in 2025. From September 15 to 17, more than 8,800 professionals attended the exhibition, a figure that exceeded 11,500 visitors thanks to its simultaneous staging with MICAM, LINEAPELLE and MIPEL, which increased visitor traffic. The organizers linked this result to the support of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and cooperation among the exhibitions representing the industry supply chain.
ASSOMAC president Mauro Bergozza referred to internationalization, stating: “SIMAC TANNING TECH plays a decisive role in this process: it does more than simply bring together operators and technologies from around the world in Milan; it creates the conditions for establishing lasting industrial relationships and opening up new avenues for development.”
Among its activities extending beyond Italy, the event focused part of its efforts in 2026 on Egypt, particularly Robbiki Leather City. The tanning district is part of a modernization program supported by € 6 million from Italian Cooperation, covering infrastructure, technology transfer, training and technical assistance.
The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with AICS Cairo and other industrial and institutional stakeholders, while ASSOMAC seeks to strengthen connections between Italian companies and the Egyptian industry. In this regard, approximately 90% of the technology at Robbiki Leather City comes from Italy. In a second phase, the initiative will focus on an area specifically intended for the footwear sector.
In addition, during SIMAC TANNING TECH, an Egyptian institutional and business delegation participated in a Study Tour. At the same time, ASSOMAC and the Leather Technology Training Center (LTTC) signed an agreement to develop training and research activities.
Dialogue with Latin America was also strengthened, addressing the technological and production needs of 12 South American countries, including the Mercosur region. A three-year memorandum of understanding was signed between ASSOMAC and ACCAL, an association representing Latin American manufacturers, laying the groundwork for technical, industrial and training cooperation aimed at promoting the growth and modernization of local supply chains.
