Getting time with a Picanol team member was really tough during the entire show, more particularly with the Indian team. Customers were waiting to get an update on the new products and technologies introduced by Picanol. We finally spoke to Mr. P. Kasiviswanathan, Head of Indian Operations, on the last day of the show and this is what he had to say:
Textile Magazine: What is your first impression of ITMA 2011?
Kasiviswanathan: Success!! We witnessed good visitor turnout from India at ITMA Barcelona. Remember, we had high cotton price in early 2011 and suddenly the cotton prices crashed in mid-2011, which sent the industry into a deep crisis. So it was a question whether Indian textile industry would show its solidarity at ITMA. But the answer is a resounding success. ITMA 2011 surpassed ITMA Munich with 15% higher visitors, particularly large Indian delegations in the first 5 days of the show. The quality of visitors was much better in Barcelona.
TM: What were the important highlights at the Picanol booth at ITMA and the new products and technologies showcased at the show?
KV: ITMA being a show at Europe, Picanol tried to focus more on Technical Fabric. We displayed 10 different weaving machines at our stall. Both filament and spun-based article were on show to prove the versatility of our loom. Technical fabric range was para-aramid fabric, airbag, automotive fabric, coating fabric, conveyor belt, lining fabric, parachute fabric, etc. Also we had machines running on stretch denim, woollen suiting and cotton sheeting fabric at highest speed. Terry towel loom running was to showcase our diversified product range. We had looms running on furnishing fabric as well.
TM: Have there been any path breaking innovations showcased this year by Picanol?
KV: We have built a new airjet loom on a fresh new platform which will help us build on it in the coming years. Our focus was on reducing air consumption on the loom, which will directly reduce power consumption is most critical when any decision of going for weaving machines. This new machine focuses on maintaining optimum pressure inside the machine in order to make sure minimum air consumed. The machine is user-friendly and comes with a new electronic system called Picanol Bluebox. Another important issue facing customers today is managing waste. We have introduced a system called Cordless by which wastage can be completely eliminated in airjet machines. In case of rapier loom, we have launched a new machine in the Optimax range which eliminates wastage on one side. Another important innovation is positive guided gripper system which gives significant speed advantage in case of wider loom width.
TM: How was the overall response during the 8-day event? And more specifically, how was the response from Indian visitors?
KV: Very encouraging, I would say. Almost all expected customers came to ITMA from India. It was not just courtesy visits, but they spent quality time in the Picanol booth understanding the new developments. Whenever our new OmniplusSummum was running at 2011 rpm, the booth was packed with customers, which goes to show acceptance of our products by customers. We had very good quality visitors from India.
TM: This year’s ITMA witnessed record number of visitors from India. Do you see this as a signs of revival in the Indian domestic market sentiment? What is your perception of growth in the Indian domestic market, particularly in the weaving segment?
KV: In India, more than 75% of market for both spinning and weaving industry today is domestic market focus which they feel is safe and stable. On the weaving front, we can classify upper segment or organised sector who has modern spinning capacity and some have gone for weaving & processing. Then we have mid segment market who have not bought any new looms until now as they are running on powerlooms and second-hand shuttless looms. We are highly optimistic about positive growth rate from both these segment. In total weaving market would evolve to higher level in next 4 to 5 years time in India. You can watch my word.
TM: How has the year 2011 turned out to be for Picanol India? How does it compare with the previous year?
KV: 2011 has been very successful year for Picanol in India. In fact, ever since Picanol India started in 2008, we have been reaching new heights year after year. We have done extremely well compared to last year thanks to the continued faith of our beloved customer in Picanol products.
TM: Any significant achievement that you would like highlight during the current year on the Indian operations?
KV: Our market share continued to increase compared to previous year. Also we explored new segment in this years which gives us the opportunity to expand ourselves in the new application. We have also increased the sales and service network at Picanol India.
TM: How important is the Indian market for Picanol globally? What are the future plans for the Indian market?
KV: India is always on top 3 market for Picanol NV Group globally and today Picanol has seen the success of setting up Picanol India in the last four years turnaround, and we have more ideas to keep our focus on India. We will keep expanding our presence in India in the years to come.