Several Countries to Exhibit at FIMMA BRASIL 2005

The International Machines, Raw Materials, and Accessories Fair for the Furniture Industry — Fimma Brasil 2005 will be held March 15-19 in Bento Goncalves, southern Brazil. Thirty-five percent of the more than 600 exhibitors expected to attend will be companies from abroad.

Argentina, Austria, Canada, Chile, China, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United States, and Uruguay will be present at the fair, providing visiting furniture manufacturers with an opportunity to meet and negotiate on the latest from the world of wood and furniture production.

In Brazil alone, there are more than 13,500 furniture manufacturers. FIMMA BRASIL will be held in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the country’s second largest furniture export hub. The 2003 fair (held every other year) generated US$250 million in business. Some 35,000 professionals came from all over Latin America.

Eumabois Support

FIMMA BRAZIL 2005 has the exclusive support of the European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers (EUMABOIS), with headquarters in Italy. EUMABOIS is the umbrella organization for 12 associations representing the largest manufacturers in Europe of machinery and accessories for the lumber industry. FIMMA BRASIL is the only machinery, raw materials, and accessories fair in Latin America that has the support of this important association. EUMABOIS works to encourage the establishment of a fair calendar, which would let exhibitors know when important fairs are being held other countries.

Tourism

In addition to participating in FIMMA BRASIL 2005, there will be an endless number of attractions for visitors to see. Bento Goncalves, located in the mountainous region of Rio Grande do Sul, was founded by Italians and has a rather European landscape thanks to its vegetation and geography. It has high-quality restaurants and hotels, and its natural beauty is perfect for a variety of excursions for those who like adventure. In addition to furniture, the city is also known nationally for the production of excellent wines and a great selection of wine cellars. For more information on tourism in the region, please visit http://www.fimma.com.br .