Since 1968 Xylexpo has become to be known and be recognized as the most important international trade show for woodworking machinery, technology and supplies for the furniture and cabinet making industries.  It is an ideal forum that rivals Ligna, in magnitude, and one where the most demanding needs are matched with the most technologically advanced solutions.   It is truly a not

The value of Italian textile machinery production for 2011 registered a 9% increase compared to 2010, from 2.4 to 2.6 billion euros. A similar increase was recorded for exports (+10%), which reached a value of just over 2.1 billion euros.

The machine tools index of orders has grown significantly with an increase of 58.2% in the third quarter 2011 compared to the period of July-September 2010. Giancarlo Losma, president of UCIMU states: “The excellent performance of foreign orders continues but the interesting data, emerging from this quarterly survey, is the awakening of domestic demand.

On the heels of the highly successful "Italian Night @ FABTECH 2011" event, Machines Italia along with the Italian Consulate in Chicago representatives spent time with some of the Italian companies exhibiting at FABTECH 2011 who were featured in The Italian Edge series.

Each year, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center and the Office of the Governor (Illinois) honor local companies for their significant achievements in protecting the environment, helping sustain the future, and improving the economy.

North American auto industry leaders say the top three benefits of investing in new plant equipment are a higher quality product (26 percent); increased throughput (23 percent); and lower overall operating costs (20 percent). And of those companies that use Italian-made industrial machinery, most say the biggest benefit they derive from it is help in meeting strategic and operational goals.

Machines Italia representatives meet with many of the Italian participants at this year's show illustrating the various activities the project does on behalf of Italian manufacturers in North America.

The Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers at its annual show, AWFS Fair 2011 (July 20-23, 2011) in Las Vegas announced the 2011 recipients of its AWFS Fair Sequoia New Product Awards. The awards not only address creativity and innovation but also leadership in green/environmental product development.

Italy's Flame Spray S.p.A., an international leader in making thermal spray coatings, will establish its new production facility in Laurens County, South Carolina. The $9.2 million investment is expected to generate more than 50 new jobs over the next five years and establish a state-of-the-art thermal spray coating facility within the country. {pagebreak}

Amafond, the trade association of Italian equipment manufacturers and suppliers to the metalcasting industry, on the occasion of the 12th edition of the GIFA Show (June 28 - July 2, 2011), published a new directory of its members.