Swiss Machinery Companies to Exhibit at ITMA Asia + CITME

China is one of world’s biggest textile markets. The industry there has experienced substantial growth and evolution, becoming a hub for textile production, innovation, and consumption. Swiss machinery manufacturers adapted in the past to the specific market situation and are now ready and able to support the future goals of China’s textile manufacturers.

In China, the textile industry is forward-looking and resilient – with a healthy appetite for new technologies and a determination to keep its leading position. Sustainability is increasingly coming into focus, so there is a growing demand for recycling technologies, as well as automated solutions and digitalization. Cornelia Buchwalder, secretary general of the Swiss Textile Machinery Association, is clear: “China is the main market for a large number of our association members.”

At the upcoming ITMA Asia + CITME in Shanghai, China, 15 members of the Swiss Textile Machinery Association will be exhibiting.

Market Proximity

Swiss companies realized many years ago that geographical proximity is the key to success. For example, Stäubli has started to set up offices in Chinese cities since 1998 and counts 12 locations today, to serve the whole country. In 2002, Itema established a centralized local branch which today has 160 employees in various functions. Loepfe has expanded its presence by creating an independent local business unit to overcome the 9,000 km distance by air, while Uster Technologies has had a Chinese subsidiary since 1982, with offices and service stations in different provinces. Luwa set up its offices and workshop in Shanghai in 1997. Rieter established a presence in mainland China in 2005, driven by a strong commitment to expanding the country’s know-how and expertise – and ten years later opened an advanced research center. “We are firmly committed to delivering the cutting-edge technology and textile expertise to help the Chinese spinning industry stay at the forefront of innovation,” says Thomas Oetterli, CEO Rieter Group.

All Swiss companies with serious business goals in China have made similar commitments to connect with customers and maintain strong relationships. “Geographical proximity allows the companies to adopt a strong customer-centric approach and provide more effective local installation support, training, and field services to customers,” says Frank Naef, head of Marketing, Loepfe Brothers.  

Understanding Customers

Swiss companies also understand that Chinese customers require dedicated attention, and that speed is more essential than ever in delivering both machines and services.

Manufacturers in China are seeking cost-effective solutions to remain competitive, while consumers are looking for value in their purchases. Companies need to develop solutions that provide tangible economic benefits to their clients. Furthermore, energy savings have become paramount in China, due to the government's commitment to environmental sustainability and reduced carbon emissions. “Businesses are adopting more energy-efficient processes and technologies to meet stringent energy conservation and emission reduction targets,” says Peter Schnickmann, managing director at Luwa Air Engineering (Shanghai). He notes an investment trend for solutions helping Chinese companies cut operational costs and minimize their carbon footprint.

Profitable in Spinning

China’s competitive advantages come from its large-scale and integrated manufacturing capabilities, along with the use of advanced automation and digitization technologies. Spinners aim to capitalize on extended market opportunities, with more economical production. The latest air-jet spinning machines serve these goals, allowing exceptionally low production costs per kilogram of yarn, coupled with high flexibility and reliability.

Sustainable yarns are in great demand. Innovative systems from Swiss manufacturers enable spinners to produce fine, high-quality ring and compact yarns from challenging raw material. This holds true even with a relatively high proportion of mechanically recycled cotton fibers.

The automation trend in spinning mills focuses on connecting production processes. Data is used to ensure the highest quality standards, most efficient raw material usage, reduction of waste, and energy savings. To make spinning mills more competitive, latest solutions combine cutting-edge hardware, data-enabled software and renowned textile expertise.

For many decades, Uster has been working to improve and extend growth and quality management practices in China. “We are happy to have contributed positively to the successes and the reputation of Chinese textile products,” says Sivakumar Narayanan, head of Marketing and Business Development at Uster Technologies.