Expects Indian business to grow in 2016
Stäubli had an impressive response at ITMA 2015. An incredible number of high-ranking delegations of customers from around the globe came to see the really attractive Stäubli booth where the company presented 13 new products along with its textile machinery line of offerings.
“We believe that we have grown together even stronger – our customers and Stäubli! It was probably one of the best ITMAs ever. The proof of the pudding lies in its eating, in this respect, time will tell if the very positive mood and motivation of participants will transpire into real business opportunities over the next several months. Let`s keep our fingers crossed that some of the lingering distortions in our global, political and economic environment will not negate our hard work in the run up to ITMA”, said Mr. Fritz Legler, Head of Marketing, Sales & Service, Stäubli.
Stäubli displayed several new Jacquard machines, a couple of new drawing-in machines, the latest versions of its dobbies and cam motions, novelties from Schönherr carpet systems as well as Deimo knitting solutions, just to name a few.
The ITMA visitors realized well that Stäubli’s system know-how in jacquard weaving is very profound and that the combination of its latest Jacquard machines (SX / LX and LXL), together with its harnesses and jacquard healds, is tantamount to a high-performance operation in a professional weaving environment. The company’s leadership position in this area was further strengthened with its ITMA showings.
Massive progress was made with Stäubli’s two new drawing-in solutions offered with its SAFIR S40 and SAFIR S60. Active Warp Control (AWC) was the theme of the show. Visitors were amazed to see how Stäubli’s optical yarn and color detection devices guarantee a safe and actively controlled yarn sequence true to the pattern on drawn-in warps ready for weaving. Highest weaving efficiency and productivity coupled with fabric quality are the result, as expected.
The Schönherr Carpet Systems also attracted a lot of visitor interest. Many new applications were shown. Stäubli’s new Technical Weaving Systems (TWS), i.e., weaving machines for heavy-duty technical and industrial textiles, were equally eye-catching.
In the field of knitting solutions, the company presented its product brand Deimo with far-reaching new automation solutions on knitting machines for production of socks.
“We could look after our customers and visitors very well. Our booth facilities were second to none. The catering worked well, our customers very much appreciated our open door policy to enjoy the Stäubli hospitality, coupled with innovative technology. Furthermore, the customers confirmed that Stäubli’s PMS (Product – Market – Strategy) is sound and going in the right direction. We are highly motivated to cater for our customers’ requests”, said Mr. Legler.
About his expectations of the Indian market, he said: “Expectations for India are high. It is clear that the country could not totally fulfill them in all areas of focus. Uncertainties with TUF, less demand for Indian exports to key markets as well as delays in financing slowed down project activity in India this year. We expect an upward trend in 2016.”
Decision makers were present in large numbers. This resulted in an overall positive mood and motivation among visitors and exhibitors. Decisions were evidently taken by participants. Main regions represented by customers were from Europe (obviously starting with Italy), Turkey, Iran, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as the US.
Asked if Stäubli expects the same positive momentum to continue in 2016, Mr. Legler said: “The optimistic answer is YES. However, we have to be cautious and realistic. After the exhibition reality caught quickly up with visitors, they are in their daily business again with all prevalent challenges. We sail in troubled waters, and we do not really know yet as to how this will affect the flow of business for the next 6-12 months. The stage is set, and anyone believing in their business will move forward with orders placed at ITMA”.
The year 2015 was not bad for Stäubli. There was no major growth during the year when it comes to weaving equipment. Some markets did better than others. On the plus side are certainly Italy, Turkey, Bangladesh and the US, to name a few. In countries like China and India the expected growth was not within reach.