Dec 20, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. The Italian Xylexpo 2008 trade faire annouced early figures: until mid of December 700 exhibitors had already booked over 70 thousand square meters of exhibition area, largely above the same period of two years ago. This result concerns both Italian exhibitors (470 for 51 thousand square meters) and international companies, with 230 exhibitors and over 19 thousand square meters. “With still five months to go before the official opening of Xylexpo NEW, we already have significant figures”, said Paolo Zanibon, general secretary of the exhibition.

“The upcoming event will once again prove the global role of our biennial show: after the record attendance by visitors from all over the world in 2006, when they accounted for 51% of total attendance, we will see an increase in the share of international companies that are choosing Xylexpo NEW to present their news and meet their partners. We are very confident that the 2008 edition will shatter many records, also as a result of many new ideas we have deployed, from the focus on primary operation to the introduction of supplies and semifinished materials, just to mention a few. “As compared to 2006 – added Zanibon – this year we will have one hall more, number 14, where we have placed primary operation technology... it’s already sold out! Now we are adopting all necessary strategies to offer an opportunity to all those who want to attend our exhibition in FieraMilano in Rho.”

Looking at the different product categories featured at Xylexpo NEW, there is strong demand from companies involved in solid wood processing. These have already taken most of the available space in Halls 6-10. Reservations are proceeding at sustained rate also in the halls for panel processing. In this respect, there is widespread demand for an expansion of exhibition areas. A few significant examples: SCM Group will take 6,400 square meters; 2,800 will be taken by Biesse Group, just like Homag Group, and over 1,100 for Weinig.