The organisers are expecting something of a return to form for the Italian Vitrum trade fair, with the 14th edition of the international showcase for machinery, equipment and systems for flat and hollow glass and products due to be held next month at the Milano Portello location from 5 to 8 October.

The past two editions have taken place under a cloud: The 2001 event was shortly after 9/11, and for the 2003 event Vitrum was bounced from its traditional October date due to overbooking at the Milan fairgrounds. The June date offered hot and sticky conditions and delivered a big drop in visitors, despite a record 432 exhibitors. This was probably due to the closer proximity to the Glasstec fair.

A return to form, with over 16,000 visitors, is expected this year. Vitrum is highly internationalised, drawing 40 per cent overseas visitors. While the exhibition is a chance for the Italian glass processing machinery manufacturers to shine, a similar percentage of exhibitors are from overseas.

Part of the show’s appeal is that its content is more focused than Glasstec. The ground level halls house the machinery and related accessories, while the manufacturers of finished products and small items of equipment are in the upper level halls.

After 13 events with constant growth in terms of exhibition size, Vitrum is expected to draw the crowds this time.

Source

Glass Age

Postscript

Details: Vitrum secretariat,

tel. +39/02.33006099, e-mail: vitrum@vitrum-milano.it

A detailed guide to Vitrum will appear next month.