Exclusive Interview by K. Gopalakrishnan, Pics by Manikandan
At ITMA Asia in Singapore, TEXPA GmbH reaffirmed its leadership in automated home textile manufacturing. Mr. Matthias Mantel, CEO of TEXPA, shared valuable insights on the company’s participation at the exhibition, industry challenges, and TEXPA’s new strategic direction that blends German engineering with localized manufacturing. The result is a transformative proposition for global home textile producers seeking higher productivity, reduced dependency on labor, and enhanced process intelligence.
A Strong Showing at ITMA Asia
TEXPA’s presence at the show exceeded expectations. According to Mr. Mantel, visitor turnout and customer engagement were significantly higher than anticipated. The event allowed the company to reconnect with long-standing customers and meet new prospects interested in advanced automation for home textiles. For TEXPA, the show was not only productive but also a strong validation of the industry’s growing appetite for intelligent manufacturing solutions.
Automation Demand Rising Across Home Textiles
TEXPA’s core strength lies in fully automated solutions for sewing and finishing of towels, bed linen, and other home textile articles. Mr. Mantel highlighted a shift in customer expectations. Mills are no longer looking solely at automated sewing lines. They now demand broader automation, including auxiliary processes and integrated quality control systems.
Labor shortage remains a significant global issue. Factories face high workforce turnover, constant retraining, and rising operational complexity. Customers increasingly want machines that think and respond. Smart guidance, predictive maintenance, and data backed process improvements are becoming essential features. TEXPA is responding by developing systems that support operators more intelligently and create a stable, repeatable production environment.
German Quality, Made in China
One of TEXPA’s most significant strategic breakthroughs has been the localization of its bed linen machinery portfolio in collaboration with Atexco. Over the last three years, TEXPA has successfully re established leadership in China by offering high grade German technology manufactured at competitive cost levels.
This new model delivers what the global textile industry has consistently requested: German engineering, reliability, and precision with pricing that allows mills to scale efficiently. Mr. Mantel described this shift as a game changer for TEXPA and confirmed that the Singapore exhibition marks the first global showcase of this enhanced approach.
With strong results in China and rising confidence, TEXPA is now prepared to extend this offering to international markets. The company believes this hybrid manufacturing strategy will reshape customer expectations for performance and affordability in home textile automation.
Navigating a Mixed and Uncertain Year
Reflecting on 2024, Mr. Mantel acknowledged the challenges faced by manufacturers worldwide. Trade uncertainties, particularly tariff related issues in the United States, created hesitation in investment cycles. Given that India relies heavily on the US as its primary market for home textiles, the impact was significant.
However, the outlook is becoming more optimistic. Conversations during ITMA Asia revealed improving sentiment, especially in India. TEXPA anticipates more stability ahead as trade discussions evolve and global demand gradually normalizes.
Reaffirming Focus on Home Textiles
While TEXPA explored apparel automation as a test segment, Mr. Mantel clarified that the company’s core competence and primary focus remain firmly in home textiles. With vast untapped opportunities still present in this domain, TEXPA intends to deepen its expertise rather than diversify prematurely.
The new game changing model of offering German quality manufactured in China will be the central pillar of TEXPA’s expansion strategy. It allows the company to serve global markets with unmatched value while maintaining its heritage of precision and durability.
TEXPA’s participation at ITMA Asia 2025 signaled a new era for the company and the wider home textiles industry. With accelerating demand for automation, rising labor pressures, and growing customer expectations for intelligent systems, TEXPA’s unified approach of advanced engineering and cost effective production arrives at the perfect moment. As mills worldwide seek reliability, speed, and adaptability, TEXPA stands ready to shape the next generation of home textile manufacturing.