The company is well-known in India for the huge number of rotary screen-printing machines, flatbed printers and loop steamers that it has sold to textile manufacturers
Zimmer Austria Digital Printing Systems is one of the leading manufacturers of textile digital printing, coating and finishing systems, globally. The company has made rapid inroads into several key global markets in recent times. It is a well-known entity in India, having its presence in the country since the 1970s. In an exclusive interview, Managing Director Horst Ross mentioned that 2022 has been a mixed bag for the company’s worldwide operations. “It started off very well but with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine it became a very difficult year. Dramatic price hikes for material, energy and transportation made it difficult for our customers and our own selves,” he said.
When asked about the key highlights in terms of business, new products and technologies recently, he said: “The key highlights include starting new coating lines in different markets and the launch of the Zimmer rotary stripping machine.” Speaking about the company’s presence in the Indian market, Ross pointed out that Zimmer Austria had sold its first printing machine way back in the 1970s here. “Since then, we have always been very active and present in the Indian market,” he added. He further stated that the Indian market is very important for Zimmer Austria and is one of its strongholds. It has been increasing the number of machines in the market since 2010.
Listing down the products and technologies offered by the company in the Indian market, Ross said, “Zimmer Austria Klagenfurt is well-known in India for the huge number of rotary screen-printing machines, flatbed printers and loop steamers. Furthermore, we were able to place a good number of textiles and nonwoven coating machines lines too.” Elaborating on the sales, distribution and spares and service network in India, Ross said, “The sales, after-sales and spare part business are managed with our well-established partner ATE in the Indian market. The partnership and teamwork with ATE has proven to be very successful, providing customers with good technical and commercial support.”
“Zimmer Austria is very proud to be chosen by renowned companies like Welspun, Indocount, Trident, Aarti, Himmatsingka, Bhavik, Arvind Mills, KPR, Birla Century, D’Decor and many, many others,” he stated, while pointing out some of the key customers of the company in the Indian market. According to Ross, the special incentives being offered for new investments in the textile manufacturing segment will certainly be of great benefit to Indian enterprises for buying high-end textile equipment. However, in the same breath he also mentioned: “Because of the current worldwide economic crisis, we would rather forecast a moderate year 2023.”
Highlighting how the company’s products and technology are helping its customers achieve their sustainability goals, he commented: “Sustainability has already played a major role for Zimmer Austria since many years. Local designing, manufacturing and quality control are some of the biggest contributions to sustainability. Zimmer Austria has never focused on outsourcing around the globe and set up only assembly plants. We are using the most modern and energy-efficient electric and electronic equipment as well as using high-quality machine parts and components.”
The company has also been a frontrunner when it comes to automation and digitisation solutions that are driving efficiency at its customer locations. “We offer fully computerised, high-precision printing and coating equipment with the latest type of electrical and electronic components. Data control and remote service for production, service and updates are some of the other highlights in our solutions,” he added. Sharing his future vision for the company and the importance of India as part of its global strategy, Ross noted: “It all depends on the outcome of the current worldwide crisis. India will continue to be one of the most important markets for Zimmer Austria in the coming years.”