Exports of Italian machinery have risen 37% during the first quarter of 2011, compared with the same period last year, according to the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT). Compared with growth during 2010, the number of Italian exports has increased by 27%. Italian machinery manufacturers will be looking to build on this success at ITMA in September. Approximately 320 companies are expected to exhibit at the event across 20,000sq m or 25% of total space in terms of exhibitors and surface area. The Italian contingent comprises of 73 manufacturers from the spinning