Voltas Ltd., a part of TATA Group recently collaborated with 1962 born Shima Seiki in India. While Voltas is an engineering firm; Shima Seiki is a Japanese computerized flat knitting machine manufacturer that offers technology that can produce an entire garment in one single machine without linking or sewing with other machines.
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“Voltas is participating in this exhibition almost for the past 10 editions. It is a regional exhibition focusing in knitting industry. Lot of customers, local as well as from nearby areas come and visit. This time also some serious customers have approached us in the exhibition. Overall we are happy with the experience and response”, commented K M Nizar Ali ( Business Head Post Spinning Textile Machinery Division ) Voltas.
He further commented on the market that, “As we all know, the market at present is just so-so and not much prospering. There are plenty of orders in hand but they are not being able to be manage because of taxes and regulations, demonetisation, GST etc. Also banks are asking for too many papers and hence getting a loan is like a nightmare to the customers. The customers are ready to put the orders but not able to execute the orders. In the coming months the situation should become better however.”
“We have recently introduced the whole garment concept from Shima Seiki. Though flat knitting is not predominantly present in South, we see a tremendous potential in the coming years. Few customers have already put the machine in their factories. And in the next 3-4years, more customers will go for flat knitting technologies instead of only circular knitting”, said Naoto Nishiki from Shima Seiki.
Voltas has different verticals like the air conditioning, construction, textile machinery and now with Shima Seiki the company has entered into garments also.
Shima Seiki also showcased the SVR202 machine featuring an 80inch knitting width and tandem knitting capability for added flexibility in knit manufacturing. The twin carriages can be used together for doublecam knitting, or used separately for singlecam knitting of two identical pieces in tandem. Other features include such industryleading innovations as the R2carriage, springtype moveable sinker, DSCS (Digital Stitch Control System), stitch presser, and takedown comb. MadeinJapan quality, reliability, productivity, user-friendliness, and cost-performance combine to satisfy the high expectations of the world’s fashion industry.
Demonstrations on the latest version of Shima Seiki’s 3D design system SDSONE APEX3 were also given at the exhibition. APEX3 provides comprehensive support throughout the product supply chain, integrating production into one smooth and efficient workflow from yarn development, product planning and design to production and even sales promotion. Together with Wholegarment knitting, APEX3 realises significant savings in time, cost and material, contributing to truly sustainable knit manufacturing.
Informing about Voltas Nizar Added, “In case of circular machines we offer TERROT GmbH and Pilotelli machines also offering high quality with high production. There is also a new concept of technology that offers high production with quality. You will not able to see any needle line. We have already supplied these machines to more than 100 customers. We deal with a lot of big suppliers and we have all top class players from knitting, dyeing to finishing.”
While commenting on the Tirupur market and knit industry Nizar said, “In Tirupur there are a lot of opportunities. Knit exports happens majorly from Vietnam, Bangladesh, China and India to all over the world and Tirupur is the capital of knitwear in India. On the other hand, China is going a bit down due to their internal issues and Bangladesh is also facing some problems. So these open up new opportunities for Tirupur Knit industry. Good buyers are approaching. They are really gearing up in terms of productivity and quality.”