“ITM 2024 will Certainly Bring Some Positive Vibes to the Textile Production Industry in Turkey”
Interview: Dilek Hayırlı
Fritz Legler, Head of Sales and Marketing at Stäubli Textile said; “ITM 2024 will certainly bring some positive vibes to the textile production industry in Turkey, as it is a chance for weaving mill managers and their staff to step away from daily business and to discover, learn, and exchange with other players in the field.”
Stäubli Textile, which has a wide product portfolio in all application areas from home textiles (with terry fabrics) to weaving, denim to upholstery, curtains to woven carpets, had a successful 2023 despite the global contraction in the economy. Stäubli, which new Alpha carpet weaving system and SAFIR S60 automatic drawing-in systems with Active Warp Control 2.0, which they introduced at ITMA Milano and ITMA Asia fairs, attracted great interest, will exhibit its latest solutions at ITM 2024.
We interviewed with Fritz Legler, Head of Sales and Marketing Department of Stäubli Textile for the special issue of ‘Swiss Textile Machinery Industry’. Legler, who evaluated 2023 and explained the feedback they received from customers about their newly launched products, also announced their plans for 2024.
“The Overall Performance was Very Satisfying within the Global Context”
How was the year 2023 for your company? Can you evaluate it in terms of your production volume, orders, and export markets?
The overall performance was very satisfying within the global context. ITMA in June gave additional positive impact – as did ITMA Asia in November. China remained an important market even in today’s situation. Our existing and prospective customers confirmed that we are listening to their requirements and responding with good solutions. At the same time, global uncertainties with consumers and weavers have resulted in some initial signals that 2024 might start with somewhat decreased demand.
“ALPHA 580 Universal Offers the Greatest Flexibility in High Quality Rugs Weaving”
Stäubli introduced the new Alpha carpet weaving system and Safir S60 automatic drawing-in system with Active Warp Control 2.0 at ITMA 2023. What features make these products stand out and what are the advantages for the users?
The newly developed Alpha 580 Universal carpet weaving system incorporates a number of innovations, such as the shedding solutions: the LX 2494 Jacquard machine and the S3288 rotary dobby.
It features a redesigned pre-winder housing for greater operator friendliness, easy operability, and gentler yarn handling. Direct supply air over neuralgic points gives high process stability and reduces cleaning needs. These are just a few of the outstanding features integrated into this new carpet weaving system that offers the greatest flexibility in weaving high-quality rugs in all sorts of designs.
The SAFIR series of drawing-in systems supports efficient style changes in many various applications. Equipped with AWC 2.0, Stäubli’s unique and exclusive yarn-repeat management feature, these machines enable highly complex weave structures, warp production without sectional warping, and assembly without a separating cord. Integrating image-processing software, AWC 2.0 allows the detection of many colour nuances in one warp. Denim weavers especially appreciate AWC 2.0 for drawing in fancy yarns from two yarn layers using the Layer- and Offset-Management function, now available for warp widths up to 250cm on a 230cm-wide machine.
“With AWC 2.0, Stäubli Has Once Again Underlines Its Expertise in Innovation”
What reaction did the products get from the market? How is the interest of your Turkish customers in Stäubli’s solutions?
Booth visitors who observed the automatic drawing in of yarns with the finest nuances were impressed by the reliability and capabilities of our Yarn-Colour Detection and Management. With AWC 2.0, Stäubli has once again pushed innovation further and underlined its expertise in this domain. The industry is interested because the demand for quality products is constantly growing. Besides closing numerous sales contracts, our global business units have promising developments in the pipeline. Our teams have a strong presence in the market and are closely accompanying the weaving mills. Turkey is experiencing a slowdown, and carpet producers in particular are facing significant challenges. 2023 was not a strong year for this industry, but we are optimistic about the second quarter of 2024.
What impact do you expect the new PRO series of Jacquard machines to have on the textile industry, given their proven energy efficiency and ability to produce a variety of fabrics?
Our Pro series of Jacquard machines are a link in the chain towards a more sustainable textile production industry. Energy is one of the main challenges worldwide, and mills know that if you can employ production solutions that reduce your consumption, then you can step forward.
Considering the wide variety of applications Stäubli systems serve, from fashion-wear and home fabrics to technical textiles for future applications, what specific customer needs and industry trends is Stäubli focusing on for its future developments?
Solutions for an enhanced weaving process are our core business, and we intend to continue to serve the whole application range of woven fabrics. With our many decades of experience in the field, our satisfied customer base, and our highly motivated teams, we are constantly innovating and stepping forward – side by side with weavers who consider our machines their first choice no matter what application they are weaving.
“Our PRO Series Jacquard Machine and TIEPRO Tying Machine Provides Savings in Operating Costs”
Reducing production costs is a priority for all textile factories. How can your machinery help manufacturers in this effort?
We provide the energy-saving Pro series of Jacquard machines that I mentioned, and another example is our TIEPRO tying machine that does without an oil bath and needs no spare needles. These features save operating costs in the mill. Weavers that choose quality machinery can enjoy a quality weaving process that minimizes material waste, which of course also saves money. And of course weaving more first-quality product leads to higher operating margins.
Automation and digitalisation are becoming increasingly important for enhancing efficiency and productivity. Can you elaborate on Stäubli’s approach to this and the benefits that customers are experiencing?
Automation and digitalisation are certainly keys to thriving in the market and dealing with the lack of skilled workers. We provide a wide range of products that enhance productivity and overall efficiency, including automation solutions for warp and style changes. Our warp-tying and automatic drawing-in machines support quality processes that lead to more first quality output and less material waste.
At ITMA we launched MyStäubli, our new service portal which plays a key role in machine longevity. This portal includes an equipment centre that serves to keep customers fit for efficient maintenance and help them get the most out of their Stäubli machinery and solutions. It makes it easy for weavers to take proper care of their machinery, optimally train their teams, expand their knowledge, and take advantage of the redesigned e-shop for easy management of spare parts.
“Our Goal is to Maintain Our Position as a Preferred Supplier to the Weaving Industry”
As a company, do you have new investments and new machine developments on your agenda for the near future? Can you tell us about your 2024 targets?
We launched many new solutions in 2023 and we are implementing them worldwide now. Our main target is to accompany and satisfy our customers, to partner with them, support them whenever needed, and maintain our position as a preferred supplier to the weaving industry.
How is Stäubli preparing for the ITM 2024 Exhibition? How do you think the ITM Exhibition will accelerate the textile machinery sector, which stagnated in the recent period?
We are fully engaged in preparing for ITM 2024. We will be there and present an excellent overview of our latest solutions. ITM 2024 will certainly bring some positive vibes to the textile production industry in Turkey, as it is a chance for weaving mill managers and their staff to step away from daily business and to discover, learn, and exchange with other players in the field. Will the sector see an upswing? Like everyone in the industry, we sincerely hope so, but we can’t predict the future. One thing is for sure though: Our teams are looking forward to being there and welcoming all visitors to Booth 803 in Hall 8.
