Showcases

Company: BMD PVT. LTD.
Specialty: Automotive furnishing fabrics
Spokesperson: S.N. Goyal, President


BMD PVT. LTD., was established in 1997 in Banswara as a joint venture with LNJ Bhilwara Group in India. In 2006, LNJ Bhilwara Group acquired the entire company.

The company operates in the Technical Textiles segment, manufacturing specialized automotive furnishing fabrics to international standards for the growing passenger car market. BMD supplies all major OEMs in India including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Tata, GM, Mahindra, Ford, Volkswagen, Nissan, Skoda and Fiat. The company has facilities for producing woven, warp knit and circular knit fabrics with an annual capacity of over 11 million meters. It is a matter of pride that the company has been market leader for over two decades and currently has a +55% market share in India, running the most sophisticated European machines.

During the 2nd half of 2016, BMD ordered 6 OptiMax-i rapier machines with jacquard for weaving car-seat fabrics in a broad range of fancier weft materials – such as flock yarns, chenilles and monofils.

The OptiMax-i performed so efficiently and with speeds up to 15% higher than competing makes that in 2017 the company submitted a repeat order for more machines, now equipped with the latest Picanol Blue Box electronic platform. Both BMD & Picanol are looking forward to taking their business partnership to a new level in years to come.

BMD PVT. LTD. has been accorded the ISO TS 16949 for Quality Management Systems, the ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems, the OHSAS 18001 for Health & Safety Management and the ISO 50001 for Energy Management Systems. 

Company: Central Textiles, USA
Specialty: Pocketing Fabrics
Spokesperson: Patrick McReynolds, Manufacturing Manager


Central Textiles is an integrated textile producer that has been operating in Central (South Carolina, USA) since 1984 when the current owners purchased an old, existing textile mill and began a complete modernization, making it into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility able to compete in today’s global marketplace. Central produces technical textiles and apparel and is specialized in pocketing fabrics.

The upgrades have been a continuing, ongoing process with regular installation of the latest generations of Picanol weaving technology. 

Company: De Amtex
Specialty: Technical fabrics for industrial end uses
Spokesperson: Aldo Banfi, Product Manager


De Amtex SpA, a family owned weaving mill, was established in 1976. The factory, located in northern Italy at about 50km from Milan, has recently been expanded and renovated in order to add new machines and simultaneously improve efficiency. Since the start, the core business of De Amtex has been the production of technical fabrics for industrial end uses.

The production plant covers 15.000 square meters, while the annual production capacity is more than 15 million square meters of fabric and 1500 tonnes of twisted yarn. Beside its Italian headquarters, De Amtex SpA has a sales office, located in The Netherlands, dedicated to the Northern European market.

De Amtex SpA manufactures orthogonal fabrics for industrial uses with a maximum width of up to 5.400mm, and with a weight ranging from 100 to 1.500 g/sqm. The main final application fields are coating or calandering with plastic materials or rubber and filtration.

In 2012 De Amtex decided to invest in Picanol machines and went for OptiMax gripper machines in 540cm width. Since then they continued to increase the number of machines, buying the machines in different widths from 540, 460 and 400cm to the smallest execution of 250cm, which is equipped with positive gripper technology. All the machines are in Free Flight execution to weave fabrics for coating and rubbering processes .

Company: GeoTecnoTessile
Specialty: Agrotextile fabrics
Spokesperson: Walter Veronelli, Weaving Manager


In the agrotextile world GeoTecnoTessile is well known as the top-class weaver of quality nets. The company was founded in 2000 by Nino Scalabrini and became specialized in the production of anti-hail nets.

Over the years GeoTecnoTessile has expanded its business to include all types of fabrics for agrotextile (anti-hail nets, rain-proof and shading fabrics and wind breakers). The company is now fully vertically integrated since the installation of a preparation department in 2006 and a spinning installation in 2012. Today GeoTecnoTessile produces approximately 30 million m² of nets per year and is servicing its customers worldwide not only with nets but also with accessories and installation facilities.

Recently GeoTecnoTessile invested in Picanol rapier technology with the installation of their first fully equipped wide OptiMax-i with Positive Gripper technology. A second machine has been ordered and the further replacement of their older projectile equipment is planned for next year.

GeoTecnoTessile was very pleased with Picanol during this major upgrade, not only in terms of best technology, but also with regards to both machine and technical support from the local technical team.

Company: Greenwood Mills
Specialty: Special safety fabrics for industrial and military use
Spokesperson: Matt Shannon, Weaving Manager


Innovation through Modernization.

It all started back in October 1889 when William Lowndes Durst set up Greenwood Cotton Mill. Over the last 128 years, a lot of cotton has been spun, and despite the ups and downs of the industry, the company survived by continuously reinventing its business model. Now, under the leadership of Jay Self, (the family fourth generation), Greenwood Mills is at the forefront of innovation, producing fabrics that are protecting US military personnel (and other nations as well) on all 4 corners of the earth.

Thanks to modernized manufacturing facilities, Greenwood Mills is able to meet the requirements of its most demanding customers. One piece of this complicated puzzle is the Picanol weaving machine.

Greenwood Mills started to operate Picanol shuttle looms back in the late 1960s and then switched to the new airjet technology in the mid-1980s. Currently, the Harris plant is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including the OMNIplus Summum in both the standard and the HP (High Performance) versions. These allow Greenwood Mills to produce at speeds up to 20% faster while maintaining the low stop levels, high efficiencies and top quality fabrics. And, all of this is achieved within the same footprint as before.

One secret, of course, is to use excellent yarn, but the real key is the plant personnel. At Greenwood Mills, the plant personnel is the foundation of success. Thanks to the presence of Picanol of America, headquartered in Greenville, SC since 1971, Greenwood Mills is able to take advantage of the training and technical assistance the personnel require, when needed. Throughout the years, a strong relationship has been built between the two companies and often new solutions, innovations and even product testing have been conducted by Greenwood Mills on the latest machine technology.

Earlier this summer, Greenwood Mills moved to a newly renovated office building in the heart of the city of Greenwood, SC. Beautifully crafted with state-of-the-art materials, the new offices exhibit their long history by proudly displaying wood shuttles on all sliding doors. As the new office building was being renovated, Greenwood Mills was installing its latest version of OMNIplus Summum airjet machines. These airjet machines are producing at higher speeds than anywhere else on the planet.

Company: Heathcoat Fabrics, UK
Specialty: Parachute Fabrics
Spokesperson: Peter Hill, Director Woven Fabrics


Heathcoat Fabrics Limited was established in 1808 by John Heathcoat, the inventor of the bobbinet lace making machine. It relocated from the English Midlands to its present site in Tiverton, Devon, 200 years ago this summer.

Due to the use of silk for bobbinet Heathcoat became involved in the production of some of the earliest parachutes and actually manufactured parachutes as well as fabric from the early 1930s until the late 1960s. The company then ceased parachute manufacture so that it could concentrate on the production of parachute fabrics for its customers around the world. Modern parachute fabrics are made with high-tenacity nylon 66 rather than silk. Some more challenging uses demand exotic fibers such as para-aramid.

“Over the past 10 years we have embarked upon a plant refurbishment and upgrade program as part of our World Class Manufacturing project,” explains Peter Hill. “Following extensive trials we selected Picanol as our key partner for airjet and rapier weaving looms and have installed a total of 31 Picanol looms to date. We have been very pleased with the after-sales service from Picanol. We weave very complicated technical fabrics with demanding yarns and structures. Picanol has worked closely with us to optimize the weaving of these technical fabrics and together we are pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved for the future.”

Company: Junma Tyrecord
Specialty: Tire reinforcing material
Spokesperson: Li Feng, Assistant General Manager


Located in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu province, Junma Tyrecord is affiliated to Jiangsu Junma Group. Established in 1991, the company employs about 4500 people, including 800 engineers and technicians. Specialized in manufacturing and selling tire reinforcing material, it is one of the biggest nylon tire-cord manufacturers, and the unique qualified Chinese supplier for top 10 international tire manufacturers, such as Bridgestone and Goodyear.

In recent years, the company has improved its distribution network both home and abroad by actively diversifying its international distribution channels. Its products have been supplied to more than 30 domestic leading tire companies and have successfully entered the international markets such as India, Thailand, Singapore, Iran, Germany, USA, Korea and Japan.

In 2004 Junma started weaving with 16 Picanol OMNIplus-TC airjet machines which have been running till now. Due to expanding orders, the company purchased another batch of 19 OMNIplus-800 TC machines in 3 phases since 2016. High production speed, stable performance, low air consumption, unique drawing in rollers which compensate the input tension differences from the creel, a weight compensated batcher which delivers the cloth roll in top shape, as well as good after-sales service are the strong points for Junma to choose Picanol machines.

Company: Mattex, USA
Specialty: Carpet Backings
Spokesperson: Patriek Demeyere, Operations Manager / Penny G. Justice, Beaming/Weaving Manager


Mattex started production of woven polypropylene carpet backings in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) in 1996. For almost two decades now the company has experienced consistent growth. Mattex currently produces backings in three plant locations: Dubai, Jeddah and Chatsworth (Georgia, USA).

Mattex Manufacturing USA opened in 2014 and produces primary and secondary carpet backings for indoor and artificial turf applications with a capacity of 137 million m² per annum. For this it uses 80+ Picanol OptiMax machines, equipped with Positive Guided Grippers.

Company: Sage, USA
Specialty: Automotive Interiors
Spokesperson: Sage


Sage Automotive Interiors became independent from Milliken in September 2009 and now ranks first in the USA and 2nd in the world. With a presence on all continents and a workforce of 3000 associates, Sage AI manufactures automobile seating, panels and console fabrics as well as headliners.

Picanol has supplied nearly 100 of its weaving machines since 2011 including OptiMax, OptiMax-i, OMNIplus 800 and OMNIplus Summum, either in dobby or in jacquard version.

The versatility of the Picanol looms as well as the local presence of Picanol technicians in the USA, Brazil and Europe provides a perfect match for the Sage requirements.

 

www.sageautomotiveinteriors.com

 

Company: Santex, Italy
Specialty: Medical Textiles
Spokesperson: Roberto Fusato, Weaving manager


Santex describes itself as a 100% commitment to the health system. And yes, indeed, this is their core business: the whole range from incontinence to hospital dressing products.

Santex was founded in 1961, the brainchild of the entrepreneur Alberto Santurro. In keeping with the family tradition, the company is today managed by his children, who have made a decisive contribution to the growth of the business by continually investing in technology, product development and organization.

Santex has been a benchmark in the sector for over 50 years now, and is the only company to produce dressing products entirely in Italy.

The headquarters and administrative office is in Milan, while the two production plants are located in the province of Vicenza. The Meledo facility produces incontinence aids, while the one in Sarego produces a complete range of dressings, orthopedic products and disposables for the operating theatre, as well as taking care of business development for the Italian and foreign markets.

The production unit in Serago consists entirely of Picanol airjets and this goes back a long time. In 1988 Santex started with Picanol PAT machines and with every replacement of the production apparatus they renewed their trust in the Picanol equipment. The most recent investment was in 18 OMNIplus Summum airjets to replace the old PAT machines, which were in full production until 2015. 

Company: Setex, Germany
Specialty: Christo Project
Spokesperson: Heiko Wehner, CEO / Diana Göcke, Sales


Christo’s Floating Piers
At the Setex plant in Greven, Germany, two Picanol OptiMax 540 cm machines worked around the clock for six months to produce a very special kind of dahlia-yellow fabric. It was made on behalf of Christo, the artist famous for his spectacular wrapping projects. Setex produced about 100,000 m² of polyester fabric for the new Christo project entitled “The Floating Piers.”

Christo installed the floating piers on Lake Iseo in Northern Italy: visitors were able to walk on water! The piers, 16 m wide and about 3 km long, connected the mainland with two islands in the lake, carried by 20,000 floats. In addition a fabric road continued for 1.5 km into the pedestrian areas of Sulzano and Peschiera Maraglio. This installation was a unique experience for the people walking on water and also afforded a spectacular sight when looking down at the lake from the surrounding mountain roads. The work of art was open to the public during 16 days in June 2016.

Setex could count on Picanol’s full support when installing the machines and putting them into operation. A first batch of fabric was ready by October 2015 and Setex shipped a second batch to Italy in January 2016. Heiko Wehner, CEO of Setex, is proud to have gotten this six-digit order. Setex made sure that the saffron fabric, developed specially for this project, was color-fast, dahlia-yellow and dirt-repellent.

Company: Tessitura Fratelli Fontana
Specialty: Technical fabrics for the filtration business
Spokesperson: Giovanni Ferrari, General Manager


Established in 1946, Tessitura Fratelli Fontana has always been specialized in the production of technical fabrics for the filtration business.
At the beginning of the fifties, a new plant was built, enabling the company to broaden its range of cloths and finishings.


In a few years, old machineries were replaced by technologically more advanced machines. In those days reinforced Picanol Omnium machines were installed. This gave the company the possibility to look with more interest to new markets.


In the nineties, market needs and constant growth led Fontana to enlarge and renew the plants. The production now consists of filter fabrics for wet filtration, dust filtration and fabrics for the sugar industry. Recently Fontana invested in OptiMax-i rapier machines for the production of heavy fabrics from 400 to 700/800 grams.

Company: TFE: Textiles For Europe, Austria
Specialty: Automotive Interiors
Spokesperson: Bernd Matt, Company Manager


TFE - Textiles For Europe was founded in 1995 as a weaving mill in Nüziders (Austria) and now also has a second plant with finishing in Bludenz, a small town in the Vorarlberg region.

Until 2007 TFE produced raw fabrics on airjet looms, for ladieswear, supplied to markets in Italy, France, Germany and Spain. When the main customer went bankrupt TFE obtained its first 12 Picanol Omni airjet looms from the bankrupt estate. With these looms it started producing the actual main product, namely black polyester fabric for the automotive industry. In the years that followed TFE bought Picanol Omni and OMNIplus airjet looms, always second-hand, from Austria, France and Italy.

In 2013 Getzner Textil AG in Bludenz acquired 75% of TFE and in 2015 Getzner took over the remaining 25%.

Since then TFE has invested in 48 brand-new Picanol OMNIplus Summum airjet looms, so that today it operates with a total of 72 Picanol airjet looms in widths of 220 cm and 250 cm running at high speeds, with high efficiency and low energy consumption. It successfully produces black PES fabric and PES microfilament fabrics for the medical sector along with elastic fabrics. TFE operates around the clock in three shifts with a total of 35 employees producing around 600,000 running meters per month.

In addition to weaving preparation and weaving TFE also has a finishing line for washing out, drying, calendering and cutting.

TFE appreciates the perfect cooperation with Picanol and is happy to grow further together in the future.