There is Also Significant Interest in Sustainable Weaving and Digitization in Türkiye
Interview: Dilek Hayırlı
Kurt Lamkowski, Worldwide Sales Manager at Picanol, said; “There is also significant interest in sustainable weaving and digitization, particularly in Türkiye. These trends have led us to focus on innovative solutions like the Ultimax rapier weaving machine and the PicConnect digital platform, which cater to these evolving customer needs.”
We interviewed with Kurt Lamkowski, Picanol Worldwide Sales Manager, for our Tekstil Teknoloji magazine. Stating that 2024 is a challenging year in terms of the volume of demand felt worldwide, Lamkowski commented: ‘Despite these challenges, we look to the future with confidence thanks to our innovative technologies and strong market presence.’ The highlights of the interview are as follows:
How is the year 2024 going for Picanol? Can you explain with your production volume and sales figures? What are your expectations and targets for the rest of 2024 and 2025?
The year 2024 has been challenging in terms of volume in demand, something that is being felt worldwide. Despite these challenges, we remain confident in the future, driven by our innovative technologies and strong market presence. While we do not provide specific production volumes or sales figures, we emphasize our commitment to growth and innovation. For the rest of 2024 and into 2025, we aim to continue supporting our customers with high-tech, efficient, and sustainable weaving machines and qualitative services.
What kind of changes and demands do you observe in local and international customer demands? How do these changes affect the strategies of Picanol?
We have observed a growing demand for high-tech machines that offer increased efficiency and productivity. There is also significant interest in sustainable weaving and digitization, particularly in Türkiye. These trends have led us to focus on innovative solutions like the Ultimax rapier weaving machine and the PicConnect digital platform, which cater to these evolving customer needs.
“Ultimax Attracted Great Interest at ITM 2024 Exhibition, Our Sales Increased”
You introduced your Ultimax rapier weaving machine at the ITM 2024 Exhibition held in Istanbul last time. How was the interest in the machine? How did the interest in the machine affect your sales after the exhibition? What kind of feedback do you receive from customers about the machine?
The Ultimax rapier weaving machine garnered significant interest at the ITM 2024 Exhibition. Customers were impressed by its ultimate performance, high-quality output, and readiness for future sustainability requirements. The positive feedback has translated into increased sales, with customers appreciating the machine’s efficiency and versatility.
How does Picanol’s Ultimax rapier weaving machine simplify operations for mill owners with its features?
The Ultimax rapier weaving machine simplifies operations by offering ultimate performance, high-quality output, and ease of use through maximum digitization. It excels in the fields of performance and quality, it is designed with sustainability as the baseline, and the high degree of digitization results in a previously unseen ease of use. It is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, helping mill owners achieve better productivity and quality with less effort. The higher industrial speeds of the Ultimax rapier weaving machine offer a valuable alternative for many airjet weavers, who will not only benefit from the lower energy consumption of a rapier machine but also from the versatility to weave a wider fabric range – which in turn increases their chances of diversification.
How does data-driven decision-making enhance machinery performance and maximize outcomes for buyers?
Data-driven decision-making, facilitated by our PicConnect digital platform, enhances machinery performance by providing insights that help optimize weaving efficiency. This approach ensures high-quality output and allows for better resource management, ultimately maximizing outcomes for buyers. PicConnect offers real-time monitoring, energy and air consumption tracking, and alerting functionalities that enable swift and informed decision-making.
What can you say about the advantages and disadvantages of the Turkish textile sector in international competition? Can you evaluate Türkiye’s strengths in the sector?
The Turkish textile sector is significant and diverse, with a strong emphasis on high-tech machinery for increased efficiency and productivity. However, economic challenges are present. Türkiye’s strengths include a growing interest in sustainable and digital solutions, which align well with our offerings. The sector’s ability to adapt to new technologies and its focus on sustainability are key competitive advantages.
“We also Invest in Modernizing Our Own Production Facilities”
How do global economic fluctuations and geopolitical risks affect the sector? What kind of strategies do you develop to cope with such risks?
Global economic fluctuations and geopolitical risks pose challenges to the textile sector. We address these risks by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and digitization, ensuring that our machines and solutions remain relevant and valuable to customers despite external uncertainties. We also invest in modernizing our own production facilities and developing new technologies. Our global presence and close partnerships with customers enable us to adapt swiftly to changing market demands. With a team of over 150 experienced technicians spread across more than 30 countries, we ensure that our customers receive timely support and service.
“The Importance of Sustainable Weaving and Further Digitalization is Gaining Growing Importance in Türkiye”
Considering the wide variety of applications Picanol systems serve, from denim, voile/curtains home textiles, terry towels to double-face fabrics, what specific customer needs and industry trends Picanol is focusing on for its future developments?
We are always focusing on customer needs for high efficiency, quality, and sustainability across various applications. Our commitment to developing the best weaving machines in the world, supported by a highly qualified service team, ensures that we remain at the forefront of the industry. With a focus on smart performance, sustainability, ease of use, and being driven by data, we are poised to drive the future of textile manufacturing. In addition, the importance of sustainable weaving and further digitalization is gaining growing importance in Türkiye. Not to mention the fact that the Ultimax really is the answer to all their weaving needs.