“Swiss’s Textile Machinery Exports Increased by 2.8% in 2022”

Interview: Dilek Hayırlı 

Swissmem General Secretary Cornelia Buchwalder, with whom we interviewed for the special issue of ‘Swiss Textile Machinery Industry’, evaluated the year 2022. Reminding that we are going through a period where more challenges are experienced simultaneously than ever before, Buchwalder said, “Our industry is affected by the Ukraine war, energy shortages in Europe, still unresolved supply chain problems, high inflation rates and rising raw material prices. it will still take some time to reach a new normal.”

First of all, how was 2022 for Swiss textile machinery manufacturers? Can you explain this with machine production, machine sales figures and growth figures?

Despite the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 were good years for the Swiss textile machinery industry. In 2022 Swiss textile machinery exports were 2.8% higher than in 2021. The main export markets were China, India, Germany, Turkey and the USA. However, this should not hide the fact that the markets are slowing down and that this growth was mainly due to the good first half of 2022. In 2022, exports increased by 2.8% to CHF 616.5 million compared to 2021. However, this is only the part of the export that takes place from Switzerland. Many member companies have other production sites around the world. The export figures from these plants are not included here.

What is the rate of exports of Swiss textile machinery manufacturers to Turkey? Which were the most exported machines respectively?

Export figures to Turkey have been weaker than average. In 2022, 12% less Swiss textile machinery was sold to Turkey than in the previous year.

“Incoming orders have declined in recent months”

How are Swissmem member companies affected by crises? What is the roadmap of companies regarding this process?

We live in a time with probably more simultaneous challenges than ever before. The Ukraine war, the related energy shortages in Europe, the still unresolved supply chain challenges. Added to this are the high inflation rates and the resulting curbing of consumption, to name just the most prevalent ones. All these challenges, including increased raw material prices, have an impact on production. In the meantime, we see, for example, that the supply chain problems are calming down. But it will still take some time to reach a new normal. A survey among our member companies shows that all these challenges are leading to a delay in the conclusion of contracts and that incoming orders have declined in recent months. In this sense, ITMA in Milan in June comes at a good time and hopefully marks a kick-off for projects benefiting the entire textile industry.

What kind of changes will occur in the export markets of the world textile machinery manufacturers? Do Swiss textile machinery manufacturers carry out a study on these markets?

Of course, our member companies and also we as an association are continuously studying the changes in the textile sector. Our industry is subject to continuous change, including customer markets. Basically, China, India and Turkey, among others, remain important countries in the textile industry. But we also see shifts out of these countries into other markets. And with the increasingly important market in the field of technical textiles, other markets such as the USA or European countries are receiving more attention again.

“We Organize a Program for Our Members to Use Less Energy, Water and Chemicals”

Especially with the energy crisis, the emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly production began to gain weight. What will be the priorities of Swissmem member companies when developing products in the new period?

Digitalization, automation and sustainability are not just buzzwords but continue to influence all developments and innovations, not only in the textile machinery industry.

Regarding 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. Among other things, efforts continue to be made to ensure that less energy, water and chemicals need to be used to achieve the same results. As an association, we have also taken on this topic and are currently running an individual program for our member companies. Of course, some member companies are already very advanced in this topic, but others are certainly able to benefit.

Digitalization offers a wide range of opportunities, be it in product or process optimization or in the development of completely new business models. Our member companies use these opportunities to generate maximum customer benefit.

What are your expectations about the World Textile sector and especially the textile machinery sector in 2023?

Irrespective of inflation, the leading economic indicators give no cause for optimism. Although unemployment rates in the industrialized countries remain very low by historical standards, consumer sentiment is at an all-time low in the face of rapidly rising prices and major geopolitical risks. In all major economic regions, consumer sentiment is well into contractionary territory. These indicators suggest that it will take some time for consumer and business sentiment to turn around.

“I Believe That ITMA will Give Our Entire Industry a Boost”

2023 will be a year with intense exhibitions. How do Swissmem member companies prepare for these exhibitions?

Yes, there are various exhibitions coming up in 2023, ITMA continues to be the Olympics of textile machinery exhibitions. Accordingly, all Swiss exhibitors have great expectations of the upcoming ITMA in Milan. Even though the current business climate has been hampered by the challenges, it will be the place to meet in 2023. That’s why I firmly believe that this exhibition can give our entire industry a boost.

As always, the companies are currently in full swing preparing their exhibition presentation. They will only present their innovations at the exhibition itself. However, it can be assumed that the areas of automation, digitalisation and the further development of machines and solutions to reduce the consumption of raw materials such as energy, water and chemicals will continue to be the focus.

As you know, at the beginning of February, a devastating earthquake disaster occurred in Southeast Turkey. Textile companies in the region were also affected by the earthquake. As Swissmem, do you have a message for the earthquake region? What would you like to say?

We would like to express our great condolences to all those affected in Turkey and also in Syria. All of us in the industry know companies and people who were affected by this earthquake. It gives us hope to see how solidarity plays out in such difficult situations. Many of our companies have reacted immediately and offered direct support to their employees, partners and customers. Of course, we hope that the situation will improve soon, knowing that the consequences of such a devastating event will last for a long time.