Under the background of deep-rooted history and the continuous development of local garment industry, knitting and hosiery has become a world-renowned flagship industry in Yiwu. As the rapid modernizing, textile and apparel manufacturing industries bring huge potential for knitting and hosiery development, new investments in automation and information technology have been made necessary for improving productivity and product quality. For this reason, YiwuTex “Knitting & Hosiery Machinery Zone” will showcase smart knitting system and innovative knitting technology. Manufacturers can learn more about how to expedite the smart production transformation, improve products’ functionality and marketing their products in the domestic and overseas markets.
Value-added knitting industry in Yiwu
Starting in the late 90’s, knitting and hosiery is one of the pillar industries in Yiwu, and has now achieved a considerable scale and comprehensive system. Yiwu knitwear market evolved from a low-end wholesale market which mainly sold underwear to a scalable business with the continuous upgrade of knitting technology. Integration of production and sale started and products tend to incorporate elements like fashion design, healthcare, fitness and other functions.
This overwhelming trend has enabled knitting production to step out of the traditional process and combine manufacturing with design to meet growing consumer demands for fashion. In order to consolidate its position, the local knitting and garment enterprises has developed high value-added industries and armed itself with professional skills such as product function enhancement, design optimization, brand building and e-business platform expansion, etc.
Hosiery Enterprises invest in innovation
Yiwu hosiery originated in the early 20th century and has developed to accommodate around 1500 enterprises with over 100,000 hosiery workers. The total RMB 8.5 billion investments in its 80,000 imported advanced machinery has made Yiwu the famous “Hosiery City of China”. A lot of hosiery companies emerged such as “Langsha Group”, “MengNa” and “Bonas” which became the leading hosiery enterprises in China. Yiwu hosiery industry accounts for 62.5% of the domestic market, and its products are exported to over 100 countries including Japan, U.S., Canada, Germany, Italy, Russia, etc.
However, when compared to a few international brands, Yiwu hosiery still has low premium capacity due to the lack of added value and product innovation. That’s the reason why many enterprises have been actively introducing advanced equipment and extending the industrial chain to inject new vitality to local hosiery industry. Some hosiery brands also start to cooperate with excellent designers and increase investment in technological innovation to stay competitive in the ever changing market.
Strong Exhibitor List
Known enterprises have shown great support to YiwuTex 2017. A large number of knitting and hosiery industry leaders have confirmed to join once the exhibitor recruitment started and will exhibit latest technology in the fair. Part of the prestigious enterprises who have confirmed to participate in YiwuTex 2017 include:
Knitting & Hosiery Machinery: Santoni (Italy), Lonati (Italy), Busi Giovanni (Italy), Shanghai Yusen Trading, Merz (Germany), Aurora, Rosso, Wuyang etc.
High-end Knitting Accessories: BTSR (Italy), L.G.L. (Italy), Memminger-Iro, Kern-Liebers, Groz-Beckert (Germany), Yamagen (Hong Kong), Yantex, Namseo etc.
Packaging & Finishing Equipment: Guangzhou Chuyun, Dongguan Alome, Yiwu Xiaolongren, Sun Myung (Korea) etc.
Braiding, Zipper-making & Logo Printing Machinery: Gold Fai, Jiasheng, Rui’an Jingda, Wenzhou Ligao, Jiangsu Xiangdao, Quanzhou Zhongjinyuan etc.
The 18th YiwuTex will be held in a grand manner at Yiwu International Expo Centre from 13-15 June 2017 with a new focus on healthcare textiles, innovative yarn and its applications. The show will feature three thematic zones – Functional Knitting Machinery Zone, Smart Apparel Machinery Zone and Digital Printing Machinery Zone.