Itema S.p.A. of Italy, the leading global provider of advanced weaving solutions, including best-in-class weaving machines, spare parts and services, will unveil at ITMA Asia the latest advancements in weaving technology, both in airjet and rapier machines, to allow customers to produce high quality fabrics. It will exhibit 10 weaving machines of different types.
The Italian multinational company closed 2013 with an over 50 per cent YOY increase in weaving machines turnover and, encouragingly, the growth is still continuing into 2014. Itema is the only manufacturer in the world to provide all the three weft insertion technologies – rapier, airjet and projectile – with an ample product portfolio and a strong commitment to continuous innovation.
The company is present in China since 2003 with sales and aftersales teams, assembly and technical support with a mission to ensure the highest possible standard of weaving solutions and a complete product and service offering. China is one of the most important markets for Itema, with a strong potential for continued growth. The company launched new and improved corporate offices and assembly plant in Shanghai on March 6 last.
Outside China, Itema is dedicated to growing its reach and presence in the Indian sub-continent, with the appointment of Mr. Updeep Singh as new Managing Director of Itema Weaving India Pvt. Ltd.
“We view ITMA Asia as an important platform to showcase our latest technological advancements,” said Mr. Carlo Rogora, CEO of Itema. “We are probably the only company in the textile manufacturing industry that boasts not one but two R&D departments. Itema recently launched the ItemaLab, the advanced research incubator, with the mission to design the weaving machine of the future. We are immensely proud of our accomplishments and are also confident that our customers will appreciate the innovations of our weaving machines.”
Mr. Fulvio Carlo Toma, Group Sales & Marketing Director of Itema, commented: “With nearly two centuries of experience, Itema has always had a rich history of developing the best technology for the weaving industry. Now, with the recent changes within the management, Itema endeavors to achieve the global leadership position within the next few years.”
Itema will display the R9500 rapier weaving machine, the 2013 best-seller, which, in just one year after launch, accounts for one-third of the company revenue from weaving machines. The R9500 will be available, weaving a technical style. The newest R9000 rapier, to be displayed at ITMA Asia, is designed for easy use and provides the best balance between cost and perk. The other rapier weaving machine carrying the Itema brand and on show in Shanghai will be the R880DT with Jacquard weaving terry cloth.
Itema will also showcase several rapier machines in its partners’ booths, including two R9500 machines, one with Bonas Jacquard for the furnishing and tapestry segment, and the other with Stäubli Jacquard for the fancy automotive segment. Two other rapier machines on display in partner booths will be R9000, one with Grosse Jacquard weaving an upholstery style, and the other with Song & Song Jacquard weaving furnishing style.
The company is equally excited to demonstrate its high-profile airjet machine, the A9500. In the words of Mr. Carlo Rogora: “We can’t wait! Itema has prepared the machines with challenging applications to illustrate unprecedented performance in speed, diversification and energy consumption. Itema will present a brand new concept that leaves the competition behind. ITMA Asia provides the perfect venue to validate the dedicated efforts of Itema’s R&D engineers.”