At Colombiatex 2025, we had the opportunity to speak with Benjamin Schnabel, Area Sales Manager at Brückner Textile, about the evolving Latin American textile industry, the impact of global trade dynamics, and how Brückner’s innovative technologies are shaping the future of textile finishing.
With growing demand for high-quality textile machinery, increasing regional production, and a shift away from Asian markets, Latin America is emerging as a key hub for textile manufacturing. Brückner, a global leader in stenter frames, relax dryers, and sanforizing machines, is at the forefront of this transformation.
In this interview, Benjamin Schnabel shares valuable insights into market trends, technological advancements, and the company’s strategy for maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Q: Can you tell us about your role at Brückner Textile and your presence at Colombiatex 2025?
Mr.Benjamin Schnabel
I’m responsible for the entire Latin American market at Brückner Textile, which specializes in dry finishing equipment such as stenter frames and relax dryers. We are here at Colombiatex 2025 on a shared booth with other German companies, gaining insights into how the Latin American market is evolving. Every year, I see more visitors, more exhibitors, and increasing demand, which makes this event a key platform for us.
Q: What are the key factors driving the growth of the textile industry in Latin America?
Mr.Benjamin Schnabel
We’ve received a lot of positive feedback about the industry’s potential in 2025. Latin America has traditionally been a strong exporter to the United States, but due to ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, many companies are shifting their production to this region.
There are two main reasons for this shift:
- Proximity to the US – Shorter supply chains allow for faster response times and greater flexibility.
- Reducing dependency on China – Brands are looking for alternative sourcing to minimize risks.
Additionally, with the new trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, South American countries like Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay have an excellent opportunity to export to Europe, further reducing reliance on Asian markets.
Q: How has Colombiatex evolved over the years?
Mr.Benjamin Schnabel
I’ve been attending Colombiatex for the past 5 to 6 years, and every year, I see more visitors and exhibitors. It’s not just a Colombian event – it attracts customers from Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, and even India and Turkey, making it a key hub for networking. Exhibiting here has become more competitive, as demand for booths has grown significantly.
Q: What are the most in-demand Brückner machines in Latin America?
Mr.Benjamin Schnabel
The stenter frame remains our most popular product worldwide, including in Latin America. However, in recent years, we’ve also seen rising demand for sanforizers and relax dryers. Previously, there were local suppliers in Brazil and other Latin American countries, but many of them have disappeared, allowing us to gain market share.
A particularly successful product has been our Power-Dry relax dryer, launched at ITMA nearly two years ago. It’s especially popular among customers who process tubular fabrics, such as t-shirt manufacturers, as it enhances productivity and efficiency.
Q: How does Brückner Textile stay competitive against machinery from China, India, and Turkey?
Mr.Benjamin Schnabel
Innovation is our top priority. If we didn’t continuously develop and improve, we would risk becoming irrelevant in the market. While Chinese, Indian, and Turkish companies are improving their machinery, Brückner remains ahead by offering the best quality, not just the cheapest options.
The biggest challenge is staying ahead of China, as they no longer just copy but actively innovate. This means that in Europe, we must focus on advanced technology, energy efficiency, and superior performance to maintain our leadership. While manufacturing in Europe comes with challenges like higher energy costs, our strategy remains centered on technological excellence.
Q: What are your final thoughts on the future of the textile industry in Latin America?
Mr.Benjamin Schnabel
Latin America is becoming an increasingly strategic region due to global trade shifts and growing investments. With trade agreements like Mercosur-EU, the region has a strong opportunity to expand exports beyond the US.
For Brückner, our goal is to continue innovating and providing the highest quality machinery to support this growth. We see Colombiatex as a crucial event to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities in this promising market.
