For Italian textile machinery manufacturers, the first quarter of 2016 has opened with a recovery in orders on the domestic side. In foreign markets, orders have instead dropped off slightly. Raffaella Carabelli, President of ACIMIT, said: “The recovery on the domestic market compared to the minimum recorded a year ago is highly encouraging. Abroad, only a few markets have performed well.”

KARL MAYER´s stand once again proved to be much more than one of the first ports of call for the warp knitting and warp preparation sectors at this year´s ITM fair. The warp preparation section in particular was crowded, despite a relatively slow start to the trade fair in general.

Will India be the next China? The debate is still on, while China is taking all necessary steps to keep its fortunes in textiles intact. Leave alone China! After attending the ITM Turkey a few weeks ago, the spotlight for some textile interested persons like me is now on Turkey and India.

The textile giant Raymond has spun out a fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) group to extend the famous apparel brand to over a dozen personal and home care products. The 90-year-old company already has JK Helene Curtis, which sells Park Avenue deodorants, and JK Ansell, the maker of Kama Sutra condoms, with a combined annual revenue of Rs 800 crore. The new division will house Raymond products, along with new brands spread across skin and hair care segments.

Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, has launched AltivarTM Machine ATV320, a variable speed drive that meets simple and advanced application requirements from 0.18 to 15 kW (0.25 to 20 Hp).

The Government has approved a Rs 6,000 crore special package for textiles and apparel sector to create one crore new jobs in 3 years, attract investments of $11 billion and generate $30 billion in exports. The special package for textile and apparel sector was approved by the Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Loepfe has presented the brand new MillMaster TOP at the ITMA 2015 for the first time. The first systems have already been successfully installed in India, Italy, China, Turkey and Mexico.

Arecord-breaking number of delegates travelled to Prague, Czech Republic, for the latest edition of the International Conference on Textile Coating and Laminating; TCL 2016 was held recently. As well as learning about the latest technologies, materials, machinery and trends in the textile coating and laminating industry, the attendees were able to interact with one another and the exhibitors, who filled the available space outside the conference hall.

NIPPON MAYER will take over the complete range of products including patents, the relevant manufacturing equipment as well as the entire stock of machines and (spare) parts.