Worldwide hosiery knitting machine orders declined 25 percent, but orders increased in Russia, Greece, and Croatia. Matec will add to its 480 person labor force to meet the growing demand for its fine gage and HF Super knitting machines. Its Body Line HF 70 seamless knitting machine for children's apparel features a 10 inch diameter and gages of up to 32 npi. Matec's electronics upgrade Pendolina's compression hosiery knitting machines in 4.5 inch and 5 inch diameters. Compression hosiery has applications in medical and surgical products. Santori developed a robotic double positioner for line closers. Lonati's 501 Evolution features four feeds with 12 selections and three way technique at the four feeds. This pouch heel machine manufactures pattern socks and pantyhose. The 3.75 inch diameter unit features a new needle, sinker caps that allow larger sizes on a 3.75 inch diameter, and greater yarn tension.