The sample of enterprises

The METALnet 2005 survey was carried out on a statistically significant sample of 404 companies. This allowed to report the sample data t to the mechanical engineering companies included in the Ateco 2002 codes DJ, DK, DL and DM, with the exception of DL 33.1 - medical equipment, dental technicians and orthopaedic prosthesis manufacturers - which was excluded.
The aim of this methodology is to estimate, with a relatively low probable error, the structural characteristics of metalworking enterprises, obtaining reliable statistics at provincial level. it also provides information that cannot be inferred from official statistical sources referring to enterprises of all size classes, including smaller ones.
The method adopted gives an opportunity to monitor structural changes in the sector over time.
In fact, the use of a statistically significant sample makes the data available for every possible periodic survey allowing a comparison with previous surveys. This makes it possible to observe the transformations taking place in the sector.