Texfair 2024 Unveils Pioneering Innovations
The Expo drew over 60,000 visitors and generated approximately Rs 10 billion in business, reports Divya Shetty.
The Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), Coimbatore organised the 14th edition of Texfair 2024. It is one of the largest expo of textile machinery, spares, accessories and other supporting services.
At the inaugural function of Texfair 2024, Dr S K Sundararaman, Chairman, SIMA, welcomed the Chief Guest, Ganapathi P Rajkumar, Member of Parliament, Coimbatore Constituency; Dr K V Srinivasan, President, ITMF, Guest of Honour; Rakesh Mehra, Chairman, CITI; R Soundararajan, President, ITMAA; Bhavesh Patel, President, ITAMMA and M Sankar, President, TMMA to the inaugural function.
Dr Sundararaman underlined the importance of SIMA Texfair 2024 and stated that it was the reunion platform for the value chain. Durai Palanisamy, Deputy Chairman briefed about SIMA Texfair 2024. Presidents of ITMAA, ITAMMA and TMMA offered felicitations. S Krishnakumar, Vice-Chairman, delivered vote of thanks.
Chairman, CITI and Guest of Honour of the inaugural function Mehra, appreciated the initiatives of SIMA including Texfair 2024. He briefed about the Vision 2030 of the Government of India and indicated Tamil Nadu would be the forerunner in achieving the target. He called the entire textile value chain to join together in fulfilling each segment’s requirements and achieve greater growth.
Former Chairman of SIMA, President of ITMF and President of the function Dr K V Srinivasan, appreciated the efforts taken by SIMA in conducting the international event. He highlighted the current scenario of world textiles and briefed the growth of Indian textiles and clothing industry. He stated that the textile business had been cyclic in nature and it was easy to relocate segments like garmenting and made-ups as they mostly involve cut and sew operations. He added that the highly capital and labour intensive segments like spinning and weaving should also find ways to relocate market areas. Dr Srinivasan highlighted the annual survey conducted by ITMF. He hoped that the prolonged recession would end in the near future and the industry would step into its growth trajectory.
In his inaugural address, Rajkumar underscored the importance of Tamil Nadu particularly Coimbatore District and their contribution to the textiles & clothing sector of the country. He assured that he would take up the issues of the textile industry in Parliament and be the voice of the industry particularly of the MSME units. He wished the expo a grand success.
Texfair 2024 expo provided an opportunity for various clusters of the industry to know the latest improvements in technology and availability of domestic as well as import substitution spares. The expo attracted 240 exhibitors from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Dadar Nagar Haveli, West Bengal, Daman & Diu, etc. and countries like Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Japan, China, etc. who showcased their products catering to the various segments of the textile industry and services in 264 stalls.
Out of 240 exhibitors, over 80 exhibitors have participated in more than five Texfair Expos. The Expo drew over 60,000 visitors and generated approximately Rs 10 billion in business. Business visitors from countries like China, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka visited the Expo and derived the benefit, besides the visitors from all over the country.
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A.B. Carter showcases cutting-edge spinning solutions
A. B. Carter leverages nearly 100 years of experience in the development and manufacture of products and solutions for the global spinning industry. At Texfair, the company showcased its spinning solutions. SA Vimal, GM Sales and Marketing, A. B. Carter India, stated, “As a technology-focused company, we have showcased our high-end Products , the latest generation Royal ring, and our GS Series travellers, Cruzer travellers, and Miracle travellers at Texfair.”
Regarding the current market state, Vimal noted that it has been challenging due to fluctuations caused by the war and other factors. Despite these challenges, as a supplier of consumable and semi-capital products, A. B. Carter managed to adapt by expanding its customer base and continuously working to meet their requirements.
Discussing A. B. Carter’s long-term plans in India and globally, Vimal added, “We are constantly improving our products to keep up with the increasing speeds of ring frames. We invest heavily in technological advancements to maintain our superiority, with significant contributions from our US partner. Our efforts are focused on delivering superior products through on-going investments in technology, which is a key factor.”
Globally, A. B. Carter grew last year, and this growth trend is expected to continue. With numerous plants in operation, the company anticipates further improvements and sustained growth year after year.
Lakshmi Ring Travellers grows despite global challenges
Lakshmi Ring Travellers is a group company of reputed Lakshmi Machine Works Limited is situated in Coimbatore, India. LRT was incorporated in the year 1974. LRT’s operation has been organised into independent business specific clusters comprising of profile cutting machine division, ring traveller division, engineering division, foundry division, surface coating division and water treatment division. Each of these business units has its own facilities and resources for market coverage and customer service.
JM Balaji, Vice President, Lakshmi Ring Travellers comments, “I oversee marketing and operations for Lakshmi Energy Nordmann, founded as a separate entity in 2015, focuses on water and wastewater treatment, and solid waste management. We serve various industries including hospitality, healthcare, education, tanneries, and more. I also head Lakshmi Capo Industries (slump and coriana catchments). We dominate the global ring traveller market with a 75 per cent share in India and 45 per cent worldwide, exporting to over 45 countries. Operating in 18 stock points in China and delivering products globally within 48 hours. We continuously enhance our products to keep up with industry trends and new materials, such as recycled polyester and bamboo. Our goal is to remain a leading player by closely listening to customer feedback and improving our offerings. Despite global challenges we are growing and maintaining a strong market presence. “
Spinnova plans to enter global market
Spinnova is a company specialising in surplus stock trade and innovative products, operating through three divisions: the textile consumables division, the energy division, and the fibre division. In the textile consumables division, Spinnova offers aluminum lattices for blowrooms, carding products, and retrofitments for ring frames. The fibre division focuses on sustainable fibres like hemp, linen, and flax, representing the South Indian market and regularly supplying fibres to customers, including imported Supima cotton. In the energy division, Spinnova represents Reliance fuel.
G Venkatesh, CEO of Spinnova, while exhibiting at Texfair, stated, “In the energy division, we supply to institutions such as thermal plants and infrastructure companies. The fibre division is emerging, with new fibres being explored, and linen fabric is gaining acceptance in the market. The linen market is thriving, with growing demand in fabrics, shirtings, and women’s wear. Our new sustainable products are increasingly popular. We are planning to expand globally, focusing on retro fitments in the textile division and flax fibres within the next couple of years.”
R Murali, Head-Spares and Services, LMW
LMW exhibited their latest offerings to customers at Texfair, focusing on addressing maintenance and scheduled spare parts requirements. The exhibit was designed to inform customers about their available products and services. They showcased power-saving spindles known for their efficiency, which can provide a power saving of 5-6 per cent, allowing customers’ machines to operate at optimised power consumption. This is one of the advantages of HLLD spindles, which are also designed to be silent, reducing noise levels in the mill.
R Murali, Head of Spares and Services at LMW, highlighted more offerings displayed at the exhibition. He mentioned, “We also have our latest rings, including the CREDO+, a world-class product, and Emperor CS rings for our mid-segment customers. These rings perform exceptionally well in various applications. Additionally, we have introduced maintenance kits, a new concept from LMW. These kits cover maintenance needs from the blowroom to the ring frame for periods of three, six, and nine years. By sourcing one kit, customers can meet all their maintenance requirements without needing multiple sources or ordering individual components. LMW offers all components in one pack, meeting OE standards, ensuring the machine’s performance is maintained in good condition.
Furthermore, we have new offerings in our doffer kit and the latest spare parts for combers. We also provide a repair service where customers can contact us for electronic component repairs. Our repair service centre adheres to world-class standards and uses only OE parts, with a six-month warranty. LMW is committed to ensuring customers receive world-class attention for their service and spare parts needs.”
These are the various offerings that LMW presented to customers at Texfair, demonstrating their commitment to providing comprehensive solutions and support.
Perfect Engineering showcases cutting-edge technology
Perfect Engineering displayed the Automatic Cot Grinding Machine – ACG EL, which they had introduced 18 years ago as the first of its kind in India, at Texfair. They noted that this machine holds 11 international patents, protecting it from replication by international manufacturers, with these patents being renewed annually. They continuously develop the machine, with the latest model automating the grinding process. Users can dump the top roller cots into the machine, where they are individually measured, ground, and stored in a trolley for easy transport.
B Sankar, General Manager (Tech & Dev), Perfect Engineering Corporation, stated, “A significant advantage of this machine is its ability to synchronise the grinding process with UV treatment, making the cot surfaces smoother and more effective for the ring spinning process. The machine, now fully automated, reduces manual handling by combining grinding, UV treatment, and other processes. Our machines are widely used, with around 40 to 45 units supplied in the north, and many major textile yarn manufacturers utilising our equipment. This is the first time we are displaying the machine live at the textile exhibition, aiming to attract more participants from the spinning industry. We are also showcasing the latest 1000 model carding machine, which is well-received in Tamil Nadu, with 18 to 20 units operating successfully.”
In addition, Perfect Engineering displayed samples of various recycled materials, highlighting their focus on recycling to deliver excellent fibre parameters for spinners, thereby allowing recycled fibre to be used in apparel. They mentioned that major garment brands like Arrow, H&M, Decathlon, and Zara are increasingly demanding high-quality recycled materials for shirting purposes.
“We are also working on developing a two-meter width carding machine for non-woven applications, addressing a gap in the Indian market. This machine is currently in the R&D stage and will soon be operation post testing,” concluded Sankar.
Jumac Manufacturing celebrates 50-year milestone
Jumac Manufacturing is a company within the Fogla Group, based in Calcutta, West Bengal, with a total group turnover of around Rs 35 billion. Jumac began its journey in 1972.
“Over the past two years, we have been meeting every client across India who has participated in our journey to express our gratitude as we are celebrating our golden jubilee. Over the last 50 years, we have built strong relationships, with companies repeatedly placing orders after their initial purchase,” said Surrendra Sharma, CEO, Jumac Manufacturing.
“Last year in Milan, we did a soft launch of our new product, which is also on display here and currently undergoing a trial run. We have integrated Artificial Intelligence into our cans, allowing shop floor workers to maximise benefits and improve company profitability. Our AI cans enable monitoring of the entire shop floor with just one click from any location worldwide. Users can track yarn running, weight, and production targets to achieve optimal results. This trial is yielding successful outcomes and will continue for the next 3-4 months before we open it for commercial purposes. The Tamil Nadu market is our next focus, as market leaders there have been using our products for the past 20-25 years,” added Sharma.
During the recent downturn, they installed a new unit in Calcutta, taking advantage of the slower market conditions to prepare for the expected market recovery in the coming months.
Vandewiele Savio displays complete range of carpet machines
Vandewiele Savio manufactures carpet looms, velvet looms, jacquard machines, and innovative textile systems for flooring, home linen, fashion fabrics, and technical textiles. By sharing inspiration and expertise with their global customers, the company shapes the future of the textile industry. Their R&D team continuously develops new applications.
“At Texfair, we are showcasing two key products: the Proxima Winder, the ultimate winding machine, and our jacquards. Additionally, we are displaying our complete range of carpet machines, including those for woven and tufted carpets. We offer solutions for home textiles, such as shirring machines for towels, and various carpet-making machines. Our booth also features tier 4 machines made in India and new energy-saving pots,” stated Shrikant Gajabi, Sales Director, Vandewiele Savio.
Gajabi added, “Our carpet machines cater to both area rugs and wall-to-wall carpets, with tufted options for the latter. We provide end-to-end solutions, with tier 4 carpets manufactured in India, winding machines in Italy, and tufted and woven carpets, as well as jacquards, in Belgium.”
Vandewiele Savio has operations in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, as well as a manufacturing facility with 400 employees in Coimbatore.
Lopefe eyes domestic expansion
Loepfe has redefined textile manufacturing with cutting-edge sensor technology, leading the industry in quality and precision for decades. The sensors deliver unmatched accuracy in detecting yarn imperfections, and the innovations extend to yarn clearers, weft stop motions, and electronic tensioners.
Beyond sensors, the firm offers comprehensive solutions that include products, parts, services, and technologies. By understanding customer needs and market trends, they deliver top-tier textile quality control systems that enhance profitability and efficiency in spinning mills, making operators’ jobs easier.
Hariharan Rajamany, General Manager Operations, Loepfe Indiasaid, “At Textfair, we are interacting with existing and prospective customers to increase turnover and generate more enquiries. Due to challenges in the USA and Europe markets, our focus is currently on the domestic market. We aim to provide value through clearing systems, which minimise costs, reduce contamination, and improve fabric quality. Recent trends in automation and ease of use align with our current products and on-going plans to innovate useful solutions for our customers.”
Texfair serves as a catalyst for import substitution
The Southern India Mills’Asscociation (SIMA) represents the entire textile industry in South India. The association was established in 1933 by RK Shanmugham Chetty, the former Finance Minister of India. Since its founding, SIMA has served as a representative of the textile industry in South India, covering all aspects from farm to finish. The association also includes a Cotton Research and Development Association, which has been in operation for approximately 50 years and focuses on producing genetically pure seeds. Scientists within the association work on developing new and they maintain around 600 germplasms. Additionally, SIMA has developed BT cotton and extra-long staple cotton, which are comparable to Pima and Giza varieties.
SIMA collaborates closely with all the state governments in South India on policy matters and works in conjunction with the Ministry of Textiles, as well as several other ministries related to textiles, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Dr K Selvaraju, Secretary General, SIMA, informed, “The concept of Texfair was originally conceived by our former chairman, Manikam Ramaswami, who was the CMD of Loyal Textiles. He envisioned Texfair as a bridge between textile machinery manufacturers, spare parts suppliers, and the user industry. This is the 14th edition of the fair, with the first event held in 2001. We conduct this exhibition every alternate year, with only one exception where we held it annually. Alongside our main event, we often conduct international events such as the Global Textile Expo and buyer-seller meets. Although we have hosted nearly all Union Finance Ministers for the inauguration in the past, we could not include the current ministers this time due to recent elections.”
“The event is managed entirely by our team without outsourcing any tasks. Our dedicated team oversees the entire operation, receiving full support from the industry. Typically, the fair attracts around 100,000 visitors over its four-day duration. Unlike other international fairs, our fair emphasises supporting small, micro, and medium enterprises. Many participants have developed into significant manufacturers after attending our event. Exhibitors often showcase new innovations, and Tamil Nadu—especially Coimbatore and Tiruppur—accounts for a substantial portion of textile manufacturing in India, including 45 per cent of spinning capacity, 22 per cent of weaving capacity, 70 per cent of knitted garment capacity, and 12 per cent of handloom capacity,” added Dr Selvaraju.
Exhibitors at the fair benefit from valuable business connections and orders, which, while not always immediate, typically provide business for up to two years. Immediate orders usually range between Rs 10-15 billion. The fair features around 260 stalls with 238 exhibitors, including numerous international participants. Among the new exhibitors this year are Egyptian cotton and Bombay Dyeing fibres. Despite having overbooked stalls and turning away many potential exhibitors, plans are in place to accommodate additional participants in future exhibitions. The fair also facilitates import substitution, enabling local manufacturers to offer components at lower costs compared to imports, and serves as a platform for showcasing innovations in small machinery and automation technologies.
