FW
Jakob Muller Group (JMG), a global leader in narrow fabric weaving machinery, has acquired 100 percent of MEI International, an Italian manufacturer of wide label weaving machines. The deal, effective January 1, 2025, aims to enhance JMG’s offerings with MEI’s specialized air-jet technology.
With over 50 years of experience, MEI is known for its advanced air-jet weaving machines. As part of the acquisition, JMG will discontinue its Mujet air-jet weaving machine and fully integrate MEI’s technology, ensuring continued innovation through joint expertise.
Key benefits of the acquisition:
Expanded product range: Customers will have access to a comprehensive selection of label weaving machines.
Accelerated innovation: The combined knowledge of JMG and MEI will drive the development of new products and services.
Stronger financial position: The partnership strengthens both companies’ financial footing, enabling increased investment in technology and customer support.
Customer continuity: Both companies will retain their sales and service structures to ensure seamless support.
“This acquisition is a key milestone in our JMG 2030 strategy,” said Andreas Conzelmann, CEO of JMG. “I deeply value MEI’s team, their commitment, and expertise. Together, we will offer an unmatched range of solutions while maintaining the highest standards of quality, productivity, and reliability.”
Paolo Mazzucchelli, CEO of MEI, added, “Partnering with JMG allows us to innovate faster and support our customers’ growth more effectively. We remain committed to our independent sales force to preserve long-standing customer relationships.”
MEI will continue operating independently from its Gallarate, Italy headquarters, with Mazzucchelli remaining as CEO. Both brands will maintain their separate identities while leveraging their combined strengths to navigate the evolving market.
About Jakob Muller Group
Jakob Muller Group (JMG) is a global leader in narrow fabric weaving solutions, operating in 82 markets with 11 locations. With 138 years of expertise, JMG prioritizes innovation, quality, and employee well-being while developing key technologies in-house or through exclusive partnerships.
About MEI International
Founded in 1974, MEI International is a leader in label weaving technology, known for innovation and customizable solutions. With a strong focus on quality and precision, MEI continues to advance textile innovation for the fashion industry and beyond.
The Jakob Muller Group (JMG), a global leader in narrow fabric machinery, is advancing its JMG 2030 strategy to strengthen market leadership, enhance agility, and better serve customers. This initiative includes structural changes, portfolio expansion, and acquisitions to drive long-term growth.
Strengthening core segments
JMG is focusing on its core competencies - Weaving, Label Production Systems, Warp Crochet Knitting, and Dyeing & Finishing, while discontinuing Winding & Making-up and Warping Systems at its Schwelm, Germany, site. Key technologies from these discontinued segments will be integrated into other divisions. Additionally, the Finishing segment will be relocated from Kadan, Czech Republic, to JMG’s sister company, Benninger, in Pune, India. These changes will lead to gradual reductions in production at the affected sites.
“While these decisions are difficult, they are necessary to ensure JMG’s future,” said owner Stephan Buhler. “Our resources must be directed toward areas with the highest growth potential.”
Expanding innovation and global presence
JMG is strengthening its global presence by integrating Comez, Italy’s leading crochet and warp knitting machine manufacturer, under the Jakob Muller Italy brand. Additionally, the acquisition of MEI International, an Italian label weaving machine specialist, will expand JMG’s portfolio with innovative air-jet technology.
Further details on the MEI acquisition will be announced separately.
Customer-centric growth
JMG’s transformation prioritizes customer experience through innovation and operational excellence. A major milestone in this effort is the opening of the new Customer Center and LAB1887 in Frick, Switzerland, in late summer 2025. This facility will serve as an innovation hub where customers can collaborate with JMG to develop advanced narrow fabric solutions.
“Our strategy ensures JMG remains at the forefront of the industry,” said CEO Andreas Conzelmann. “We are becoming a more agile, customer-focused company, ready for future opportunities.”
Spinnova Plc announced today, 28 February 2025, that Suzano Plc will not invest in the next steps of their collaboration. As a result, Spinnova does not expect Suzano to proceed with a factory investment in the near future.
Suzano stated that the decision is based on its revised priorities and capital allocation strategy, not on a lack of confidence in Spinnova’s technology. Suzano will remain a shareholder in Spinnova.
Spinnova and Suzano have agreed to initiate a strategic review of their joint venture, Woodspin, with completion expected in the coming months. The review will also assess the termination of exclusivity rights under their joint venture agreement. Spinnova continues to see strong interest in its fibre and technology from other industry players.
In parallel, Spinnova will conduct its own strategic review, evaluating all joint ventures and reassessing its strategic targets and financial guidance for 2025. The company will continue advancing its technology roadmap, including its MFC concept.
The strategic assessment is expected to conclude within the next few months, after which Spinnova will update the market.
South Eastern Coalfield Limited (SECL) and Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), set up by the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) under the Ministry of Textiles, have signed an MoU to train 400 economically weaker candidates from SECL’s command areas -Bishrampur, Sohagpur, Korba, and Chhindwara.
The MoU was signed in the presence of senior officials, including Rupinder Brar, Addl Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Rakesh Vaid, Sr Vice Chairman, ATDC and former AEPC Chairman, and SECL’s Director (Personnel), Biranchi Das.
ATDC will establish training centers in Bishrampur, Sohagpur, and Korba, while residential training will be provided at ATDC Chhindwara. The initiative will train 300 candidates as Self-employed Tailors (SET) and 100 in Apparel Manufacturing Technology (AMT).
Brar emphasized ATDC’s credibility in skill development, while Vaid highlighted SECL’s role in empowering youth for wage and self-employment.
Senior officials from SECL and ATDC attended the event. ATDC has trained over 400,000 candidates for the garment industry so far.
PDS, a global fashion solutions and infrastructure company, has been certified as a Great Place to Work by GPTW and awarded the WOW Workplace Award by Jombay. These recognitions highlight PDS’ commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and growth-oriented work culture.
Pallak Seth, Executive Vice Chairman, stated, “A great workplace starts with valuing, empowering, and motivating our people. We are proud of the culture we have built and remain committed to creating an inclusive and forward-thinking environment.”
Sanjay Jain, Group CEO, added, “These awards affirm our dedication to making PDS a place where employees feel valued and empowered. We will continue to build opportunities for success and collaboration.”
PDS promotes an exceptional workplace by prioritizing open communication, fostering transparency, and providing employees with cutting-edge tools and career development programs. Investments in technology, mentorship, and upskilling further support employee growth.
These recognitions reinforce PDS’ ‘People-first’ approach, ensuring a thriving work environment that nurtures talent and drives innovation.
Expanding its retail presence in Europe in Europe, footwear and apparel Skechers has launched a new concept store on the Corso Buenos Aires in Milan.
Spanning 294-sq-m, the store features a mid-century design and sustainable LED lighting made from EU biopolymer materials. It offers Skechers' full range of lifestyle footwear, along with dedicated sections for performance, apparel, and accessories, catering to fashion, sport, casual, work, and children's needs.
Highlighting Italy’s role in the company’s European growth, Michael Greenberg, President, Skechers, emphasizes on the store's strategic location to connect with both tourists and locals.
This new store takes’ Skechers total store count in Italy to over 40, including four in Milan, and is supported by brand ambassadors like Fabio Cannavaro and Benedetta Parodi.
Emphasizing on the store’s strategic location, Sergio Esposito, Country Manager, Skechers Italia, says, the store is expected to register high foot traffic Corso Buenos Aires is a a major shopping street and accessible via Milan Centrale and Lima metro stations.
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), National Chamber of the Textile Industry (CANAINTEX), and Canadian Textile Industry Association (CTIA) have urged former President Donald Trump to avoid imposing 25 percent tariffs on textile imports from Mexico and Canada and to close the de minimis tariff loophole immediately.
In a joint statement, the associations highlighted the importance of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which supports over 1.6 million jobs and generates $20 billion in two-way trade. The US textile industry exports $12.3 billion in textiles to Mexico and Canada, accounting for 53 percent of its total global exports. Mexico exports $9 billion in textiles and apparel to the US, while Canada exports $1.8 billion to the US and Mexico.
NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas warned that penalty tariffs would hurt the US textile industry and benefit China. “We support President Trump’s efforts on illegal migration and the fentanyl crisis, but these tariffs would harm US manufacturers and Western Hemisphere supply chains,” she said.
The associations also called for an end to the de minimis exemption, which allows duty-free imports under $800. Glas argued that the loophole unfairly benefits China and facilitates illegal product flows, including fentanyl.
CANAINTEX President Rafael Zaga Saba criticized Asian trade practices, stating they have undermined North American industries. CTIA Chairman Jeff Ayoub emphasized the importance of maintaining the North American coproduction chain, urging Trump to reconsider the tariffs.
The groups pledged to work with the administration to highlight the negative impact of tariffs and de minimis exemptions on investment, jobs, and economic stability.
Luxury womenswear brand Anavila has expanded into homeware with its debut home textile collection titled, ‘House & Home.’ Inspired by the Birhor tribe of Jharkhand, the collection aims to promote mindful living and showcase indigenous Indian crafts.
Designer Anavila Misra's foray into homeware focuses on honoring craft and tradition through minimalist textiles with subtle artisanal details. The collection encourages a slower pace of life and a connection with nature, according to the brand.
The product range includes cushions, sheets, table runners, and placemats, all featuring neutral tones with vibrant color accents. These items are designed to create a tranquil living space. The collection's aesthetic mirrors Anavila's minimalist and thoughtful womenswear, emphasizing slow fashion.
Rediscovering a deeper purpose, the House & Home collection embraces the philosophy of preserving traditions, crafts and communities, says the brand. Founded in 2012, eponymous brand Anavila Misra gained recognition for popularizing the saree as everyday wear and utilizing pure linen yarns. The brand collaborates with various indigenous craft communities across India, including those in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bhuj, while also advocating for sustainable garment production.
Calvin Klein has launched its debut shapewear collection offering foundation and fashion styles.
Titled Calvin Klein Shapewear, the collection includes no-show thongs, briefs, mid-thigh shorts, bodysuits, leggings and slips, designed at four compression levels.
The lightest garment in this collection is the Second Skin Smoothing which offers a barely-there feel with weightless microfiber and seamless edges. The Stay Put Mesh style provides a medium-control layer crafted from breathable microfiber mesh, delivering smooth, slip-resistant compression. Stay Put Stretch style offers firm compression with silky smooth microfiber. The most powerful shapewear item in this collection is Secure Sculpt which offers extra-firm compression and zoned support.
The collection further includes various style-driven pieces inspired by the brand’s signature logo and lace underwear. It also includes a collection of briefs, mid-thigh shorts, and bodysuits titled, Icon Shapewear. This range features zoned no-slip compression and the iconic Calvin Klein logo waistband, while Sensual Stretch Lace range offers smooth lace detailing.
The Calvin Klein Shapewear Collection launched with a campaign, directed and shot by Charlotte Wales, and starring actor Eve Hewson.
A major player in Bangladesh's textile industry, Beximco Textiles has ceased all operations, resulting in the layoff of its entire workforce as of February 28. Triggered by a severe financial crisis, this closure was finalized during a government advisory committee meeting.
Citing lack of work resources, Beximco's management shut down 14 of its facilities, excluding Yarn Unit-1. Beginning in December 2024, these closures continued into February 2025, culminating in the complete shutdown. The company has pledged to pay workers' outstanding dues in phases, starting March 9, with funding from the Ministries of Finance and Labor.
As per the company estimates, it needs 5.5 to 6 billion Bangladeshi Taka to settle wages, a sum it was unable to secure through previous requests for government and bank assistance. Beximco's financial troubles are compounded by the legal issues of its owner, Salman F Rahman, who has been imprisoned since August. Additionally, money laundering allegations have further strained the company's finances.
Initially, the interim government considered selling Beximco Group shares to cover worker payments, but ultimately decided to use government funds instead.
A significant exporter, Beximco Textiles averaged $32 million in monthly exports over the past six years, reaching $59 million in 2022. The factory closures cast doubt on the future of these workers and the company's contribution to Bangladesh's economy.
