During ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025, Kohan Textile Journal spoke with Ahmad Sarhan, CEO of GOMPLast Egypt, who shared valuable insights into the company’s global expansion and the shifting dynamics of the international textile machinery sector.
A Leading Global Supplier of Rubber Rollers
Sarhan emphasized that GOMPLast has become one of the world’s leading producers of rubber rollers and spare parts for the textile industry, supplying major machinery manufacturers across multiple segments.
“Today, GOMPLast is a main role player in producing spare parts for finishing and sizing machines,” he said. “We supply to major global names such as Monforts, Fongs, and Karl Mayer, and our presence continues to grow.”
The company’s international footprint is extensive. Its headquarters are located in Barcelona, Spain, with additional facilities and partnerships in Italy, China (two factories), India, Pakistan, Honduras, and its newest strategic hub in Egypt. “We are now considered one of the largest and most influential players in this sector,” Mr Sarhan added.
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Strong Market Engagement at ITMA Asia Singapore
Reflecting on ITMA Asia + CITME 2025, he praised the strong turnout and business activity across the halls.
“The organization was excellent. The halls were busy, exhibitors were engaged, and it was clear that many key players were satisfied. For us and our Spanish partners, the event was very successful,” he said.
Ahmad Sarhan also highlighted key market trends shaping machinery development today. Energy efficiency, he noted, is becoming a critical factor for manufacturers and buyers alike.
“Machinery producers are now heavily focused on energy-saving technologies, which has become a top priority. At the same time, companies are struggling with global price competition. This is where Spanish producers are performing strongly—offering European technology at a fair, competitive price.”
Egypt’s Rising Role in Global Textile Investment
Discussing regional developments, Sarhan pointed to Egypt’s rapidly rising importance in the global textile landscape. Political instability in former African strongholds such as Ethiopia and Nigeria has shifted investor attention.
“With the challenges in other countries, many companies have relocated and are now choosing Egypt,” he explained. “We see a significant increase in Chinese companies establishing operations in Egypt—especially after U.S. tariffs on China—because Egypt offers only around 10% tariffs and provides strong export access to Europe, the U.S., and Africa through existing trade agreements.”
He also noted a clear movement among Turkish manufacturers:
“Many Turkish companies are transferring parts of their business to Egypt and even expanding further. The sector in Egypt is booming, and I believe the country is on its way to becoming a major player in the global textile market.”
The interview underscored a shared sentiment across ITMA Asia Singapore 2025: global supply chains are shifting, and Egypt is positioning itself as one of the region’s most strategic textile hubs—supported by strong manufacturing capabilities, favorable trade agreements, and rising international investment.
