Latest machine models for display at ITMA
Unitex is a leading manufacturer of knitting machines worldwide. Headquartered in Singapore with its manufacturing facility in Malaysia and China, Unitex has had its very strong presence across all major global markets, including India, Turkey, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and other emerging markets like Central and Latin America. It has sales and service network across 35 countries with more than 15,000 knitting machines installed worldwide.
In an interview to The Textile Magazine, Mr. Benny Pua, Managing Director at United Texmac Pte Ltd., spoke about the company’s manufacturing infrastructure, global market presence and its participation in ITMA 2019.
Unitex has been participating in ITMA since 1999 when it was held in Paris. Mr. Benny Pua said: “ITMA is very important to connect with existing and new customers, agents, suppliers from all around the world. We utilize this opportunity to present our latest machine models and technology updates. Our R&D department has been working on our latest generation of machines since 2017. We will showcase our latest top-notch design at ITMA”.
The theme at the Unitex ITMA pavilion will be Precision and Stability. The company will display three machines, including the UTX 2.0 DE High-speed machine for double face fabrics with lycra, the STM 0.9 SLJ Electronic Linking Jacquard machine and the STM 2.4 SFJ Electronic Jacquard Fleece machine.
“At ITMA we are expecting customers from Europe, North Africa, Central and Latin America as well as global brands and Asian MNCs. We also welcome new agents and distributors to our Unitex family”, he added.
Unitex became a key supplier for producers of garments and fabrics for global brands. Therefore, the company had to increase its production capacity, and eventually in 2017 it acquired the brand Wild Horse of China to meet the growing demand. In the past, Wild Horse is the largest knitting machine manufacturer in China in terms of size and capacity. Since the acquisition in 2017, Unitex has sold more than 600 machines worldwide.
Manufacturing competence
Unitex has three manufacturing facilities in Malaysia, Shanghai and Xiamen Fujian in China. The Malaysian facility was originally established in Singapore in 1996 and then relocated to Johor Bahru in Malaysia in 2015. This facility, spread across 10,000 sqm, has capacity to manufacture 400 machines. Unitex’ Shanghai factory was started in 1998 with a capacity to manufacture 500 machines. The Shanghai facility is spread across 16,000 sqm employing over 100 people.
With the acquisition of the Wild Horse brand, Unitex has taken over the manufacturing unit in China which has capacity to produce 1,500 machines. Spread across 80,000 sqm, it employs over 300 people. Unitex has a total capacity of more than 2,000 machines per annum spread across all 3 facilities.
The factories have fully integrated production facilities such as CNC machining centers. All critical components are manufactured in-house to ensure consistent quality, high precision and durability. Currently 70% of the components, including cylinder, cams and transmission and knitting component systems are manufactured in-house and the balance 30% is outsourced, including yarn storage feeders, needles, sinkers and electrical devices.
Unitex advantage
Unitex is clearly focused on developing high quality and user-friendly machinery. Even a low skilled operator or technician can operate and produce high quality fabric. The advantage Unitex offers is value for money, efficient customer service, innovative R&D, consistent state-of-the-art technologies and long life span. Unitex enjoys strong reputation from small job knitters to large textile companies. Today it is among the top rated brands in the knitting industry. The company has its significant presence in India, Turkey and other markets for fleece and jersey fabrics.
The key advantages offered by Unitex machines include reduction of machine operating costs during the knitting process up to 20% by utilizing low friction transmission system resulting in lower electricity consumption. The machines are fitted with highly efficient lubrication system which operates with minimum oil. The knitting elements, in combination with ultra-precise cam system, do perfect loop knitting without wasting oil and other resources, thus minimizing fabric fault and wastage.
Speaking about advancements in technology, and about Industry 4.0, Mr. Pua observed: “The current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies are undeniable and Unitex is actively spearheading the implementation of cloud computing and cyber-physical systems. Beyond just collection of production data, Unitex circular knitting machines can be operated from anywhere via PC or mobile phone”.
Unitex has its special focus on service. The company believes in close relations by staying connected with its customers on a daily basis. Its service centers are operating successfully for the past 20 years, and continue expanding the facilities and spareparts availability.