Sales have outstripped those at the same point for the 2000 event and 135 companies are committed to take on 33,000m2 of space -46% of the "total target area".

"We are beginning to see a revival of confidence in the industry boosted by growth from the emerging territories in Asia," said group exhibition director Trevor Crawford.

He added that it has "kick-started" the sales campaign and led to record levels of early signings.

"In the past, many of the larger players have been reluctant to confirm plans until a much later stage due to nervousness about the market, but our progress so far for 2006 is testament to the fact that the print industry is on the up," said Crawford.

Companies signed up to the exhibition include Heidelberg, Muller Martini, Xerox, AB Dick and KBA. Ipex 2006 takes place from 4-11 April at the NEC, Birmingham.