Some employment figures

Perhaps the most important characteristic of employment in the ceramic sector is its long-term stability at high values.

The ceramic sector is the main source of employment for the whole cluster area and is critical for the economy of various municipalities in the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia. It has allowed the area to achieve and maintain a previously-unknown level of affluence.

The productivity of the facilities has increased enormously over the past few years, largely due to more efficient operational organisation.

The increased commercial penetration worldwide and high quality of Italian products has allowed the industry to avoid the employment crisis that has occurred in many other sectors as a result of modernisation.

Furthermore, the figures for female employment have remained stable at very high values (about 40% of all employees). The professional level of female employees has also increased considerably due to the introduction of technologies in the production cycle and higher numbers of white-collar workers.