Simac look beyond crisis

The international footwear machinery show, Simac, is to take place in Bologna along side Lineapelle, May 6-9. The organisers of the fair, Assomac, are looking to the innovation of the Italian footwear machinery sector to ensure the survival of shoe manufacturing in the western world. Manufacturers in Italy and Spain in particular have been under increasing pressure from producers in Asia and Eastern Europe. Sales of Italian footwear making machinery have dropped by 10% in the period January - October, 2002 compared with an already weakened market at the end of 2001. Both shows will be held at the Bologna Fiere exhibition centre. Lineapelle is only a three day show beginning on May 6.