India has been among the top four markets for the VDMA member companies
VDMA Textile Machinery Association (VDMA) represents around 150 manufacturers of machinery, equipment, components, accessories and software for the production of textile materials – from spinning to the production of textile fabrics and finishing. They represent about 90 per cent of the total industry volume in Germany. Dr Harald Weber, Managing Director of VDMA, Germany, discusses the association’s strategies for serving the Indian market and their future expectations from India in this conversation with Divya Shetty.
Germany is renowned for its advanced technology and engineering. What would you say are the key strengths of the German textile machinery industry that set it apart from other countries?
The German textile machinery manufacturers have a strong focus on efficient technologies and innovation. For this, VDMA member companies continue their high R&D efforts for improving the machines and the production processes. Fortunately, the German education and research landscape with its renowned institutions e.g. in Aachen, Denkendorf and Dresden is unique in the world. These universities have always produced highly qualified engineers who have the know how-how that it takes to convert the results of scientific research into marketable machinery for the textile industry. In addition, the companies do mainly not produce standard machines but develop individual solutions together with the customers to optimally fulfil their requirements. Finally, customers benefit from global presence and comprehensive service offerings.
Could you share some of the latest innovations VDMA has witnessed in textile machinery?
Most innovations in the last years have been in automation and digitalisation. Digitalisation offers solutions to many of the challenges currently facing the industry. The driving force behind automation is the shortage of skilled labour. In Western countries this is a reality but also in other regions of the world it is starting to become a challenge.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the textile industry. How does VDMA address environmental concerns through its machinery and processes?
Our members have always paid a lot of attention to the energy optimisation of the processes and durability of the machines. Making durable and repairable machines is probably one of the best ways to operate sustainably. The companies organised in the VDMA Textile Machinery Association welcome the ambitions in the EU and other regions and countries to promote climate protection. Up to now, the increasing textile consumption around the world, due to growing population and purchasing power has been accompanied by a rising use of resources. The textile machinery companies organised in the VDMA are geared towards a functioning circular economy. With our highly efficient technologies we are an indispensable partner in this transition process. But the new framework must be practicable.
The relationship between Germany and India in the textile sector has been growing. Can you elaborate on how VDMA is engaging with the Indian market and any collaborative projects or partnerships you are involved in?
Throughout the last years, India has been among the top four markets for the VDMA member companies. In 2023, textile machinery and accessories worth more than 270 million Euros have been shipped from Germany to India. Unfortunately, this was a decrease of roundabout 20 per cent compared to 2022. Besides the deliveries from Germany, numerous and renowned textile machinery companies have production sites in India, serving the market directly from there. Last December, the VDMA Textile Machinery Association and VDMA India were supporting a delegation visit of 13 well-known textile machinery manufacturers to India. Technology showcases took place in Ahmedabad and in Coimbatore. I am sure that the Indo-German relations will continue to be excellent. The prospects are promising. The Indian textile sector is already playing a major role in the textile world and will perhaps benefit from the challenges China is facing.
What are the major challenges currently facing the textile machinery industry and how is VDMA overcoming these challenges?
The major challenge is the economic environment. Although the supply chain problems have eased, incoming orders have fallen sharply in recent months. Throughout 2023, textile machinery manufacturing still benefited from high order backlogs, meaning that sales remained at a decent level. But there is some light at the end of the tunnel: yarn stocks are falling, yarn prices are raising. Companies report more inquiries than last year. Textile machinery producers are used to the ups and downs of the economy. The business situation is expected to improve in 2025.
How does VDMA ensure high standards of quality and precision in your machinery, and what measures are in place to maintain this reputation?
Highly trained staff is one key for our member companies to maintain this reputation. E.g: in-house training of young people – both commercial and technical with own training workshop, supplemented by the technological expertise of the experienced employees stand for the best quality of systems and services.
Could you discuss any upcoming trends or technological advancements in textile machinery that you believe will shape the future of the industry?
I am sure that digitalisation will shape the future of the textile sector. Digitalisation is driven by customer and partner requirements on the one hand and government regulation on the other. The EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles and the associated digital product passport, require a corresponding level of digitalisation. But at the same time, digitalisation helps to meet the sustainability requirements of customers and partners, for example by improving supply chain transparency or resource calculation. To remain competitive and produce efficiently and flexibly, companies can no longer do without digital technologies.
As the association representing Germany, what are your expectations from Indian companies to further strengthen the ties between the two countries?
With ever changing preferences, Indian consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of their investments, leading to a growing demand for eco-friendly produced textiles. Here the VDMA members companies can add value to the Indian textile industry with sustainable technology to cater to the end user requirements. The ties between Germany and India are already strong. The textile machinery companies in VDMA can proudly look back not just to years but decades of close cooperation with the Indian industry. The same is true for VDMA as an association. This year, VDMA is celebrating the 25th anniversary of VDMA India, that acts as a ‘bridge-head’ between the German and Indian industry. VDMA India maintains close relations with the Indian industry, Indo-German companies, embassy and consulates as well as various Indian industry associations through our offices in Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi (Noida). We are looking forward to continuing this close cooperation with our Indian partners.
