Prasanta Kumar Deka
Head Rieter Machines & Systems India and Market India Rieter India Private Limited
Enabling success for India’s spinning industry
Rieter is the world’s leading supplier of systems for manufacturing yarn from staple fibres in spinning mills. Based in Winterthur (Switzerland), the company develops and manufactures machinery, systems and components used to convert natural and man-made fibres and their blends into yarns in the most cost-efficient manner. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Prasanta Kumar Deka, Head Rieter Machines & Systems India and Market India, discusses cutting-edge spinning technology from Rieter for the Indian market and how Rieter technology contributes to sustainability in the textile value chain.
How would you describe the current state of the spinning sector in India?
The spinning sector in India is presently impacted by the low demand being faced by fashion and textile brands in global markets. Volatile cotton prices are also forcing many spinners to buy cotton cautiously keeping in mind the trend in yarn prices. According to industry sources, the capacity utilisation at present is low at 60-65 per cent and mills are waiting to see demand revival and stability in cotton prices.
What new machinery did Rieter display at India ITME 2022?
Rieter presented a stellar line-up of technology highlights designed to help customers stay competitive despite the current challenges.
We were very proud to finally introduce the Autoconer X6 to the wider Indian market and celebrate the milestone sale of the 500th machine at India ITME. The Autoconer X6 is a customer favourite around the globe, widely coveted for its efficiency. The winding machine perfectly completes the Rieter ring and compact-spinning systems. The Autoconer X6 is the final quality assurance in the ring and compact-spinning process and is key to the performance of the subsequent process stages.
Another highlight was the piecing robot ROBOspin which reduces personnel requirements in the ring spinning section by 50 per cent. The robot also attains productivity increases thanks to higher spindle speeds at equal or higher efficiency.
We also presented NEO-FD. This is SSM’s assembly-winding machine designed for precision wound packages for twisting. It meets all requirements for efficient production. The machine features the auto-doffing option and the online back-pressure system for low and high package densities. With ergonomic design and proven technology, the machine cuts maintenance and service costs to a minimum.
How do you foresee the expansion of spinning sector in India? Any major changes?
The spinning sector in India has many opportunities thanks to its cost competitiveness in manufacturing and the wide availability of cotton. The recent government push in the man-made fibre (MMF) sector will also bring many opportunities for MMF staple yarns including blended ones. The increasing awareness regarding sustainability and the demand for recycled products by end users will also open a new area of opportunities for all segments of the textile value chain, including spinning.
Which of your products and solutions would help the Indian textile industry to go more sustainable?
Rieter has a long-standing expertise in recycling and in-depth technology know-how. We offer solutions for the integration of recycled raw material into yarn production to help close the textile loop and make fashion more circular. Both rotor and ring yarns can be produced with a considerable amount of mechanically recycled fibres. The results are promising: Garments made of challenging post-consumer material can be attractive for both consumers and the environment.
Published on: 21/12/2022
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.
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