The May 13-17 show, which saw the return of major Italian machinery producers Biesse and Cefla, also saw the proportion of international visitors grow to 42% of all visitors – an increase of 8.5%.
Visitor levels from continental Europe grew by 12.7%, while Africa and the Americas also grew 16% and 1.8% respectively. Organisers said the event, held at the Fiera-Rho expo centre, saw a rally in the number of Italian visitors during the finals two days of the show.
“Although the Italian market is still facing serious difficulty, the exhibition reaffirmed its international scope and its attractiveness for the industry,” said organiser Acimall (Italian woodworking machinery and tools manufacturers’ association).
Exhibitor numbers reached 440, just short of two year ago (450), while the net exhibition display space reduced slightly to 27,000m2 (2012: 30,000m2) due to many companies booking smaller stands.
The first-ever Xylexpo Innovation Awards saw Salvador win the communications category, while Homag Group scooped the technical innovation award.
