Some good news, at last, though long awaited, for the Italian production of machinery and technology to process wood and wood-based materials. According to the Acimall trend survey for the first quarter 2010, we are seeing a consolidation of recovery that started in the last three months of 2009. It’s mainly good news from foreign markets that are bringing cautious optimism also for the near future, still considering that these figures compare to the first quarter 2009 that was the most difficult period of the crisis. According to the statistic sample interviewed by the analysts of the

In the world of consumer products, shelf appeal is becoming increasingly important and packaging has become a major product differentiator. But sometimes the marketing geeks come up with a packaging geometry that is not compatible with automated equipment, which sets up some interesting design challenges, says Michele Falsini, export sales manager for RONCHI Mario, a manufacturer of flexible packaging machinery in Gessate, Italy. DN: How important is packaging to today’s consumer product companies? Falsini: As a huge element of brand awareness and promotion, packaging can literally be the key

Italian wind turbine manufacturer Brevini Wind intends to start production on a new facility in Indiana in the third quarter of 2010. The original start date was for the first quarter in 2011, however interest generated at the American Wind Energy Association’s annual conference has lead to a decision to speed up the company’s timetable regarding the project. The Italian company selected the region because of the outstanding technical talent pool as well as a strong base of suppliers and contractors. The manufacturing facility will employ 400 people once opened. In addition to manufacturing

Pratt Industries (http://www.prattindustries.com) will begin production of eco-friendly paper / packaging with the opening of its state-of-the-art, 100% recycled paper machine in Shreveport, La., which will become a major producer of lightweight paper in North America. The Shreveport mill, Pratt’s third paper machine in the United States, represents a $150 million investment in the future of the industry. It will specialize in 23-pound liners and mediums to meet market demand for less packaging and greater environmental responsibility. At capacity, the Italian-made OVER Meccanica S.p.A. (http

MACHINES ITALIA-UCIMU PROMOTE ITALIAN TECHNOLOGY IN CANADA