Interview with Mr. Federico Businaro, Vice President of Santex Rimar Group
At ITM Istanbul, we are showcasing machines similar to those presented last year at ITMA. Due to the frequency of exhibitions, we haven’t had ample time to develop new machines or introduce significant innovations. However, we are excited to present the Santacompact RD Plus, a new machine that has already been sold in several countries, including a recent contract in northern India. The Santacompact RD Plus delivers excellent results in compacting and achieves impressive speeds.
Our presence in ITM Istanbul is without physical machines, reflecting our commitment to environmental sustainability. By not transporting machines, we significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Additionally, our booth is 99% reusable and recyclable, aligning with our mission to be green-oriented.
Last year at ITMA, we introduced the Sperotto Rimar brand’s COMPAS machine, which we are showcasing again. This compacting machine is energy-efficient, featuring a closed cooling system that avoids water wastage. Our focus remains on green solutions, aiming to save water and energy to protect the planet.
Staying Ahead of Competitors from Turkey, India, and China
The emergence of competitors from Turkey, India, and China in the textile machinery market is partly due to the opportunities we have provided. However, our extensive know-how and continuous investment in research and development keep us ahead. Our advanced resources and expertise ensure that we remain leaders in the field, making it challenging for new competitors to reach our level.
Santex Rimar’s Approach to Digitalization and AI
Digitalization allows us to gather extensive data from our machines, which helps us guide customers on optimizing their operation, thus saving time, energy, and water. Some of our systems enable real-time connectivity with customers, allowing us to provide ongoing support. However, due to the proprietary nature of finishing processes, not all customers opt for this connectivity.
The Success of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers
Italian manufacturers excel due to a natural propensity for innovation and quality. Despite being a small country, Italy leads in various fields, including wine, cheese, food, and design. This inventive spirit extends to textile machinery, where we understand and master every step of the process.
Turkey remains a crucial market for our business, given its significant textile production in the Mediterranean region. Although current conditions in Turkey may affect customer turnout, exhibitions like ITM Istanbul allow us to focus on expanding into Eastern markets, including China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Africa. We see Africa, especially North Africa and the Mediterranean area, as a growing region for textile industries. Our machines are already present in countries like Ethiopia, and we believe Africa will be a significant market for future growth.