On the occasion of the R9500terry launch, the Company opens the doors of ItemaCampus, the new, next-generation training center. In Rogora’s words: “Our initial concept was to render our training center more functional for our Customers. We started with that in mind, but, driven by our desire to do things not only well, but always better, we ended up with a major and complete overhaul of our visitors’ facilities. We are very proud to launch an open and modern space with a “campus” feel. We want everyone visiting us to feel instantly welcome and leave our premises with a richer, more meaningful and comprehensive experience feeling and getting in touch with the “Itema Essence” whilst here. ” The new and enhanced facilities are especially handy for the busy times ahead, as the Company is taking bookings for Customer visits before, during and after the biggest show of the year, ITMA, taking place in Milan from 12th to 19th of November. A short ride away from the bustling city of Milan, and an hour from the ITMA fair grounds, a visit to ITEMA can offer the invaluable opportunity to see first-hand the prowess and the full offering of the Company, especially since some of the weaving loom models can be seen only in the Company’s Show Room in Colzate. Rogora continues: “At ITMA, we will show some of our latest rapier and airjet models in a wide range of weaving applications. But we could not bring all our exciting technology to Milan due to TMI – Too Much Innovation. Therefore some innovative looms can only be “seen and touched” at our HQ. At ITMA, Itema will present, along with the new R9500terry, 5 other looms in our booth (Hall 1 A101) and several more in Partner booths, both rapier and airjets, all of them presenting new solutions, devices and applications for specific and increasingly demanding weavers’ expectations, including the new evolution of the rapier which will equip most of the R9500 looms. The new Itema Rapier R9500 2.0 (available both for guided and free-flight applications) represents the ultimate solution in terms of weaving flexibility and covers the full range of weft types. Furthermore, it will dramatically reduce weft stops, increase efficiency and boost productivity.” “With the R9500 2.0, Itema reconfirms our technological leadership in the rapier insertion technology,” says Rogora. “Notwithstanding the fact that our Group (thanks to the legacy of Sulzer Textile and Vamatex, now both part of Itema) invented many years ago the positive rapier solution, Itema confirms its approach of a highly evolved “negative rapier” as the best choice for Customers, due to less complexity, lower costs, higher durability and easier maintenance. Last but not least, much higher performances. In Itema, we develop our product strategy following our mantra: to maximize the value for our Customers. ”We have high hopes for the upcoming ITMA and beyond, but, even if the order portfolio is still quite robust, the outlook for the remainder of the year remains uncertain. Along with the continuing, and in some cases worsening, political instabilities in some areas, recent economic struggles in China caused significant changes in our Customers attitude on investments, and not only in China,” continues Rogora. “The future, even in the short term is difficult to predict. One thing is certain: We will push ahead with our strategy to increase our flexibility and readiness to respond quickly to market changes and to pursue with ever-greater determination the excellence and innovation of our products and the continuing satisfaction of our Customers."