[pageLogInLogOut]

#Associations

A new dynamic for the TMAS board

The new TMAS board members (left to right) Sven Öquist, Jerker Krabbe and Semir Pavlica. © 2021 TMAS
TMAS – the Swedish Textile Machinery Association – has appointed three new members to its board.

Jerker Krabbe of Eton Systems, Semir Paclica of Baldwin Technology and Sven Öquist of Coloreel will contribute a wealth of experience from a wide range of industries to the association.

Jerker Krabbe joined Eton Systems –a leader in intelligent overhead conveyor systems – as CEO six months ago, and has more than 25 years of commercial, operational and international experience within several well-known companies such as Electrolux, Husqvarna, Gunnebo and Assa Abloy, and most recently as CEO of Sector Alarm AB.

“Eton Systems has implemented a number of growth and innovation strategies in recent years that have contributed to the company’s leading market position,” he says. “After six months, I’m finally getting to grips with the complexity of the textile industry and happy to be contributing my commercial experience to both Eton and the board of TMAS. I want to continue to broaden my knowledge within the textile industry, but also learn and share my experiences with the team.

“The textile machinery industry is moving forward fast on a digitalization journey which I believe will benefit countries like Sweden,” he adds. “There is a growing trend of reshoring manufacturing back to developed countries and therefore a need for further automation. Here I think many members of TMAS can contribute and really take advantage of the change. It will also be increasingly important to have an environmentally positive footprint and I think that is a huge opportunity for us as an association to work together.”



Semir Pavlica has a master’s in finance and started his career at the SEB banking group before joining Baldwin Technology five ago. He is now managing the company’s process improvement and performance.

“This is an exciting role as Baldwin Technology continues to make inroads with its game changing non-contact spray technology for the textile finishing sector,” he says. “I’m data driven, have an analytical mind-set and an eye for marketing, combined with a drive and an enthusiasm to learn. I’m happy to be contributing to improving the market exposure of all TMAS members and the targeted customer approach taken by the association.”

Sven Öquist joined Coloreel as Vice President of Sales in April this year. He has an international background with previous positions as Managing Director/CEO for a number of Swedish companies. He has also led the global sales team at Polestar, the electrified brand of Volvo Cars.

“We grew the company from being a small privately-owned brand to becoming Volvo Cars third best selling accessory globally,” he says. “I think I can contribute a lot of what I learned on that journey to both Coloreel and the TMAS board. My job at Coloreel is to build a global sales team and structure with local presence in several markets as the company continues to generate industry excitement with its instant thread coloring technology for more creative and more sustainable embroideries.”

“I’m happy to welcome Jerker, Semir and Sven to the TMAS board,” says TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “They will bring fresh perspectives and experiences and an altogether new dynamic to the table.”



More News from Textile Machinery Association of Sweden

More News on Associations

#Associations

EU and Mercosur textile industries launch new Textile and Apparel Dialogue

EURATEX, ABIT and FITA have launched the EU–Mercosur Textile and Apparel Dialogue (TAD), a new industry platform aimed at strengthening cooperation between the European and Mercosur textile and apparel sectors.

#Associations

EURATEX urges Member States to prioritise competitiveness in the next EU budget

Ahead of crucial discussions among EU Member States on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, calls on European leaders to safeguard ambitious funding for industrial competitiveness and ensure that these resources translate into concrete investment support in European companies.

#Associations

Data and skills, not algorithms, hold back AI adoption in textiles, finds ITMF and ITA white paper

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) and the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA) have published a new white paper entitled AI in the Textile Value Chain: A Strategic Guide to Artificial Intelligence for the Global Textile Industry. The study concludes that the main barriers to artificial intelligence adoption in the textile and apparel industry are not technological limitations, but poor data integration, skills shortages and gaps in governance. According to the authors, further progress will depend on coordinated efforts to develop capabilities across the industry.

#Associations

Brazil: The Italian textile and textile-machinery sector takes centre stage at two workshops

From 19 to 24 October 2026, Brazil will host a mission showcasing Italian excellence in the textile and textile machinery sectors, with two workshops scheduled for 20 October in the state of Santa Catarina and 22 October in São Paulo. The initiative will bring together Italian companies specialising in textile machinery, yarns, fabrics and clothing accessories, with the aim of strengthening commercial and industrial ties between the two countries and opening up new opportunities for collaboration.

Latest News

#Spinning

FET highlights advances in fibre spinning technology at Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress

Fibre Extrusion Technology Limited (FET) presented its latest developments in fibre spinning technology at the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress in Austria in September 2026. In a presentation entitled “Spinning a good yarn”, Dr Jonny Hunter examined recent technological developments and challenges facing the fibre industry, highlighting the company's expanding range of specialised fibre extrusion and spinning systems.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Vietnam’s market evolution creates new sourcing opportunities at VIATT 2027

As Vietnam’s textile industry continues to upgrade and scale, new opportunities are emerging for suppliers of advanced raw materials, design-led fabrics, production technologies, and sustainability solutions. The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will return 24 – 26 February 2027, presenting a cross-sector platform – spanning apparel, home and technical categories – for overseas companies to connect with manufacturers, brands, sourcing offices, retailers, and industry buyers from Vietnam, ASEAN, and beyond.

#Heimtextil 2027

Textile performance for the global market: Heimtextil 2027 connects interior design, quality and global sourcing

With the new premium segment Carpets & Rugs Excellence, the Comfort & Connect area and the Heimtextil Trends 27/28, Heimtextil 2027 is sharpening its offering for a market under pressure. Today, textile products need to prove their quality, functionality and long-term value. From 12 to 15 January 2027, the leading trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design showcases relevant innovations across the entire value chain: from fibres and yarns to designs by international studios and emerging talent, through to finished collections, functional contract textiles and complete interior solutions.

#Digital Printing

Blue Tomato accelerates agile retail apparel production with Kornit Digital

Kornit Digital (NASDAQ: KRNT), a global pioneer in on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, is highlighting how Blue Tomato, Europe’s largest board sports retailer, is using two Kornit Atlas MAX PLUS systems to support a more agile approach to in-house apparel production. The systems are helping Blue Tomato respond faster to changing consumer trends, produce high-quality apparel for its network of 86 retail stores across Europe and reduce inventory by printing only what the market demands.

TOP