In the world of textile manufacturing, ITMA is really the ‘greatest show on earth.’ It’s where the progress of textile and clothing technology is measured and benchmarked against previous years, and vital contacts are made between customers and suppliers worldwide. Swiss companies are renowned for their innovative spirit and commitment to the four-yearly exhibition series.
With ITMA 2023 fast approaching in Milan (June 8-14), – Swiss Textile Machinery Association recently held a Pre-ITMA Press Conference in Berne Switzerland. Where the association’s Secretary General, Cornelia Buchwalder in an interview, explores the real importance of ITMA for Swiss Textile Machinery member companies and ITMA 2023 onward transformation of global textile industry.
How important is ITMA 2023 for Swiss Textile Machinery member companies?
Cornelia Buchwalder: Not only for us, but for the visitors from the textile manufacturers, ITMA is vitally important, and a major element in the overall development of the industry worldwide.
The 2023 ITMA is fully booked – clear evidence of its continued appeal as the essential marked place for textile machinery. And its importance is underlined by the participation of more than 50 Swiss exhibitors, most of which are members of the Textile Machinery Association. We will be there in Milan, because we know it’s the perfect opportunity to show the world what we offer.
Our Association is a major player in textiles. Established in 1940, it now includes 44 member firms, covering the entire textile value chain. Together, these companies have a total of more than 4,000 years of experience, and an unrivaled international reputation for innovation and quality.
This shows that Swiss Textile Machinery members are well-established in the textile industry and leading in innovation. Also, it gives Swiss companies the ability to cope with all types of challenges.
Kindly share with us about Swiss Textile Machinery’s long journey.
Cornelia Buchwalder: Of course, my heart beats with Swiss Textile Machinery. I am with this association for the last 10 years. We have 44 members. In addition, our strength lies in our years of experience. At the beginning of our journey, during the great industrial revolution period, shipping textile machinery from the UK became difficult. And our ancestors realized that the Swiss have to build their own textile machinery capacity. In addition, they saw commercial viability in this industry – which is how the Swiss got into this industry.Also Read: Swiss textile machinery to unveil their innovations for economically sustainable textile manufacturing
The last 10 years of the Swiss Textile Machinery journey were full of various challenges. And I think the govt. has really supported the industry. Most importantly, our members have done an excellent job in continuing the business and they showed great ability to find solutions and how to develop further, along with diversification. These helped the members to stay strong and be an important player in the industry.
Crossing this journey, ITMA 2023’s title is ‘transforming the textile industry.’ so, what is the transformation point we can look forward to in this ITMA
Cornelia Buchwalder: The EU is really demanding a change in the industry and our members have adopted the change of sustainability, circularity and other aspects of more efficiency. The two-day press meet has also highlighted this process. Of course, it is a long journey and easy to achieve overnight. It is a journey of transformation we have started and together with the whole industry, we will succeed.
Is ITMA really still a focus for the timing of major innovations in technology
Cornelia Buchwalder: That is certainly the way the ITMA shows have been viewed in the past. Today it’s not the only forum for innovation, which is now more of an ongoing process of a collaborative effort between machinery companies and their customers. But ITMA remains a four-yearly milestone in technology, where industry visitors rightly expect to see the best and latest ideas from their suppliers. It’s increasingly interesting to evaluate how innovations fit into the wider textile value chain, rather than in a company’s own specialized branch of the sector.
Obviously, Swiss Textile Machinery companies will want to use this big event to grow their business and expand sales. Are there other motivations for exhibiting at ITMA 2023
Cornelia Buchwalder: Yes, that’s a primary goal for sure. But we don’t underestimate the superb networking opportunities it will bring, fostering shared knowledge and experience with both new and existing partners. Significantly, 2023 will be one of the first really major shows for textiles since the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to personal business interactions. It will be great to enjoy face-to-face meetings again this time. We have a lot to talk about!
For our member firms, it’s also a chance to focus on how our products, components and services stack up against competitors’ offerings, and gauge the reaction from visitors to our booths. It’s good to be able to review and compare our own performance in the spotlight of a massive event like ITMA.
What actual innovations and novelties can we expect in Milan
Cornelia Buchwalder: We will certainly be ready with a strong display of new Swiss developments, as each company presents its latest innovations. For the specifics, individual members’ companies will be delighted to provide more detailed information – and maybe even some surprises at the show itself.
What would the Swiss Textile Machinery Association aim to achieve at ITMA
Cornelia Buchwalder: One of our key goals would be to assure visitors that Switzerland is seen in the vanguard of progress in both sophisticated digital solutions and sustainable solutions. Sustainability has a double meaning for us: the ability to offer continuing benefits and enduring performance for our customers while embracing every aspect of sustainable production to the highest standards of environmental responsibility.
We achieve these standards through significant investments in R&D – a major slice of revenue for most of our members – and by close cooperation with experts in the leading products, components and services. ‘Innovation is in our DNA’ is more than a slogan: we have a history of achievements to prove it.
