Eric Schoeller
Member of the Executive Board Groz-Beckert
ITMA has very high significance for us
Groz-Beckert is the world's leading provider of industrial machine needles, precision parts and fine tools as well as systems and services for the production and joining of textile fabrics. The products and services support the fields of knitting, weaving, felting, tufting, carding and sewing. Groz-Beckert operates with agencies, production and distribution subsidiaries in more than 150 countries around the world. Member of the executive board Eric Schoeller shares details about the latest innovations.
Please tell us about your company.
Groz-Beckert was started in 1852 and the company has developed from being purely a manufacturer of knitting machine parts into a supplier of precision components. We supply industrial machine needles, precision parts and fine tools, as well as systems and services, which support processes of knitting and warp knitting, weaving, felting, tufting, carding and sewing.
What new technologies did you showcase at ITMA 2019?
All six product areas at Groz-Beckert were exhibited, as were services like the Groz-Beckert Academy and the Technology and Development Center (TEZ), which we named 'Innovation Hub.' It gathers the absolute latest innovations from the various company areas, with a dedicated presentation zone for each product segment, which are presented, both in the real and virtual worlds. On the other hand, the Groz-Beckert Academy's training programme reflects our dedication to sharing knowledge.
The knitting area had several product innovations like the SAN SF, our new special application needle, for use with large diameter circular knitting machines and has been developed for knitting staple fibre yarns. At the circular knitting exhibit, customers examined the needle in extra detail, using an augmented reality environment, which provides a detailed overview of the properties and benefits. The flat knitting area had two different innovations; fine gauges and technical textiles. The finest transfer needle, gauge E21, represents a tremendous step forward in opening new flat knitting applications, and with it, new potential business fields. In technical textiles, we presented a new special application needle that can handle a huge range of uses, which features special technical characteristics such as a secure yarn insertion mechanism and reliable latch function.
In the legwear field, we debuted a new needle for sock machines intended for use under heavy loads. The weaving zone presented the latest generation of drawing-in machine, the WarpMasterPlus, which delivers optimal flexibility, combined with maximum performance. For Spunlace customers, Groz-Beckert had its HyTec P jet strips, which possesses a much greater hardness compared with conventional jet strips. In the area of felting needles, Gebecon and EcoStar needles and their patented geometries are the focus. In the tufting zone, we showed our InLine card clothing for the nonwovens industry and the SiroLock Plus card clothing. We also had a new series of stationary and revolving flats, the improved cylinder wire and a new doffer wire. In the sewing area, we presented the SAN 10 and SAN 10 XS. The SAN 10 combines the requirements for protecting the material and stability. In rare cases, however, damage to the material cannot be avoided using the SAN 10.
How many countries do you export to?
We supply to all textile markets around the world. Our own sales affiliates are perfectly complemented with a worldwide network of trading partners, due to which customers have access to direct contact partners in about 150 countries.
Since when has your company been participating at ITMA?
We have been participating in the trade fair, which was founded in 1951, for a very long time. Unfortunately, it is not possible to say with certainty when our first ITMA appearance took place, but we can say with conviction that we have been present since 1963.
What is your opinion of ITMA?
ITMA is still one of the most important international trade fairs for textile machinery worldwide. ITMA is highly significant for us. ITMA 2019 has been a real success for Groz-Beckert and opened new perspectives. (HO)
Published on: 17/07/2019
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
