Groz-Beckert recently hosted the first international conference for large diameter circular knitting machine builders. Over 70 visitors from all over the world gathered in Albstadt to get and exchange information on the recent developments and the future trends in the textile sector.
Mr. Eric Schöller, Member of the Management Board, welcomed the guests. After a short presentation of the company, he shared the concept of the conference with the participants. “We want to create a platform for our customers providing room for ideas and exchange. Bringing all big players together under one roof and getting experts for interesting presentations is our aim”, said Schöller.
Mr. Roland Karle of Solidian GmbH presented the topic of textile-reinforced concrete by citing the world’s longest concrete bridge with textile reinforcement which was opened in Albstadt-Lautlingen in 2010. Till Krauss of the Forschungsgesellschaft Textiltechnik Albstadt (FTA), went then into the details of the potential of the so-called non-crimp fabrics (NCF) textile scrims of unidirectional fiber systems that can be produced on flat knitting machines as 2D or 3D structures.
The participants could take a look “behind the curtain” as they got a tour of the Groz-Beckert production site of Albstadt.
As part of the conference representatives of Triumph International AG, Memminger-IRO GmbH, Lenzing AG and Hermann Bühler AG made presentations and had discussions on the lingerie sector, innovative accessories for circular knitting machines, and innovations from the world of fibers and yarns, specially developed for production of ultrafine knitted fabrics.
Presentations were also made by Brückner Trockentechnik GmbH & Co. KG and CHT R. Beitlich GmbH, the finishing of textiles was in the limelight. Among others, the challenges of dry finishing sensitive and ultrafine knitted fabrics were discussed. Another issue was suitable auxiliary products for the finishing of sports and functional wear and the ever more challenging requirements on finishing considering the increased use of fine microfiber fabrics made of polyester (PES) and polyamide (PA).
Finally, Groz-Beckert provided insights into internal market analyses concerning the current and future developments in the global large diameter circular knitting sector, one focus being on Asian markets.
At the end of the two exciting and inspiring days, the participants left the conference with a lot of new information and a reinforced network. In its closing speech, Groz-Beckert held out the prospect of a new edition of this successful first conference.
Groz-Beckert is the world’s leading provider of industrial machine needles, precision parts and fine tools as well as systems and services for the production and joining of textile fabrics. The products and services support the fields of knitting, weaving, felting, tufting and sewing.
The company, founded in 1852, employed nearly 8,000 people and generated a turnover of around €570 Mio. in 2013. It operates with agencies and production and distribution subsidiaries in more than 150 countries around the world.