Automation, especially in an integrated textile and garment manufacturing chain, will help address the fashion and clothing industry’s current concerns of short production cycles and sustainable business practices, according to CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers. 

Mr Fritz P. Mayer, President of CEMATEX, which owns the ITMA exhibition, said: “The garment making industry is labour intensive and associated with low productivity. Things are set to change. Recently, there has been much publicity about ‘sewbots’, considered as a major breakthrough in garment automation. Manufacturers fast enough to ride the digital wave will find new opportunities and gain an edge over their competitors." 

Mr Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), concurred: “The garment industry is very competitive and production cycles are now even shorter. Therefore, we need to think out of the box and leverage on new technologies to help us to be more productive and efficient. Many innovative solutions are being introduced, from processes to materials.”  

Mr A.E. Roberts, Managing Director of ITMA Services, organiser of ITMA 2019, elaborated: “The digitisation of the fashion industry means that their suppliers will need to seamlessly integrate their design, material supply and production of the finished products. With integrated solutions, garment manufacturers will be able to respond well to fast and flexible production turnarounds, and cut costs by increasing productivity and reducing wastes.”  

With greater automation on the cards, industry players are seeing the resurgence of garment manufacturing activities in Europe and other developed economies.

Mr Paulo Vaz, General Director of the Textile and Apparel Association of Portugal (ATP) is upbeat about prospects for Portuguese manufacturers. He said, “We are glad that there is a resurgence of textile and garment making in Europe as this benefits the Portuguese textile and apparel industry. Our manufacturers can be more competitive by improving competencies through branding, innovation and R&D.

“By incorporating technological and creative innovation to differentiate our products, we can expand our markets. As such, it is critical for us to continually evaluate and invest in new technologies. ITMA 2019, which will be held in neighbouring Spain, will be an excellent platform for our manufacturers to explore integrated solutions, ranging from textile and garment technologies to fibres, yarns and fabrics.”