In the first semester of 2018, Itema registered an unprecedented growth in its weaving machine sales, gaining market share across the globe. The second part of the year has been affected by two main factors – the trade war between the US and China and the financial issues in Turkey. Nevertheless, Itema will close 2018 with positive results consolidating its position at the pinnacles of the worldwide weaving machinery industry.

In 2018 Itema achieved a new technology milestone by introducing a breakthrough, never-before seen innovation featured on the R9500²denim, the rapier machine exclusively dedicated to weaving denim fabrics. The iSAVER developed by ItemaLab – the Itema advanced research and innovation incubator – is in fact capable of eliminating the waste selvedge on the left side of the fabric, thus leading to unparalleled cost savings and setting a new benchmark in sustainable weaving.

Itema provides rapier and airjet weaving machines to weave home textile fabrics, covering the widest application range from bed sheetings to furnishing, curtains and upholstery fabrics. Focusing on terry cloth fabrics, the Itema rapier R9500terry is the most successful rapier terry machine in the market, dominating worldwide high-end terry production unleashing endless creative possibilities and providing top fabric quality.

Key markets

The home textile market segment includes different fabric types that may vary considerably from each other. Furnishing is historically one of the main market segments for Itema, and it is the leading supplier of rapier weaving machines for furnishing fabrics production in Turkey, India and China, which are the main volume markets, and also in top quality, premium markets such as Italy, the US, Germany and Portugal.

Bed sheeting fabrics are mainly woven as grey fabric and therefore the airjet technology is often adopted. Key bed sheetings producers in Turkey, India and Europe weave their fabrics on the Itema airjet and rapier machines. In 2018 a special mention goes to curtain and terry fabrics. The first one registered a significant revival, especially in Turkey, whilst for premium terry fabrics Itema experienced a substantial and constant positive trend for new machinery.

Why Itema?

Technologically speaking, especially when it comes to weaving fancy yarns, such as chenille and lurex, Itema provides dedicated and patented devices on its rapier machines to ensure superior performances and top fabric quality with no limitations for creativity, such as the Motorized Weft Cutter and the Free Positive Approach (FPA) Weft Transfer System.

On the airjet side, innovative devices such as the Brush Lycra Clamp (BLC) which ensure a perfect insertion of elastic yarns and the Double Tandem Nozzles which guarantee superior textile performances and a reduced air consumption represent undeniable technological advancements. Moreover, Itema, with its global presence,

guarantees a timely and accurate aftersales service to its customers.

Future potential

The home textile market is expected to constantly grow, both in the niche, premium quality fabrics and in the mass production market. Weaving machines will play a key role by ensuring to weavers superior productivity and increased textile versatility. And that’s where Itema comes in, with its tireless commitment to provide the market with the most advanced technological solutions.

When it comes to producing high quality, premium terry fabrics (towels, bathrobes and bath mats, ndr) Itema is the undisputed market leader, thanks to the strong heritage and know-how in rapier terry weaving coming from Itema and its former brands (Vamatex and Sulzer, ndr) experience. The Itema rapier R9500terry represents in fact the preferred choice of the most renowned terry weavers in Portugal, Japan, South Korea and Turkey, but also in Italy, Pakistan, Latin America and India.

Curtains is another fabric segment where Itema excels and holds the largest market share due to the great versatility of its rapier weaving machines.

The Itema airjet and rapier machines in wide width are installed in major bed sheeting producers in Turkey, India, Europe and Latin America, and we expect this segment to grow in the future due to the increasing creative possibilities provided by the digital textile printing technology.