Automation is the buzzword in the textile industry, and Coimbatore-based Cruzoe Innotek is making waves with high-quality, intelligent automation solutions. In just a few years, the company has distinguished itself as a leader in this space. Its innovative product range includes the iABTS Bobbin Transport System (with three distinct variants), a Fully Automatic Roving Stripper and Roving Bobbin Exchanger, and ConeFlo, an advanced automatic transport system for cones and cheese.
In an exclusive conversation, Luis Cruz, Director, and Lucas Cruz, Managing Director of Cruzoe Innotek, discussed the company’s journey, its automation solutions, the rising importance of automation in the textile sector, and their plans for the future.
From vision to reality
Reflecting on the company’s origins, Lucas Cruz shared, “Cruzoe Innotek is named after my father, Mr. Joseph Cruz. Established in 2019, we initially focused on manufacturing electronic PCBs before branching into textile automation.”
Lucas, an electronics engineer, built a foundation for Cruzoe Innotek with his extensive experience working in textile technology for a leading textile machinery company in Mexico. “I spent eight years there, managing sales across Latin America and, before that, handling customer service for whole of India and China,” he said. His exposure to different textile markets sparked a deep interest in automation, inspiring him to create advanced solutions for the industry.
“When I decided to venture out independently, I initially considered exploring other sectors,” he recalled. “However, colleagues encouraged me to stay in textiles. Automation in textiles was ripe for innovation, and that’s how Cruzoe Innotek was born.”
Why automation matters?
According to Lucas, automation is crucial in the textile industry, particularly in regions like India. “Automation not only increases reliability but also addresses production challenges caused by workforce absenteeism. It boosts productivity and ensures consistent quality,” he explained. “In Mexico, I saw mills operating with minimal human intervention, achieving predictable, efficient workflows. India is moving in the same direction. It’s not just about cutting labor costs; it’s about ensuring quality and filling a skills gap, as skilled labor is increasingly difficult to find.”
Lucas highlighted the quality benefits of automation, particularly with systems like their automatic cone transport solution. “Manual handling of cones can lead to issues such as package damages, stains and yarn contamination. Automation minimizes these risks, ensuring a cleaner and more consistent product. Just like the pristine, automated environments used in the food and beverage industry, we’re striving for that same level of cleanliness and precision in textiles.”
A positive industry response
The industry has responded enthusiastically to automation. “Initially, there was some resistance, but in the last five years, there’s been a major shift,” Lucas noted. “Demand for automation has surged, with mills recognizing the advantages for crucial processes like transport and inspection. Our transport systems, specifically designed for textiles, have seen substantial success.”
Standing out: what sets Cruzoe Innotek apart?
On why mills choose Cruzoe Innotek, Lucas said, “Our focus is on high-quality, fully automated solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Our systems are user-friendly; anyone can operate them without technical expertise. Features like password-protected settings, tiered access levels, and remote diagnostics mean we can monitor, assist and troubleshoot in real time. We also use high-grade components from international suppliers, ensuring durability and peak performance. Unlike generic solutions, our systems are engineered to operate continuously in demanding environments.”
Next-Generation leadership
Luis Cruz, Lucas’s son, has brought fresh perspectives to Cruzoe Innotek, adding momentum to its innovation efforts. “I lead the automation team and oversee R&D for new products,” he explained. “Combining my tech background with my father’s textile expertise, we create solutions that align with the industry’s evolving demands.”
Both Lucas and Luis are optimistic about India’s textile sector. “Textiles will always be in demand,” Luis noted. “With India’s economy set to grow substantially, the opportunities are immense. Despite challenges, we believe the industry will continue evolving, with artificial intelligence and vision technology making production smarter and more efficient.”
Service support: A key priority
Lucas emphasized the importance of robust service support: “Reliable service is crucial for automation. We have a dedicated team ensuring that our systems run smoothly. With remote monitoring, we can oversee operations from input to output, wherever the machine is located. This minimizes downtime and resolves issues quickly.”
Expanding global horizons
Cruzoe Innotek has ambitious plans for international expansion. “We’ve had significant orders from Indian clients and are actively pursuing overseas markets. Given my experience in Latin America, it’s a key target for us, and we’re also exploring other regions with high demand for quality textile automation,” Lucas said.
Beyond spinning
When asked about branching out beyond spinning, Lucas acknowledged the challenges. “Spinning is our core expertise. Other processes like weaving or knitting require extensive customization due to the unique demands of each process. Unlike spinning, where a single machine can serve multiple clients, weaving requires more tailored solutions. However, we’re also considering fields like medical engineering, where our automation expertise can add value in high-demand applications.”
