Japan is a key technology supplier to the sewing product industry. Over the years numerous key innovations and patents can be attributed to this industry, which brings yet another Japan International Apparel Machinery (JIAM) trade show. The fair is slated to showcase well known Japanese pioneers like Juki, Brother, Yamato, Kansai Special, along with other global technology providers in sewing and other ancillary products such as motors to automatic bobbin changers to anything and everything which can be associated with quality and innovation to the industry under the theme ‘Creative Linkage – Innovative Technology for a Prosperous and Comfortable Lifestyle’.
Under the theme ‘Creative Linkage’, the show intends to present ideas from various other sectors to the apparel and textile industry, by fusion of different products, applications and materials. This concept also emphasizes on collaborations between companies working within the apparel and textile industry but in varied segments. This would not only present apparel and textile manufacturers’ options for revitalising in the slow market, but also by aligning with various other companies to become a complete solution provider.
It is interesting to note that all of the sewing technology participants will be showcasing technology, which is high-end, but focussed on saving manpower. Automated machines for operations like button holing and button attachment are among the popular machines that will be showcased by many of the exhibitors. As markets mature, labour saving machines is becoming a priority.
Another area of concentration is sustainability… Green technology is the focus of many technology manufacturers today – JUKI, Brother, Pegasus, Siliconi, Duerkopp Adler, Zoje, Typical, Jack, Gerber and Lectra are only some of the companies with concentration on sustainable options, which they also showcased at major technology fairs held in 2011. All these companies claim to make their products not only under strict sustainable environment, but also less hazardous to the ecology and consuming less energy while improving performance when compared to their older versions.
Juki has built the philosophy of the company around the concept of sustainability aptly termed as ‘Eco-Mind declaration’. The Group started the ‘eco-products authorization system’ meant to deliver new products which exceed the old products in performance, marketability, and environmental consideration. Mauser Spezial introduced the environmental label “Envio-Line” that guarantee customers an environmentally friendly production process energy saving while doing their part to protect our nature and future. In the field of “Drive Technology”, PFAFF has introduced a new generation of sewing drives that stand out due to their low use of energy and are manufactured without lead, cadmium, mercury, etc. making them compliant with RoHS requirements and are therefore environmentally friendly. In washing equipment, saving on water consumption and chemicals used is also a focus area.
Bringing technology near to the apparel and other soft goods manufacturers, the show is slated to be a big success attracting designers, bespoke manufacturers, luggage industry, laundries, car seat cover manufacturers and other niche players attached to the sewn product industry. Past experience shows that many technology suppliers will also be inviting their customers to the show, bearing all the expenses and few feelers available with StitchWorld confirms the same… A Chinese company has confirmed that it would be inviting about 100 of its good customers to see its latest product innovations.
The fair is indeed relevant in the wake of the slowdown in the EU and US, resulting in a very difficult six months for many technology providers with three bigwigs from Japan namely, Juki, Brother and Pegasus showing revenue losses from 20% to 40% due to stagnant demand in the Indian, Chinese and European markets. Even the forex played its part in the losses. But hope is what is keeping every company, whether Japanese, Italian or German moving ahead prodding them to relook at their target customers. The focus is now shifting to small quantity niche players in mature markets, which require latest technology to upgrade and meet challenges of smaller runs.
