Italian Machinery's Competitive Advantage Flexibility, creativity and innovation are the three reasons most cited by North American companies for using Italian machinery and technology. Flexibility: Italy is home to hundreds of small and medium manufacturing companies where company owners typically manage the day-to-day operations. This feature yields ultimate working flexibility, quick response times, and unparalleled attention to developing tailor-made solutions for customers. Creativity: Italians are known for their creativity, and not just in food and fashion. They hold a reputation for out-of-the-box thinking in design and engineering. Since the days of Leonardo da Vinci, Italians have followed the guiding principle that development can only be achieved by understanding one's needs and goals. In the manufacturing arena, this approach translates into application-specific solutions to meet customer needs. Innovation: The Italian heritage of innovation dates back centuries. Ingenuity and innovation continue to thrive within today's Italian manufacturing industry, known for its leadership in machine development, integration, and technological advancement.