Egypt is strengthening its position as a promising textile investment destination as international manufacturers explore new production opportunities across North Africa, according to Mirko Cenci, Area Sales Manager at SSM.
Speaking with Kohan Textile Journal during EGY Stitch & Tex 2026 in Cairo, Cenci introduced SSM’s global operations and winding technologies while sharing his assessment of Egypt’s textile market, foreign investment activity and the company’s cooperation with NobelTex.
Mirko Cenci Discusses SSM and Egypt’s Textile Investment Potential
Kohan Textile Journal: Could you introduce SSM and the textile machinery solutions the company supplies globally?
Mirko Cenci: SSM is a Swiss company with roots extending back more than 170 years. We are an international company with operations in Switzerland, China and Italy.
Our headquarters are located in Wädenswil, Switzerland, near Zurich. Our main production facility is SSM Zhongshan in China, while our third operation is SSM Italy.
SSM is represented in more than 60 countries through its sales and after-sales network and local agents. We are a technology leader in yarn processing, particularly in winding and rewinding machinery.
Our technologies serve applications including yarn dyeing, weaving preparation, sewing-thread finishing and filament-yarn processing. The objective is to help textile manufacturers achieve precise and consistent package quality while improving the efficiency of their production processes.
SSM’s official portfolio includes precision winding machinery for dyeing, weaving and sewing-thread preparation, alongside technologies for filament-yarn processing.
Kohan Textile Journal: How do you assess Egypt’s textile market?
Mirko Cenci: I assumed responsibility for the Egyptian market three years ago, and since 2023 I have seen that the market is very promising.
Several customers from Türkiye and China are moving or expanding parts of their production operations in Egypt for various reasons. This is creating new opportunities for textile machinery suppliers and supporting the development of the country’s production capacity.
We have also worked with NobelTex for many years. Its support is very important because the company has extensive knowledge of the local Egyptian market and a strong business network.
This network enables us to establish contact with new potential customers and better understand their requirements. Mrs. Naila and the NobelTex team are doing an excellent job in supporting our activities and developing SSM’s presence in Egypt.
Kohan Textile Journal: What is your outlook for Egypt and the wider North African textile market?
Mirko Cenci: Within Africa, my direct area of responsibility is Egypt, so I can mainly comment based on my experience in this market.
What I can see is the development of new infrastructure, the emergence of potential customers and interest in new textile investments. Currency exchange conditions remain a challenge and do not always support investment decisions.
Nevertheless, based on my knowledge and experience, I believe Egypt could become an important textile market for this part of the world. Within North Africa and the Maghreb region, Egypt has the potential to play a significant role in the industry’s future.
Read More: Egypt Stitch & Tex 2026: What the Exhibition Revealed About the Future of Egypt’s Textile Industry
Investment and Local Partnerships Support Egypt’s Textile Ambitions
Egypt’s ability to attract textile producers from established manufacturing markets could strengthen its position within regional and international supply chains. New investment, expanding infrastructure and access to local expertise are creating potential opportunities across spinning, yarn processing, fabric production and garment manufacturing.
However, currency volatility continues to affect machinery purchasing decisions and the financial planning of textile manufacturers. The market’s long-term development will therefore depend on a combination of investment stability, competitive production conditions and reliable technical support.
For international machinery companies such as SSM, cooperation with an experienced local representative can provide access to customers while ensuring closer sales and after-sales support. SSM’s longstanding partnership with NobelTex is expected to remain central to the Swiss company’s activities in the Egyptian market.
