May 25, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. The orders of Italian woodworking machinery and tools confirm the positive trend of the industry also in the first quarter 2007, with 5.9% growth as compared to the first three months of 2006. This is the result of the quarterly survey by the Studies Office of Acimall - the association that gathers 221 manufacturers, accounting for 90% of Italian production - based on the figures collected from a sample that represents the entire industry in terms of dimensions and production categories. The survey reveals the good health of Italian woodworking technology, thanks to an excellent trend on international markets (+8.1% in first quarter 2007 as compared to second quarter 2006). Unfortunately, this was not combined with a similar enthusiasm of Italian partners (+1.0% increase in technology orders from Italian companies). A lively situation is characterizing prices which, according to the sample companies, from January 2007 have increased by 1.9% over 2006 as a whole. The period of ensured production amounts to 3.4 months, versus 3.1 months in the final quarter of last year. According to the quality survey for the January-March period, 62% of the interviewed companies indicate a stationary production trend in the short term, 21% growing and 17% decreasing. Available stocks are stable according to 62% of the sample companies, increasing for 21% and decreasing for 17%. A stationary trend is also expected for employment according to 83% of the sample, while 14% expect an increase and 33% fear shrinkage. The general mood is “serenity”: 55% of the sample of Italian entrepreneurs believe that, in the next few months, foreign orders will remain substantially stable according, while they will increase for 35% and shrink for 10% (positive balance +25). On the domestic market, things are not going to change - as compared to the January-March period - according to 48% of the interviewees; instead 38% expect “sustained” growth and 14% a decrease (positive balance +24).