Oct 30, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. The positive trend which has been characterizing the Italian woodworking machinery industry for the last two years has been confirmed once again. This is the result provided by the quarterly survey carried out by the Acimall Studies Office on a sample of manufacturers of all types and sizes. The figures show that between July and September 2007 orders increased totally by 10.5% as compared to the same period in 2006. As usual, export played a leading role, with an increase by 13.5%. The orders from the national market were stationary (plus 0.6% as compared to the third quarter of the previous year): a market that covers almost 20% of the whole “made in Italy” production. During the first six months of this year, prices - according to the information provided by the sample companies - grew by 2%, with 3,5 months of ensured production. The quality survey for the third quarter gives a clear idea of the industry expectations for the future. According to the survey, 55% of the interviewed companies indicate a stationary production trend, 24% growing and 21% decreasing. Available stocks are stable according to 69% of the sample companies, decreasing for 14% and increasing for 17%. Employment is considered as stationary by 76% of the sample, increasing by 14% and falling by 10%. As to forecasts for the next period, international orders will be stationary according to 69% of the sample, further growing according to 24%, and decreasing according to 7% (positive balance +17). Looking at the Italian market, in the coming months it is expected to have a constant trend according to 69% of the interviewees, a rally for 17% and a shrinkage for the remaining 14% (negative balance, +3). Acimall - the Italian woodworking machinery and tools manufacturers’ association - is a member of Confindustria and represents 217 Italian manufacturers, i.e. 90% of Italian production. Woodworking technologies are an ace in the hole of the ‘made in Italy’ sector, with 12 thousand employees, a production worth 1.8 billion Euro and a 2006 export share of 82%.