ITMA 2019 will be held from June 20-26, 2019 at Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via, Spain

Featuring the theme ‘Innovating the World of Textiles’, it will have exhibits showcasing an integrated textile and garment manufacturing value chain. Divided into 19 chapters, exhibits also include yarns, fibres and fabrics, and solutions for technical textiles and nonwovens, and garment making.

ITMA is the trendsetting textile and garment technology platform where the industry converges every four years to explore fresh ideas, effective solutions and collaborative partnerships for business growth. Organised by ITMA Services, the upcoming ITMA will be held from 20 to 26 June 2019 in Barcelona at Fira De Barcelona, Gran Via.

Technological innovation, a basic of industry transformation, is pivotal to the success of the textile and garment industry.

ITMA 2019 provides an unrivalled marketplace and knowledge platform. It is expected to feature:

• 200000 square metres of gross exhibition space
• Over 1500 exhibitors from some 45 countries
• Visitorship of over 100000 from about 140 countries

The last ITMA exhibition, held in Milan in 2015, drew the participation of 1691 exhibitors from 46 countries. A post-show exhibitor survey found that over 90 % of them rated their overall experience ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, and 93% indicated their interest to return to exhibit at the next ITMA, and that there is a strong competitive advantage exhibiting at ITMA compared with other shows.

ITMA 2019, the world’s largest textile and garment technology, has received strong response since online applications opened in May. Some 25 % of the exhibition space has been booked by more than 300 exhibitors during the first six weeks (up to end of June 2017), according to ITMA Services, the organiser of ITMA 2019.

According to show owners CEMATEX and Chinese partners, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC), the mega textile machinery exhibition is expected to draw a positive response.

Fritz P. Mayer, President of CEMATEX, said: “The combined showcase is highly appreciated by leading textile machinery industry players as it offers them a cost-effective platform for their products and services in Asia.

“In today’s global market, textile makers are sourcing innovative solutions and upgrading their facilities. The drive for better technological solutions is expected to grow in Asia, especially China. Hence, we are confident that all leading brand names will continue to have a large presence in this credible showcase.”

To enhance the country’s position in the global value chain, the Chinese government has drawn up a roadmap to upgrade the industries through innovation. Its ‘Made in China 2025’ strategy aims to drive manufacturers swiftly towards smart industrial production and valued-added manufacturing.

Explained Wang Shutian, President of China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA): “Rising labour costs and the need to stay competitive in a challenging business environment have spawned the demand for intelligent manufacturing. Using advance information and communication technology allows effective integration of the entire textile and garment production processes.  Such seamless integration will enable manufacturers to be more responsive to customers’ specific requirements.”

Cluster of knowledge events to facilitate industry sharing and collaboration at ITMA 2019 

ITMA 2019 will feature a number of industry-leading knowledge-sharing events to facilitate sharing and collaboration among global textile and garment industry members. Hot button issues such as sustainable innovation, Industry 4.0 and automation will be on many agendas during the show.

According to CEMATEX, owner of ITMA 2019, the cluster of accompanying events will spotlight key industry challenges and leading-edge solutions that will support industry members’ drive for sustainability and competitiveness.

Two events that have been successfully organised in conjunction with past ITMA exhibitions include the Textile Colourant and Chemical Leaders Forum and the Nonwovens Forum. These ITMA forums are organised in collaboration with key industry organisations.

Other co-located events

ITMA continues to collaborate and draw key interest groups to stage events. These include events that have been successfully held at previous ITMA editions.

In the meantime, there has been extremely strong interest in ITMA 2019 and around 70 % of the space has been booked. Space application will close on April 6, 2018.

Show owner expanding space to accommodate overwhelming response:

According to CEMATEX, the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers, owner of the ITMA exhibition, over 1500 companies from 45 countries have applied to take part in ITMA 2019. The space booked already totals more than 110000 square metres net. As applications continue to stream in, plans are underway to expand the exhibition to the entire Barcelona Gran Via venue.

Mr Fritz P. Mayer, President of CEMATEX, said: “We are grateful for the vote of confidence from the industry. It shows that ITMA is the launch pad of choice for the latest technologies from around the world.

“Interest in ITMA 2019 is extremely strong, and we have received more applications at an earlier date compared with previous editions. We continue to welcome new applicants, especially manufacturers who are launching new products, as they will help to make ITMA 2019 an even more vibrant sourcing platform for our visitors.”

Applicants from CEMATEX countries have booked 65 per cent of the space; the top countries are Italy, Germany and Spain. Highlighting the positive market sentiments of textile machinery manufacturers from the rest of the world, applicants from Turkey, India and China take the top spots in terms of space applied. The top sectors are finishing (25 %), spinning (14 %), printing and weaving (12 % each), and knitting (11 %).

With the strong demand for space, ITMA 2019 is expected to feature a showcase of more than 115000 square metres net, with the participation of some 1600 exhibitors when the exhibition opens.

www.itma.com