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EMO Milan 2003 draws international participation

Sept. 1, 2003
For eight days in October, Milan will become the world's showplace of technology.

For eight days in October, Milan will become the world's showplace of technology.

Thomas J. Grasson
Editor

Manufacturers from around the world are all facing the same challenge — how to compete in a global market. They must endure a never-ending battle in the fight to gather information on process innovations and new developments, understand technical specifications of products, and find ways to be more productive.

In their search for answers, the EMO Milan 2003 Trade Fair may just be the place that holds the most promise. Perhaps that's precisely why an anticipated 200,000 visitors from around the globe plan on attending the world's largest machine tool show.

Long known as the fashion capital of the world, Milan will become the world's technology center for eight days in October. The Milan Trade Fair district, with more than 3.25 million ft2 of floorspace and 28 pavilions, will host exhibitors from approximately 38 countries. European countries will have the largest list of exhibitors with approximately 85% of the total. Of this percentage, Italy represents close to 40%.

Other regions are also well represented. For example, Asian countries represent 12.5%, which is up considerably over past EMOs. The Unites States represents 3.5% followed by Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, and South Africa.

Promoted by CECIMO (European Committee for Co-Operation of the Machine Tool Industries), EMO (Exposition mondiale de la Machine Outil) is set to be the world's showcase of metalworking innovations. With more than 1,600 companies from around the world exhibiting, attendees will be able to discuss ways to lower production costs, increase flexibility, and implement new machining processes. Since more than half of the exhibitors are in the metalcutting sector, visitors will also have an opportunity to see many new technologies in operation.

It is interesting to note that with few exceptions, machine tool builders in a CECIMO-member country, exhibiting at EMO, are not permitted to exhibit their equipment elsewhere during an EMO year. Coupling this with the fact that some of the new technologies being displayed will not be released to the U.S. until sometime next year truly makes EMO a must visit.

While the following pages provide an overview of many of the latest technologies being shown at EMO, nothing compares to seeing the equipment first-hand and being able to converse with the machine tool builders about specific problems and machine capabilities. Chances are you will find a solution to your problem. But if you don't, you will definitely come away from the show more knowledgeable.

EMO Milan 2003 runs from October 21 to 28, 2003. Show hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. In addition, the EMO Milan 2003 website (emo-milan.com) provides an overview of the exhibition, along with special services to assist you during your visit. The website also offers online pre-registration. By purchasing the Golden Card at a special rate, visitors avoid long lines by having direct entrance to the exhibition.