By: Behnam Ghasemi – Editor in Chief at kohan Textile Journal
Italy underlined its long-term commitment to the Latin American textile industry during Colombiatex 2026, with a strong, coordinated presence led by ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers.
Speaking on behalf of the Italian textile machinery industry, Alice Vago, Project Manager at ACIMIT, emphasized that South America remains a strategic growth market for Italian technology suppliers—particularly as regional producers increasingly seek sustainable, efficient, and reliable machinery aligned with European standards.
“Colombiatex is not just a regional exhibition; it is a key platform for dialogue with the market,” Vago noted. “For Italian manufacturers, being present here means listening to customers, understanding their real production challenges, and supporting long-term industrial development rather than short-term transactions.”
ACIMIT: Collaboration, Sustainability, and Standards
According to ACIMIT, Italy’s strength lies in its collaborative industrial ecosystem, where manufacturers work together across the entire textile value chain—from spinning and weaving to dyeing, finishing, and advanced processing.
Vago highlighted that Italian companies are increasingly differentiated by:
- Sustainability and transparency, supported by tools such as ACIMIT’s Climate Certification Label
- Energy and resource efficiency, reducing operating costs for textile producers
- High safety standards and attention to worker welfare
- Strong after-sales service and technical support
“These are not marketing claims,” she stressed. “They are measurable standards that help customers make informed investment decisions.”
Industry Voices from the Italian Pavilion
While ACIMIT set the strategic framework, Italian manufacturers present at Colombiatex reinforced this message from an operational perspective.
Mr Gilberto Godinho, Latin America Area Manager at Itema Group described Colombiatex as a critical meeting point for Latin America, particularly for engaging with fabric producers and monitoring market dynamics in Colombia, Brazil, and neighboring countries. Despite global price pressure, Itema emphasized that productivity, machine performance, and long-term reliability remain decisive factors for serious manufacturers.
From the dyeing technology side, mr Ramy Kassem, area manager at LAIP S.r.l. highlighted the importance of direct market presence in Colombia to follow existing installations, collect customer feedback, and better understand economic and investment trends. The company noted early signs of renewed investment interest following a challenging period for the local textile sector.
Meanwhile, Mr Fabrizio Paleologo, Finishing Machinery Sales Manager at Lonati Group pointed to Colombiatex as a valuable platform for discussing automation, flexibility, and innovation, especially as Latin American producers look to upgrade production for higher-value and more specialized textile applications.
Italy’s Message to Latin America
Despite intensifying global competition and market volatility, ACIMIT believes that Italy’s competitive edge remains clear.
“Competition is global, but leadership comes from setting higher standards,” Vago concluded. “Italian textile machinery is built on innovation, cooperation, and responsibility. Colombiatex allows us to communicate this message directly to the Latin American market—and to build partnerships based on trust and long-term value.”
Also Read: Italy Reinforces Strategic Presence at Colombiatex 2026 Under ACIMIT Leadership
