2025 Thought Leaders: Martin Broglia

What growth opportunities do you predict for your industry in 2025?

Population growth and urban sprawl will prompt high demand for projects that relate to infrastructure. This will include road infrastructure and tunnels, water treatment and desalination plants, as well as steelmaking — especially when you consider the government’s ambitious housing targets.

This also leads to more opportunities in the power sector with renewables being a key focus on the agenda. This presents an opportunity for us to provide specialised solutions, especially customised and tailored solutions that meet unique application requirements. Of course, resources and mining, food production and the meat industry remain top performers and Bonfiglioli is well placed to supply products into all of these industries as well.

With all of these projects there will be a higher demand for customised and tailored solutions that meet unique application requirements. There will also be increasing demand for Industry 4.0-ready solutions.

What are the three biggest challenges or threats facing your industry in 2025?

I would say there are four significant challenges facing our industry. The first of these is rising costs — including the cost of energy, inflation and interest rates, as well as labour. The second would be increasing competition.

There is also increasing customer demand for solutions that reduce their costs, while also enhancing productivity, efficiency and flexibility.

Finally, there is the need to modernise, including the updating of equipment to facilitate the adoption of new technology, as well as the re-skilling or upskilling of staff.

How do you see artificial intelligence influencing your industry in 2025 and beyond?

I expect it will impact the power transmission sector in much the same way it is impacting other industries: it will enable more efficient, productive and cost-effective operations, as well as data-driven business strategy, design of solutions and customer service.

AI is totally pervasive in our business environment and sometimes incorporated in ways you hardly even realise — if you even just think about the software we use every day.

So there is no question that it will influence us and better the way in which we do business.

How is your company tracking with its decarbonisation targets and ESG reporting requirements?

Earlier this year, the Bonfiglioli Group announced the development of its new Sustainability Policy — a document that underscores our steadfast dedication to sustainability, transparency and responsible business practices. It also serves as a beacon to guide the Group’s efforts towards a more sustainable and resilient business model. It’s aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the Group’s core values of Challenge, Respect, Accountability and Winning Together.

The target commitments expressed in this policy include the design and creation of sustainable workplaces and the reduction of the environmental impact of the Group’s activities, processes and products.

The company is making good progress on these goals, having already achieved environmental certifications for our buildings and plants, such as the Energy Management System certification according to ISO50001:2018, obtained in 2021 for the Italian plant in Forlì and extended to the EVO plant in 2022. In addition, in the same year, we obtained ISO 14001 certification for the environmental management systems at the Calderara di Reno plant and the Mannur plant in India.

How will your business assist with Australia’s mission of reshoring our manufacturing capabilities?

Bonfiglioli Australia and New Zealand recently completed the expansion of local facilities, enabling us to support local manufacturers with ample stock of specialised geared products, faster delivery, and comprehensive service and technical support.

In Sydney, this expansion included the purchase of a new HD machine from Italy. This fully automated machine enables faster build and delivery of gearboxes, enabling Bonfiglioli to double its output, meeting customer demand for fast turnaround. In addition, we have invested in developing our local presence and stockholding, ensuring our customers receive exceptional support and service.

Meanwhile, the team in New Zealand relocated to larger facilities in Auckland. The new facility features a wide shop floor area of 1200 m² for warehouse, assembly and aftersales activities plus a 180 m² modern office area, allowing for business expansion and improved customer service.

Our established local presence allows us to bring high-quality global solutions and expertise to local manufacturers, supporting the drive to reshore manufacturing capabilities.

Martin Broglia was appointed as Managing Director for Bonfiglioli Australia and New Zealand almost six years ago. He holds an Electronic Engineering degree from his home country, Argentina, and an MBA from the University of Sydney. Martin has extensive experience in sectors ranging from mining and bulk materials handling, to packaging, logistics, and food and beverage manufacturing.