#Making-Up

2020-05-07

Prime Minister Mrs Malu Dreyer visits PFAFF

On 16 April, Prime Minister (State of Rhineland-Palatinate) Mrs Malu Dreyer visited PFAFF Industriesysteme und Maschinen GmbH in Kaiserslautern. Welcomed by the three PFAFF managing directors Michael Kilian, Guido Jaeger and Yongwu Chen, Malu Dreyer was there to find out about PFAFF's activities regarding the provision of production solutions for the manufacture of face masks.

In the PFAFF showroom, the PFAFF management showed some solutions to the Prime Minister and explained which measures and adjustments have been implemented at PFAFF to meet the worldwide demand for sewing and welding solutions for the production of masks and protective clothing. Michael Kilian (PFAFF management spokesman) provided the information that, for example, in order to meet the high demand for welding machines, a second welding machine production line has been installed.

Michael Kilian also said that PFAFF will install two fully automatic production lines for mask manufacturing at its locations in Kaiserslautern and Bensheim in the next few weeks and bring them into production. At full capacity, up to 3 million masks can be produced per month on the two production units (of a sister company within the group). Malu Dreyer was very impressed with this; further activities and procedures were discussed in intensive talks with PFAFF management. The basic tenor of the head of the federal state, “In the future, we cannot allow a situation where we are completely dependent on mask supplies from abroad. Regional manufacturing must be developed to ensure the necessary independence and flexibility".

A project of ITSMgroup GmbH (Mainz) and PFAFF, with the aim of establishing production of washable and reusable face masks in Germany within a few weeks, also follows the same line. This approach of "sustainable production and use" is fully supported by the Prime Minister. The state government is proud that the skills for the establishment of such sustainable mask production are available in the federal state and are being implemented concretely and at short notice in this difficult time.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Precision at the Forefront: Groz-Beckert at ITMA Asia 2024

As ITMA Asia 2024 approaches, Groz-Beckert is set to unveil a range of cutting-edge innovations in textile machinery components. From October 14-18, 2024, visitors can expect a showcase of the company’s latest developments in knitting, weaving, nonwovens, tufting, sewing, and spinning at Hall 4, Booth C04. With a focus on precision and performance, Groz-Beckert’s offerings align with the growing demand for enhanced efficiency and sustainability in textile production.

Italian textile finishing specialist injects digital agility into luxury textile manufacturing with Kornit Digital

1st October 2026 – Kornit Digital, a global pioneer in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, shares the news that Tintoria Finissaggio 2000, one of Italy's leading textile dyeing and finishing specialists, has integrated the Kornit Presto MAX into its production environment to expand its premium textile offering to improve manufacturing efficiency and support growing demand for sustainable, agile fabric production.

ReHubs names Béatrice Moureaux CEO to advance textile recycling in Europe

ReHubs has appointed Béatrice Moureaux as Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter for the European alliance as it continues to strengthen its work to scale textile-to-textile recycling across Europe. Béatrice has served as Board Advisor to ReHubs since December 2025, working closely with its Board, team and members on the organisation’s strategy and projects. She brings more than 25 years of experience across technical textiles, advanced fibres, nonwovens and circular innovation.

YKK subsidiary Golden Hill Tower Limited marks 25 years of operations in Myanmar

Golden Hill Tower Limited, a subsidiary of YKK Corporation, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a ceremony in Myanmar on September 21, 2026. The event brought together approximately 230 guests, including senior executives from the YKK Group, to commemorate the company's development since the launch of its serviced apartment business in November 2000.

SHIMA SEIKI to showcase digital product creation at Apparel Sourcing Week

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Apparel Sourcing Week 2026 in Bengaluru, India next month. The exhibition provides a platform for the entire apparel value chain, bringing together manufacturers, brands, suppliers and solution providers in one location.