We had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Gerd Pohlmann, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Saurer Technologies, at the CFE (Carpet and Flooring Expo) 2025. Saurer Technologies is known for its advanced twisting solutions, and Mr. Pohlmann shared valuable insights on the company’s participation in the event, market trends, and sustainability efforts in the carpet production industry.
Q: Mr. Pohlmann, could you please introduce yourself and explain Saurer Technologies’ participation at CFE 2025?
Mr. Pohlmann:
My name is Gerd Pohlmann, and I’m the Head of Sales and Marketing at Saurer Technologies for Twisting Solutions. This is our first time exhibiting at this exhibition in Istanbul. Previously, we participated in DOMOTEX in Hannover, but with the challenges Turkish customers face in obtaining German visas, they’ve shifted their focus to this exhibition in Istanbul. Turkey has become the center of the carpet production industry, and we’re already seeing that this could become a leading exhibition in the future. The first day here has been very promising, and we’re glad to be part of this event.
Q: How important is the Turkish market for Saurer Technologies, and how does it compare to other markets?
Mr. Pohlmann:
The Turkish market is extremely important for us, alongside the U.S. It has been a significant market for carpet production, and we’ve had many Turkish customers. With the transition from DOMOTEX to Istanbul, we believe this exhibition could potentially become the leading event for the carpet industry moving forward. Turkey’s strategic location and its significance in carpet manufacturing make it an essential market for us to focus on.
Q: Could you tell us about the products you are showcasing here and any recent innovations in your portfolio?
Mr. Pohlmann:
We’ve been showcasing our latest products since the last ITMA exhibition. Over the past year, we’ve seen a generational change in our products, and we’re now focusing on promoting these innovations further. One of the key trends we’ve observed is the increasing use of polyester yarns, especially as the industry shifts away from other materials. Our goal is to adapt to these changes and align our portfolio with the future developments in the carpet sector.
Q: Sustainability is a major focus in many industries. How does Saurer Technologies contribute to sustainability in the carpet industry?
Mr. Pohlmann:
Sustainability is a major concern for us. We believe in contributing to recycling and sustainability by ensuring that our machines help reduce energy consumption. The twisting and cabling processes are energy-intensive, and we’re continuously working on improving these aspects. Our goal is to reduce energy usage while maintaining the high-quality standards our customers expect. The carpet industry is moving towards using the same fiber type throughout the entire carpet construction, which makes the carpet more recyclable.
Q: What are some of the challenges you face, and how do you plan to stay competitive in this evolving market?
Mr. Pohlmann:
In the face of competition from low-cost countries, our main strategy is to remain innovative and deliver high-quality products with lower energy consumption, at a competitive price. We focus on continuous improvement in every detail, even when we reach physical limits, like the speed of the twisting balloon in our machines. Automation will play a key role in the future, and we see opportunities in developing fully automated twisting or cabling machines. While this may not happen immediately, we are actively exploring medium- to long-term solutions to meet these challenges.
Q: What’s next for Saurer Technologies in the carpet production sector?
Mr. Pohlmann:
Looking ahead, we are committed to further improving our technology and solutions for the carpet industry. Our focus will be on enhancing energy efficiency, increasing automation, and continuing to innovate with new products that cater to the evolving needs of the market. We’re excited about what’s coming next, and we’re confident that we’ll continue to be a trusted partner in the carpet production sector.
