The world of textile technology revolves around the four-yearly ITMA shows that provide a massive, single-site overview of progress across all the industry manufacturing disciplines, from raw fibre to finished fabric. Major European cities almost vie to host the show, one of the biggest and most successful trade events in the world, drawing over 100,000 visitors.
The next ITMA will be held in Barcelona, during June 20-26, 2019, and the build-up has already started, with companies eager to claim exhibit space when applications opened last month. Early signs are that it could be bigger and better than ever, with reports that applications received so far are already double those at the same stage ahead of the previous show.
ITMA 2015, held in Milan, was acclaimed as a surprisingly strong ‘selling’ show, with high levels of orders actually placed at the event. For Richard Hough it was a massive success, thanks to the interest generated and business deals done.
The new Simtex high-temperature calender bowl made its public debut in Milan and immediately attracted multiple orders. Its durability at up to 400°C and its unique ability to create a soft handle in the fabric were key factors, and Simtex is expected to play a central role in Hough’s presentation in 2019 as well. The famous Roberto squeeze roller is also set to feature, having continued to find new applications in textiles, as well as other sectors, in its latest version.
Says Hough Sales Director Mike Urey: “It looks like the Barcelona ITMA will be even better than the Milan show for the industry. We are hearing from the British Textile Machinery Association that advance bookings for Barcelona have already been received from more than 250 firms, accounting for 17,500 square metres of booth floorspace. That level of interest, two years ahead of the show, suggests that ITMA 2019 is heading for a sell-out, and we at Richard Hough are delighted to have secured our place at this fantastic event.”