A 4% increase in the Italian market in 2025, new production investments, and the strengthening of foreign subsidiaries in a shrinking global market. Strategic investments to boost production beyond 31 machines per day.
San Defendente di Cervasca (CN), 27/01/26 – The international market for agricultural and industrial mechanisation is undergoing a profound transformation. All this is driven by the growing adoption of advanced technologies, automation, and sustainable solutions. In agriculture, innovation now revolves around precision farming, digitalisation, and more efficient use of resources. However, in the industrial sector, the integration of automation and artificial intelligence is reshaping production processes and global competitiveness.
In this complex economic climate,Merlo Group continues to demonstrate its strength despite an international market downturn of almost 15% (driven by geopolitical uncertainty and economic difficulties in key countries such as Germany and France). In particular, the Italian market stands out for its strong resilience and growth: in 2025, it recorded 4% growth, establishing itself as one of the main forces driving growth.
Over the year, the company sold around 1300 telehandlers and 600 vehicles for waste collection in the Italian market, consolidating its leadership and strengthening its relationship with domestic customers.
International growth and industrial strengthening
“Alongside the results achieved in Italy, 2025 was a year of strong acceleration on the international front”, says Paolo Merlo, Chairman and CEO of the Merlo Group. We are actively pursuing the expansion launched in 2024 with the establishment of Merlo US. The company now has 30 employees and has recently been strengthened by the appointment of Rick Fernandez as Product Manager. This is complemented by a series of strategic initiatives designed to ensure a direct presence in key international markets. During the year, we completed the acquisition of 100% of Merlo Deutschland GmbH, based in Bremen and employing over 50 people, and opened a new subsidiary in Ireland. We also strengthened our presence in Australia, which will now also cover the New Zealand market.
On the industrial front, we aim to boost production capacity beyond the current level of 31 machines per day. We have already built 15000 square metres of new production space. Further investments are also planned to expand the Cervasca plant, upgrade existing lines, and introduce new machinery as well as automated systems, including advanced robotics. This plan has been made possible by the Group’s solid financial position and its strong ties with the local area”.
People and well-being at the heart of our strategy
Alongside its industrial and commercial growth, the Merlo Group has, in recent years, intensified its commitment to employee well-being and workplace quality. Investments have included the creation of new break areas, the introduction of listening and psychological support programmes, and a broad professional as well as personal development plan, with more than 25000 hours delivered.
This journey received formal recognition at the end of 2025, when the Group – based in the province of Cuneo – obtained certification under the WHP – Workplace Health Promotion programme for the specific initiatives implemented in 2024 to promote and protect employees’ health and well-being.
The WHP programme (inspired by the World Health Organization model), promotes healthy lifestyle choices through initiatives focused on nutrition, physical activity, smoking prevention, and employee well-being. With respect to this commitment, Merlo has announced a new strategy for 2026, dedicated specifically to tackling smoking.
