Interview with Mr. Anoop Sharma – Marketing Manager
Eltex of Sweden AB, headquartered in Sweden, specializes in designing and manufacturing yarn break sensors and yarn tension monitoring systems tailored for the flooring industry, particularly for tufting carpets and BCF yarn production. With a six-decade legacy, we have established ourselves as leaders in our field. Additionally, we provide solutions for textile applications.
Our products have a global presence, serving textile machines worldwide. Many of our yarn break sensors have demonstrated exceptional durability, with some machines still operational after 40 years of use. This longevity speaks to the superior quality of our sensors, as evidenced by the loyalty of our customers who continue to rely on our products without the need for replacement.
Why is the Middle East considered a promising region for the tufting and carpet weaving sector?
According to various sources and statistical data, the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries are identified as key areas for the future growth of the carpet industry. Recent trends indicate a significant influx of investments into these regions, signalling a burgeoning interest in their potential. This sentiment is not solely our observation; discussions with prominent players in the flooring industry this morning have echoed this sentiment.
Indeed, there is a consensus that the GCC countries, in particular, offer substantial prospects for expansion, alongside the Far East region. The primary driver behind this surge in interest is the steadily expanding market demand. As the flooring market continues to evolve and thrive, it has attracted the attention of numerous companies, prompting their participation in exhibitions such as this one. The resurgence of events like Domotex Middle East after a 15-year hiatus underscores the region’s allure as a focal point for industry players seeking growth opportunities.
How can your products assist textile companies in enhancing product quality while minimizing waste?
That’s an excellent question and one that lies at the heart of our solutions. Our yarn break sensors play a pivotal role in addressing one of the primary challenges faced by textile manufacturers: yarn breakage. In many tufting machines, yarn breakage is a persistent issue, leading to disruptions in production and significant material wastage. By integrating our sensors into these machines, we significantly mitigate this problem.
While I can’t provide exact figures, companies utilizing our systems often find that once implemented on one machine, they opt to equip their entire fleet. The primary reason for this widespread adoption is the ease and efficiency they bring to operations. When a yarn break occurs, our sensors promptly halt the machine, minimizing the occurrence of faults that can result in wastage ranging from a few centimetres to several meters.
Ultimately, our sensors ensure a win-win scenario for our customers. They experience reduced financial losses, diminished material wastage, lower energy consumption, and a host of other benefits. We’re particularly attentive to industries like artificial grass and tufting carpets, where yarn breakage contributes significantly to wastage. Our sensors offer a tangible solution to this issue, potentially saving companies substantial sums.
Consider, for instance, one of our carpet industry case studies. A company operating eight tufting machines was experiencing considerable losses amounting to over $1000 per machine annually due to yarn breakage. Following the installation of our sensors, these losses decreased dramatically, with annual losses now ranging from just $200 to $500 per machine. This example underscores the immense value our sensors bring in terms of waste reduction and operational efficiency.
Where is your primary export market located?
Our export market landscape has evolved significantly over the past 15 years. Presently, our largest market share resides in the United States of America, representing a substantial portion of our exports.
Following closely behind is the Central European region, encompassing countries such as France and Belgium. Recent endeavours have also led to notable success in the United Kingdom, with promising growth observed in this market segment. Additionally, our presence in Australia has been significant, reflecting a strong foothold in this region.
A noteworthy achievement occurred approximately three years ago with our entry into the Japanese market. Since then, we have established a thriving business presence in Japan, further diversifying our export portfolio.
Overall, our products have found traction in numerous countries across the globe, wherever textile manufacturing and tufting machinery are prevalent. Our sensors are actively deployed in these regions, contributing to our widespread market presence and customer satisfaction.