The Italian Trade Agency via its Chicago Office and Italy’s ASSOCOMAPLAST, (Italian plastics and rubber machinery, ancillary equipment and moulds manufacturers’ association) will soon publish its legal guide for Italian companies - primarily involved in manufacturing sectors who are looking to enter into the United States. The project has had strategic partners in developing its content, including the University of Chicago’s Law School and legal firms such as Chicago’s Bryan Cave LLP providing content and support. The guide addresses the do’s and don’ts for Italian companies coming into the US

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

ASSAGO, ITALY -- Italian plastics and rubber machinery makers expect to produce 4.2 billion euros ($5.5 billion) in equipment this year, with exports of 2.6 billion euros ($3.45 billion), according to Italy's plastic and rubber machinery association Assocomaplast. The association examined imports and exports from the first nine months of the year and found that exports increased 9 percentage points, while imports increased 2 percent. Compared to 2010-2011, the balance of trade for the sector increased 11 percent to 1.41 billion euros ($1.5 billion). Europe is still the top export destination

According to statistics provided by the association, Assocomaplast, Italian imports and exports for the sector recorded new gains in the first half of 2012 with respect to the same period in 2011. Italian exports for the sector, marked a substantial increase (+11%) exceeding 1.23 billion euros overall. This has produced measurable improvement in the balance of trade, which has reached figures well in excess of 900 million euros. Regarding the principal types of machinery exported, extruders, accounting for roughly 12% of the total, continue to record double-digit growth, approaching twenty

ASSOCOMAPLAST, the Italian Plastics and Rubber Processing Machinery and Moulds Manufacturers Association, will be exhibiting at the upcoming PLAST-EX Show, taking place in Toronto, from June 21 to 23 - Booth 2425. Founded in 1960, ASSOCOMAPLAST represents and promotes 170 leading Italian plastics and rubber machinery, ancillary equipment and moulds manufacturers. ASSOCOMAPLAST organizes PLAST 2012, the benchmarking trade show for plastic and rubber machinery and equipment in Europe, in 2012. ASSOCOMAPLAST is a partner of the Machines Italia project since its inception in 2001 and collaborates

The Italian plastics and rubber machinery and equipment manufacturers association Assocomaplast said the sector saw production value increase by more than 9% in 2010 - higher than the 8% growth figure predicted in December last year. The association says overall production value, according to information from its 170 members, increased 9.1% to €3.6bn. “All five of the main indicators for the sector reveal decidedly positive trends, recovering the losses suffered in 2009 compared with the record year 2008,” says Assocomaplast. Imports increased 17.2% to €567m, while exports went up 9.7% to €2bn