ONE REPORT ABOUT THE ITALIAN MACHINERY: "Why reinvent the wheel?" Turning innovation into productivity A special publication, by the Italian Trade Commission in conjunction with the editors of The Manufacturer, which explores the creativity, flexibility, and innovation of machine manufacturing in Italy. With famous names such as Ferrari and Lamborghini in the auto industry, and Prada and Dolce & Gabbana in the fashion world, Italian brands have long been associated with design and innovation. But did you know that Italy is also the second largest exporter of pharmaceutical packaging equipment to the United States, or that annually its plastics machinery exports are in excess of $152 million to this country? The following pages are filled with the latest news and insightful features that detail the doings of more than 14 industrial machinery manufacturing sectors and 10,000 companies that encompass Machines Italia: agricultural/farm machinery; ceramics; earthmoving machinery; food technology; footwear, leathergoods and tanning; foundry and metallurgical machinery; glass; marble and stone; metalworking; packaging; plastics and rubber; printing, graphic and converting; textile machinery; and wood. The cover story on page 12 first digs into the rich history of Italian innovations. For centuries, Italian innovators like Da Vinci, Galileo and Marconi have dramatically changed the world in which we live. The tradition of creative excellence they embody lives on through today's Italian manufacturers. Sincerely, Paola Bellusci Trade Commissioner-Chicago. Italian Trade Commission Government Agency