Lanificio Cerruti to install Itema weaving machines at Biella plant

Besides increasing the production capacity and manufacturing efficiency, new weaving machines will further enhance fabric quality and processes sustainability.

Lanificio F.lli Cerruti, a historical excellence of Made in Italy as well as one of the most prestigious Italian woolen mills, has selected Itema – the leading manufacturer of advanced weaving solutions – as weaving supplier for thirty new weaving machines that will be installed in the Biella manufacturing plant. The new weaving machines are set to increase the production capacity and the overall manufacturing efficiency, but in the first place they will contribute to further enhancing fabric quality and processes sustainability.

After a strategic study based on a careful market and competitors’ assessment, Lanificio Cerruti identified the Itema rapier weaving machine as the best technology to meet its demanding needs and Itema as the ideal candidate to forge a partnership grounded on shared values. The Itema rapier R9500² ensures to Lanificio Cerruti the highest sustainability levels in three different fields:

• Environmental, as it is designed to reduce energy consumption and waste of raw materials;
• Social, thanks to the ergonomic features that simplify and protect weavers;
• Economic, due to the delicate treatment of the yarns which leads to raw materials saving and quality improvement; furthermore, the remote monitoring allows to minimise interruptions and failures.

With this agreement Lanificio Cerruti and Itema, excellences of Made in Italy respectively in the fashion and in the weaving machinery industries, start a cooperation based on the common orientation towards an increasingly sustainable innovation, meant to generate value while respecting the environment and people.

“Lanificio F.lli Cerruti joins with great satisfaction a partner of excellence as Itema to undertake a path that will help us to further enhance the concept of creative luxury, so inherent in the DNA of our company. This partnership is the evidence of our strong commitment to an increasingly positive impact on the planet and on future generations – since at Lanificio Cerruti sustainability means looking ahead using the best available technology,” commented Filippo Vadda, President and CEO of Lanificio Cerruti.

Ugo Ghilardi, CEO of the Itema Group, added, “We are proud to work with Lanificio Cerruti. It is not just a technological partnership, but the beginning of a co-development journey that will allow us to design and implement solutions of great value. We firmly believe that together we will give prestige to the Made in Italy creativity and innovation, which are admired all over the world.”

The new Itema weaving machines will be installed in the Biella plant of Lanificio Cerruti starting from March 2022.

Lanificio Fratelli Cerruti, with its 140 years history, is one of the most renowned Italian Wool Mill. Founded in Biella in 1881 by the three Cerruti brothers, in the 50’s the Lanificio became an important reality of excellence and creativity. With its presence in more than 100 countries in the world, Lanificio Cerruti stands for global innovation and quality. Lanificio F.lli Cerruti is controlled since July 2018 by the London-based fund Njord Partners, whose aim is to develop further the potential of the historical brand in a more sustainable way, and to support it during its strategic process of internationalisation and enhancement of Made in Italy.

Itema is a leading global provider of advanced weaving solutions, including best-in-class weaving machines, spare parts and integrated services. The company is the only manufacturer in the world to provide the top three weft insertion technologies: rapier, air jet and projectile, with an ample product portfolio and a commitment to continuous innovation and technological advancement of its weaving machines. Itema is the sole shareholder of Lamiflex (leading producer of advanced composite products) and owns majority stakes of Schoch (manufacturer of textile industry accessories).