#Spinning

2024-10-24

Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions continues to rely on online training center

One year after the BCF module of the Digital Academy went live, Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions draws a positive balance. Feedback from US carpet yarn manufacturers already using the portal shows that the company has taken the right approach with the offering.

Compact, role-based learning units that can be accessed via mobile and stationary end devices make the contents of the Digital Academy quickly applicable for the user © 2024 Oerlikon

Digital Academy hits the mark with customers

The portal is particularly effective in supporting the induction of new specialists. Whereas in the past, training was provided and documentation handed over during commissioning, today users can learn independently of time and place and refresh their knowledge at any time. The content is definitely also suitable for training technical specialists. This makes the digital approach consistent and efficient.

The technical personnel at Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions provide the content for the Digital Academy. Particular emphasis is placed on practical relevance. “Our customers define who should learn what, so that the training packages are targeted and customized,” explains Tilmann Seidel, Vice President Customer Services. The BCF module is currently available worldwide in English, Spanish and Turkish.

The portal is to be made available for all processes of the Oerlikon Business Unit Manmade Fibers Solutions in the future. The digital academy for the POY process is already under development.

Digital learning is the future

The online training center, which is located on the e-commerce platform myOerlikon.com, contains a collection of e-learning modules on the topics of operation, maintenance and repair, currently for the Oerlikon Neumag BCF machines S+ and S8. Operating personnel as well as process engineers and technicians as well as quality managers are trained.

A high staff turnover rate among yarn manufacturers, which has increased again since the Covid-19 pandemic, underscores the need for new training concepts that do not require a physical trainer and are accessible 24/7. This is because in-person training requires a considerable logistical effort, incurs travel costs and disrupts operations more severely than individually scheduled online training. This is where the Digital Academy offers a distinct advantage: compact, role-based learning units that can be accessed via mobile and stationary end devices make the content quickly applicable for the user. A success check helps to internalize the content and consolidate what has been learned. Feedback functions can quickly clarify comprehension questions at any time. Access to the Digital Academy is location- or company-specific.

Barmag and Hitech Automation enter into partnership for an auto-doff system for texturing machines

Barmag (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Hitech Automation Solutions PVT LTD. of Surat, India, have agreed to an exclusive partnership to jointly market Hitech’s Doffmatic automation solution for Barmag’s proven manual eFK texturing machines. In many texturing facilities, manual doffing processes remain heavily operator-dependent – resulting in issues such as increased scrap, inconsistent quality, and limited productivity.

Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions hosted successful Technology Day 2025 in India

Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions recently hosted its highly anticipated Innovation and Technology Day at the Deltin Hotel in Daman by end of January 2025. The event attracted over 300 participants, including industry experts, partners, and stakeholders, who gathered to explore the latest advancements and trends in the manmade fibers industry in India.

GenuTrace client advisory: Is your cotton supply chain UFLPA ready?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has released updated operational guidance (CBP Publication No. 5560-0526) expanding its forced labor enforcement framework. The guidance supersedes the original 2022 UFLPA Operational Guidance and now covers all forced labor enforcement authorities — UFLPA, CAATSA, and WROs/Findings — in a single unified document. For cotton importers, the enforcement posture has not softened. It has become more structured, more documented, and more demanding. Learn more about UFLPA.

"We will become a recycling powerhouse"

The textile industry is now in its fourth consecutive year of crisis, while automation, artificial intelligence and recycling are reshaping the rules of the game. In this interview, Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli discusses the first signs of a market recovery, reflects on his first three years at the helm of the company, explains the integration of Barmag, outlines Rieter’s vision of the fully automated spinning mill and highlights the strategic importance of recycling. In doing so, he explains why the new Rieter Group aims to play a leading role in transforming the textile value chain into a circular economy.

Uster’s new Recycling Opening Index guides spinners to the perfect blend

Uster AFIS 6 now offers the key data for better decisions when blending recycled fibers. Process control is decisive in determining the quality and economic outcome. The new R Recycling Module of AFIS 6 introduces the Recycling Opening Index (ROI), so spinners can optimize their circularity credentials. It was officially launched at ITM 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.

STOLL: Agreement signed for the divestiture of selected assets

In early 2025, KARL MAYER announced its strategic decision to focus on its core business areas of WARP KNITTING, WARP PREPARATION, and TECHNICAL TEXTILES. As part of this move, the flat knitting machine business under the STOLL brand was discontinued and the production site in Reutlingen was closed in October 2025.

TERNAfil wins first place at PitchMiUp Night 2026 in Minden

The RWTH spin-off TERNAfil has developed MAXCarbon, a new high-performance hybrid fibre that combines the mechanical performance of carbon with the temperature and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials. For this development, TERNAfil was awarded first prize at the PitchMiUp Night in Minden on 21 May 2026.