- Italy | 14 June 2018
Could you provide us with a brief overview of ATT and how it fits into the wider group’s operations?
ACS, also known as ATT, has been operating in the engineering and manufacturing field of climatic chambers for environmental testing since 1952. Our equipment is used to test the behavior of electronics and mechanical components in various environments. In the aerospace industry, our focus is on creating testing environments that mimic the parameters that a satellite would experience in space, including simulating a vacuum and thermal radiation. While the aerospace industry only accounts for 10% of the Environmental Testing market share, compared to 30-35% for automotive, we are a leader in testing for aerospace applications, with aerospace and defense representing about 30% of our business. ACS is the largest business under the Angelantoni Industrie Group, which operates in life science and renewable energy as well.
How crucial is the international market for ATT’s growth?
ACS already has a market share of over 60% in Italy, so our future growth depends on expanding abroad. We have a strong presence in several international markets, including Poland, Turkey, Spain, China, and India, and we have seen recent growth in Germany. This year, we plan to open our fourth subsidiary in France, adding to our existing subsidiaries in Germany, China, and India.
Where is ATT currently directing its R&D investments?
We are currently developing a new type of space simulator with the goal of reducing liquid nitrogen consumption by 50%. This technology is unique and a contributing factor to our recognition as leaders in the field. We can also provide smaller space simulators ranging from one to three cubic meters and up to 500 cubic meters. In the aerospace industry, it is often necessary to provide customers with the best technical solution in the shortest delivery time possible. That is why we have developed standardized modules for smaller space simulators, allowing us to deliver within five to six months.
What are ATT’s key strategies for the next few years?
This is a niche market with many players, so we plan to pursue necessary mergers and acquisitions to enter complex markets and take on ambitious projects. Our primary target is to consolidate our presence in markets such as China, India, and Russia, as well as some remaining EU countries, before expanding into the United States. We plan to invest in our sales and service organizations, but we also recognize the need to set up at least two facilities in the United States and Asia with manufacturing capabilities to better support local customers with the necessary customization. While we are evaluating some potential acquisitions, we are not ruling out the possibility of cooperation agreements with other private entities, including competitors.