The Drupa regular was convinced to attend Ipex for the first time at Drupa 2008. The trip appears to have been worthwhile, as four days in it had sold 15 of its stitching machines.

Its latest model, the Miruna stitching machine model three, has proved particularly popular. Most of the machines have gone to countries in the Middle East and Russia.

Luiz Ferreira, export manager for Miruna, said: "We have been to Drupa since 1982 but we were convinced to come to Ipex for the first time.

"We didn't expect the interest that we have received, it has been amazing. People who come here don't come to Print or other US shows. The people here want to buy; they want to spend money."

Ferreira also said that Miruna machines may have an increased presence in the UK in the future. Several local distributors have shown interest in the machine, which does not have a presence in the UK or Europe.