A delegation of Italian companies led by UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, the Italian machine tool, robots, automation systems and ancillary products (NC, tools, components, accessories) manufacturers' association, will be touring automotive and aerospace manufacturing facilities in Alabama and Ohio and meet with industry decision makers in the two US states. The trip will take place from March 7 to 12 2016. The program of the delegation has been arranged by Machines Italia USA c/o ITC Chicago with the assistance of Economic Development Partnership of Alabama and the European American Chamber of

Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, a subsidiary of 3D-printing technology leader Stratasys (Eden Prairie, MN) published a report on the impact of 3D printing on manufacturing. The document is based on a survey of 700 designers, engineers and executives who work for companies committed to advanced manufacturing (AM) technology. 40% of them are employed by companies with more than $50 million in revenue. It is the only business report of its kind, dedicated to 3D printing and insights from professional users, such as the following: by a large margin, respondents ranked complex design capabilities

The Italian Trade Agency Office in Mexico City hands out the Italian Plastic Technology Award and the Italian Packaging Technology Award. The project aims to create a link between graduates and undergraduates in engineering programs at leading Mexican universities, and to increase their awareness of leading technology and solutions available in Italian plastics and packaging machinery. Each award had been organized alongside its respective Italian industry association: ASSOCOMAPLAST (the Italian Plastics and Rubber Processing Machinery and Moulds Manufacturers’ Association, www.assocomaplast

Machines Italia, in cooperation with the Industrial Association of Brescia (AIB), will be hosting an Automotive Industry event in Brescia, Italy from February 9 to 11, 2016. Selected Canadian and US buyers will be invited to the gathering to meet with 250 top Italian suppliers of technology, parts, components, equipment and R&D and engineering services. The travel expenses are covered by Machines Italia USA and AIB, and namely: Round-trip airfare (coach-class) to/from Milan, Italy; Accommodation (board and lodging) at Villa Fenaroli Palace Hotel - 4 nights; Ground transportation in Italy (to

Italy's System Logistics's automated vertical storage solutions company Modula US has announced a $6 Million USD investment in manufacturing at the firm’s Lewiston, Maine facility. The factory will be equipped with the latest automated lines to punch, bend, weld and cut sheet metal for a variety of Modula storage products. According to Modula US President Miguel Fabra, “40 years of experience designing, engineering and manufacturing storage equipment makes Lewiston an ideal place to develop the next generation of automated supply chain solutions. The combination of a skilled Maine workforce

Valbruna Slater Stainless Inc., a stainless steel and nickel-alloy manufacturer, has announced plans to expand its operations in Fort Wayne, Indiana., creating up to 45 new jobs by 2017. The company, which is a subsidiary of Vicenza, Italy-based Acciaierie Valbruna SpA, will invest $30.5 million to renovate and equip its Fort Wayne facilities, constructing a 166,000-sq.-ft. addition. The expanded facility is expected to be fully operational by late 2015. Valbruna Slater Stainless serves companies in the aerospace, automotive, industrial equipment, power-generation, chemical processing

During a recent exclusive interview with Dr. Giorgio Colombo, President of Italy's ASSOCOMAPLAST, the national association for plastics and rubber processing machinery and mold manufacturers' association, he shared his thoughts and insights on the industry's transitional period experienced in 2013, current and future challenges faced by manufacturers and a clear outlook for 2014. President, do you feel that 2013 may be considered a year with more light or more shadow for the Italian plastics and rubber machinery industry? I think that 2013 is a year of transition after strong growth in 2011

The first edition of MECHA-TRONIKA, the fair of intelligence for the industrial production recently completed its successful run October 23-26 at the Fiera Milano trade show center in Milan, Italy. MECHA-TRONIKA is a premier show dedicated to the systems and technologies able to optimize the machines, processes and systems management. Organised by EFIM-ENTE FIERE ITALIANE MACCHINE and FIERA MILANO, MECHA-TRONIKA is promoted by the official representatives of the sectors on display: AIDAM, Italian association of automation and mechatronics; ASSODEL, national association of electronic suppliers