Business

Staubli: Bangladesh Industry Needs The Best In Weaving Technology To Meet Stringent Buyer Requirements

How has been the response for Stäubli in DTG 2015 exhibition?

The recent DTG has actually been better than expected. Despite the rather difficult local situation with strikes and political unrest the Bangladeshi people showed a lot of resilience and did not get distracted at all. We very much value their perseverance! The domestic weaving sector still has a lot of catching up to do - and this became apparent during DTG. We feel like we have attractive products and solutions to offer. We were always busy meeting visitors and potential customers at the booth of our agent Spintex. Spintex had provided us with an excellent platform. This is what our existing and prospective customers appreciated.

What is the potential of weaving sector in Bangladesh and what is the status today?

If the measure were the actual weaving capacity required to satisfy the local annual fabric requirement for the garment industry without fabric imports, the domestic weaving machine investment would have to be at least double of what it is today! We reckon it would have to be around 400 to 500 weaving machines per annum right now - notably of latest vintage from genuine high-performance manufacturers in Europe and Asia. So the market capacity is huge - the domestic weavers have realised that there is potential for them. We will be there to support them.

We notice that of late several investors are setting up weaving mills with low end technology in Bangladesh. Why should Bangladeshi entrepreneurs invest in high-end weaving technology and how it would benefit the industry in the longer run?

Bangladesh has one of the most successful garment industries around the world. High profile retailers make use of that and require more and more from Bangladeshi mills as we go along. Any weaver interested to supply fabric to renowned domestic garment makers needs to fulfill stringent quality and response time demands. This can only be reached with established weaving and shed forming technology. On top of that latest weaving technology needs to be coupled with top drawing in, warp tying and leasing machines from Stäubli to keep delivery and quality promises as well as high weaving efficiencies.

Which Staubli products have sizeable market in the country? Can you elaborate on the advantages of Staubli's products over your competitors?

First of all our Bangladeshi customers have to get decent warps onto their weaving machines - and this does not mean to just buy a direct beamer or a sectional warper but to have automatic drawing in machines or high performance warp tying machines. Furthermore, proper shed forming technology including under motions are key to successful weaving. Here Stäubli comes in with its dobbies, cam motions or Jacquard machines and high precision under motions.

Stäubli products and solutions strive to offer ultimate benefits to end users. Technical, commercial and market benefits need to be given. Here not only the initial investment but mainly the total cost of ownership and residual values of Stäubli machines count. This is where our benefits are!

How is Staubli's preparation for ITMA 2015 in Milan?

We are progressing well and are excited about the forthcoming ITMA show in Milan in November this year. Anticipations are high and our existing and prospective customers can expect to see innovative product offerings and solutions at ITMA.