Swiss Textile Machinery Manufacturers are Ready for the ITM 2022
Cornelia Buchwalder, Swissmem Secretary General
Swissmem is the leading association for SMEs and large companies in Switzerland’s mechanical and electrical engineering industries (MEM industries) and related technology-oriented sectors. We interviewed with the Swissmem Secretary General Cornelia Buchwalder for ‘Swiss Special Edition’ . Buchwalder said that in 2021, when the effects of the pandemic decreased, Swiss machine manufacturers entered a strong recovery period. “In 2021 the export volume rose by 17.4% and reached a level of 600 Mio CHF.” she said.
First of all, how was 2021 for Swiss textile machinery manufacturers? Can you evaluate the year 2021 in numbers?
Looking back to 2021, most of our members reported a very strong year. The business climate has recovered faster and stronger than could be expected. Despite this positive and rapid recovery, there were some challenges to overcome. The still complicated and highly expensive transports, the scarcity and long delivery times of raw materials and the complexity of travel planning. For Switzerland, there was also the additional challenge of the again strengthening Swiss currency, mainly compared to the Euro. As it was a very strong year, both the capacity utilisation rate and the productivity rate developed positively.
In 2021 the export volume rose by 17.4% and reached a level of 600 Mio CHF. Turkey was the third most important export market behind China and Germany. It is indeed the case that exports to Turkey stagnated in 2021. In comparison, all other main export markets have increased by up to 50% compared to 2020
The pandemic process has once again proven how important sustainability and digitalization are. What are the latest innovations are coming up by Swiss textile machinery manufacturers considering sustainability and digitalization?
Both digitalisation and sustainability are not just buzzwords but influence all developments and innovations, not only in the textile machinery industry.
With regard to sustainability, it is and stays a big and very important topic. It has been for years, but now it is even more important due to the new EU strategy for sustainable textiles. As an association, we have also taken on this topic and are currently developing an individual programme for our member companies. Of course, some member companies are already very advanced in this topic, but others will certainly be able to benefit.
Industry 4.0 offers various possibilities, be it in product or process optimization or in the development of completely new business models. Our member companies use these possibilities to generate maximum customer benefit. The pandemic in particular has shown us how important digitalisation can be. Customers and suppliers who can offer for example remote service were certainly in an advantageous situation.
Have there been any specific initiatives by Swiss companies to battle future crises?
To answer this question I would like to go back in time… Many of the companies in our association of textile machinery manufacturers were founded in the second half of the 19th century, have gone through many ups and downs and have gained outstanding reputation over time. Having such a long history, the Swiss companies have constantly managed to anticipate changes, developed their business strategy and have continuously evolved. R&D plays an eminent role in this. Only with such a holistic approach our machines and solutions will satisfy the needs of future generations.
What are the recent trends in the textile industry? What kind of investments are Swiss companies making to keep up with the trends?
As already mentioned, the two mega-topics remain digitalisation and sustainability towards a circular economy. This will result in completely new business models in the coming years. I see this as a great opportunity for the innovative Swiss textile machinery industry.
What are the plans taken by SWISSMEM for its members’ business & brand promotion in the year ahead? It will be held at the ITM 2022 this year. What are the Swiss companies’ preparations for ITM 2022?
This year is full of exhibitions and events. I am confident that they can take place again. This is important, both to meet partners and customers, but also to experience innovations and new products up close.
ITM 2022 will be the first exhibition in a long time where the global textile industry meets. Many of our member companies will be exhibiting and present in this market which is so important for them.
For the first time, we will have a Swiss pavilion at Techtextil in Frankfurt, which takes place shortly after ITM 2022. In the second half of the year, further activities are planned in Indonesia, Uzbekistan, China and India.
Another milestone will be ITMA 2023, which will be held under the motto “Transforming the World of Textiles”. All efforts and developments of our member companies’ machines and solutions will be on display there, including in the field of digitalisation and sustainability
How will 2022 be for the textile industry? What are your expectations and 2022 targets of Swiss textile machinery manufacturers?
This question is very difficult to answer, as it depends on various factors. Have governments set up special support programmes for the textile industry? Where can full production be resumed and where are there still restrictions? And more recently, there is also the question of how much the geopolitical situation is changing the business climate. Personally, however, I expect a positive 2022 despite all the uncertainties, and the spirit of optimism will be reflected in the textile industry.
Interview: Dilek Hayırlı
