A contingent of Italian farm implement manufacturers made a 4,000-mile trek to the U.S. this week, hoping to expand into America’s eastern machinery market.

On Sept. 13, representatives of the Italian Trade and Investment Agency and 11 representatives of Italian machinery manufacturers hosted Pennsylvania farmers and equipment dealers at a luncheon at the Farm and Home Center, looking to make connections that will develop into a successful business model. The group is in the middle of a week-long tour — with stops in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania and New York — to promote their products and entice U.S. dealers to offer Italian lines.