Swiss textile technology manufacturers focus on ITMA 2019. Visitors to ITMA 2019 will have the chance to visit a total of 63 Swiss-based textile technologies companies, of which 40 are members of the Swissmem. Emphasizing continuous innovation, the Swiss companies are working to consolidate their strength in global markets.
Textile and Garment Technology Exhibition ITMA 2019 will be an indispensable platform for the big players of the industry. Swiss textile machinery manufacturers’ roof organization Swissmem supports the work of its members towards the exhibition. The General Secretary of Swissmem’s Swiss Textile Machinery Association Cornelia Buchwalder, who informed Textilegence about the studies, stated that upcoming ITMA is THE event of the year. Explaining that Swissmem members are all heavily preparing for the exhibition in order to present novelties in all the fields of the textile value chain, Buchwalder; “Every major sector along the textile value chain will be covered by Swiss exhibits, ranging from fibre and yarn manufacturing through knitting, weaving, nonwovens, dyeing and finishing. In many of these disciplines, such as textile testing and quality control and yarn spinning, Swiss firms lead the world”.
Switzerland is one of the largest exhibiting countries in Barcelona, represented by 63 exhibitors according to Buchwalder, she pointed out to 40 of them being Swissmem members. Buchwalder also reminded that the number of exhibitors and the area occupied by Swiss exhibitors is slightly higher than in 2015.
Swiss textile technology manufacturers focus on ITMA 2019: Innovations are digitalization and sustainability focused
Talking about the technology shows that Swiss machinery manufacturers will present at ITMA 2019, Cornelia Buchwalder indicated that many of the innovations will integrate digitalisation and sustainability aspect. “Industry 4.0 offers various possibilities, be it in product or process optimization or in the development of completely new business models,” said Buchwalder and continued; “Our member companies use these possibilities to generate maximum customer benefit. With regards to sustainability, the optimized utilisation of resources is again one of the major topics. Raw materials are scarce and energy is expensive, therefore making our machines more efficient in both aspects is key”.
Informing about the initiative Swissmem had in recent period for its members, Buchwalder relayed that Swissmem enhances the competitiveness of its 1100 member companies both at home and abroad by providing needs-based services. Buchwalder said that these services include professional advice on employment, commercial, contract and environmental law, energy efficiency, and knowledge and technology transfer. Reminding that the Swiss Textile Machinery Association was founded in 1940, Buchwalder noted that they have carried important promotional work in the international market through this deep-rooted history; “Among other things, we organise symposia in important customer markets. In recent years we have organised them in Iran, Egypt and Uzbekistan. In addition we organise Swiss pavilions at trade fairs, innovation workshops and basic textile training courses. In the upcoming period, ITMA in Barcelona will for sure be the major activity, with a substantial Swiss presence”.
Long history, constant evolution and R&D are the keys to success
Cornelia Buchwalder, who we asked how the Swiss machinery manufacturers positioned themselves; and made a difference in the intense competition in textile technologies, answered; “To answer this question I would like to go back in time. Many of the companies in our association of textile machinery manufacturers were founded in the second half of the 19th century, have gone through many ups and downs and have gained outstanding reputation over time. Having such a long history, the Swiss companies have constantly managed to anticipate changes, developed their business strategy and have continuously evolved. R&D plays an eminent role in this. Nowadays the R&D process has to take many aspects into consideration, mainly in the area of digitisation and sustainability”.
Cautious optimism for 2019
Unveiling market expectations for 2019, Cornelia Buchwalder said that their member companies are cautiously optimistic for 2019. Order intake is expected to remain stable or decline slightly; however, ITMA in the middle of the year, with many innovations shown; will most probably trigger an additional stimulation of orders according to Buchwalder. Looking at exports from Switzerland, Asia and Europe take roughly the same market share of around 40% each, Buchwalder; “But as most of our members have production sites in Asia, this market region stays by far the most important. Currently we mainly discover a shift within the regions, but no big shift between the European and Asian market”.
Declaring 2018 as a very positive year for their members, Buchwalder noted that some of the markets developed very well; namely the US, Italy, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Saying that most of the other export markets showed a stable sideways movement, Buchwalder commented about the Turkish market; “Turkey is and has been for many years one of the top three export markets; for the Swiss textile machinery industry. In 2018 Turkey was the second most important market behind China, showing a slow development. The outlook for 2019 remains unchanged”.
Innovation spirit emphasized in promotional work
Cornelia Buchwalder informed about the The Swiss Textile Machinery association’s new campaign and the webpage www.swisstextilemachinery.ch. Buchwalder finished her words saying; “They both focus on the innovative spirit of our country. The chocolate bar, fizzy drinks and the computer mouse were all invented in Switzerland. “Invented in Switzerland. Where the same innovative spirit drives textile progress today”. This is also reflected by the years of experience of our 44 members – an impressive number of 4011 years!”