In April issue of our magazine, we conducted an interview with Swiss Textile Machinery Association Secretary General Cornelia Buchwalder and who provided us brief information on the history and operations, the exhibitions and fairs included in their yearly planning, the presence of Swiss companies in ITMA, mid-term vision of their member companies, the current global outlook and its impact on members, and the strong brand reputation of their association.
Q. Please introduce Swissmem and Swiss Textile Machinery to our readers?
A. Cornelia Buchwalder, Secretary General of the Swiss Textile Machinery Association: Swissmem is the leading association for SMEs and large companies in Switzerland's mechanical and electrical engineering (MEM) industries and related technology-oriented sectors. Swissmem enhances the competitiveness of its 1300 or so member companies both at home and abroad by providing needs-based services. These services include professional advice on employment, commercial, contract and environmental law, energy efficiency and technology transfer. Swissmem operates a number of strong networks, including 24 industry sectors. The Swiss Textile Machinery Association is the oldest sector, founded in 1940. Currently 44 companies are affiliated, including manufacturers of machines and components, and service providers, for the textile industry.
Q. How do your member companies prepare for the exhibitions which will exhibit at the Itma Fair?
A. Buchwalder,: Yes, there are various exhibitions coming up in 2023 and ITMA continues to be the Olympics of textile machinery exhibitions. Accordingly, all Swiss exhibitors have great expectations of the upcoming show in Milan. Even though the current business climate has been hampered by the challenges, it will be the place to meet in 2023. That's why I firmly believe that this exhibition can give our entire industry a boost.
As always, the companies are currently in full swing preparing their exhibition presentation. They will only present their innovations at the exhibition itself. However, it can be assumed that the areas of automation, digitalisation and the further development of machines and solutions to reduce the consumption of raw materials such as energy, water and chemicals will continue to be the focus.
We have a good fifty Swiss exhibitors at ITMA 2023. The good thing is that there is a Swiss solution provider for every technology and challenge. Be it in the field of spinning, weaving, knitting, nonwovens, finishing, embroidery and fabric inspection, to name just a few. Therefore, I would suggest you to take a "Swiss tour" through the 12 halls at Milan.
Q. What will be in the focus of your members for the next 5 years?
A. Buchwalder,: Digitalisation, automation and sustainability are not just buzzwords but continue to influence all developments and innovations, not only in the textile machinery industry.
Regarding sustainability, it is and stays a big and very important topic. It has been for years, but now it is even more important due to the new EU strategy for sustainable textiles. As an association, we have also taken on this topic and are currently running an individual program for our member companies. Of course, some member companies are already very advanced in this topic, but others are certainly able to benefit.
Digitalization offers a wide range of opportunities, be it in product or process optimization or in the development of completely new business models. Our member companies use these opportunities to generate maximum customer benefit.
Q. Energy crisis, increased raw material prices, inflation and other problems affect the textile machinery sector as well as all other sectors. Are your member companies affected by these crises?
A. Buchwalder,: We live in a time with probably more simultaneous challenges than ever before. The Ukraine war, the related energy shortages in Europe, the still unresolved supply chain challenges. Added to this are the high inflation rates and the resulting curbing of consumption, to name just the most prevalent ones. All these challenges, including increased raw material prices, have an impact on production. In the meantime, we see, for example, that the supply chain problems are calming down. But it will still take some time to reach a new normal. A survey among our member companies shows that all these challenges are leading to a delay in the conclusion of contracts and that incoming orders have declined in recent months. In this sense, ITMA in Milan in June comes at a good time and hopefully marks a kick-off for projects benefiting the entire textile industry.
Q. How do you see the future of the Swiss Textile Machinery industry?
A. Buchwalder,: To answer this question, I would like to go back in time… Many of the companies in our association of textile machinery manufacturers were founded in the second half of the 19th century, have gone through many ups and downs and have gained outstanding reputation over time. Having such a long history, the Swiss companies have constantly managed to anticipate changes, developed their business strategy, and have continuously evolved. With this history, I am very sure that Swiss companies will also play an eminent role in the (textile) world of tomorrow.
Q. Could you elaborate about the campaign of your association?
A. Buchwalder,: The campaign of our association shows everyday products that were developed in Switzerland. For example, hardly anyone knows that the computer mouse originated in Switzerland. Or that the carbonization of mineral water and soft drinks was developed in Switzerland. In this way, we want to demonstrate the innovative power of Switzerland, true to our slogan "Innovation, it's in our DNA".
This can also be underlined by the following: It’s the 12th year in a row that Switzerland has topped WIPO’s Global Innovation Index, which is based on dozens of indicators in over 130 countries. The report examines areas such as patents, advanced technology and the complexity of production and exports. WIPO stated that the combination of strong research, the ability to finance innovation and the rapid application of private sector technology in economic markets were factors of the Swiss success.
The Swiss textile machinery industry operates in this environment and therefore has the best framework conditions to work continuously on innovations.
