Toyota Industries Corp. is one of the most active textile machinery manufacturers in Japan.
Recently, the company acquired Switzerland-based Uster Technologies AG. Therefore, it would be
interesting to hear what one of the leading suppliers in Japan has to say about ITMA Asia + CITME
2012, which opened today in Shanghai. Below are comments from Noriharu Teraoka, Toyota’s group
manager, sales department, Textile Machinery Division.

Expectations


Rupp Report
: What do you expect from 2012 in general?

Noriharu Teraoka
: The situation of incoming orders decreased since the second half of 2011, and the
market is still slow nowadays. However, we expect a certain recovery later this year.

RR
: What is the biggest change you see in the business for your products this year prior to
ITMA Asia + CITME?

Teraoka
: We see further demand and needs for labor- and energy-saving issues.

RR
: What conditions are you experiencing that are most influencing your business and your
customers’ business?

Teraoka
: For sure, it is the instability of the economic situation in consuming markets such as the
European Union and the US, as well as the flexibility of money flow in China.

RR
: How do you see the current market situation in Asia and Mainland China?

Teraoka
: As mentioned before, for Asia in general, the market is slow due to economic instability in
export markets such as the European Union and the US. In addition, for the Chinese market, the
customers are waiting and expecting the government’s credit policy to be changed.

Aggressive Chinese Suppliers


RR
: Do you face any problems in China?

Teraoka
: As you certainly know, there is a more aggressive market approach by the Chinese machinery
manufacturers because they offer low prices.

RR
: In your mind, what should be done to solve these problems?

Teraoka
: The best thing would be to mitigate the current instability in the European economy.

RR
: Are the mills receptive to new technology, or are they on the sidelines?

Teraoka
: Yes, for sure. The mills are receptive to new technologies, especially for energy-saving
issues.

RR
: Is this situation the same all over the world, or is it special in the different
regions of the globe?

Teraoka
: Between developed regions and developing regions, it was different five years ago, but
nowadays there is virtually no difference.

RR
: Is the green movement – for example, sustainability – a reality for your customers?

Teraoka
: For us, it means – in other words – energy savings. So this should be a reality for our
business.

RR
: How are you helping your customers to address sustainability issues?

Teraoka
: We went through this and experienced it already in the last 20 years in Japan, the US and
other developed markets. We can prove our technology to any customer.

New Products


RR
: Will you show any true novelty for the first time at ITMA Asia + CITME 2012?

Teraoka
: Yes, we are exhibiting two new models at ITMA Asia that are different from the exhibits
presented at ITMA 2011 in Barcelona.

RR
: Please give the readers a short description of the products.

Teraoka
: With pleasure. We will show a new air-jet weaving machine with high-speed operation with
eight colors, a 16-harness-frame style and an air-saving monitoring system.

On the other hand, we will present a new combing machine with two-twin-drive, count control,
a leveling system and a combing optimizer. The features offer consistent, reproducible qualities
even at highest speed and performance; as well as an easier operation than conventional combers.

Product Piracy


RR
: Did you face any problems with product piracy at the last ITMA Asia + CITME?

Teraoka
: Yes.

RR
: And what did you do?

Teraoka
: Well, we sent our intellectual property specialist from Japan, made a survey and took legal
actions.

RR
: This is very interesting to hear. And was the outcome of your action successful?

Teraoka
: We believe it is working, at least as a deterrent effect.

RR
: What will you do if you face product piracy again in Shanghai?

Teraoka
: Oh, we will take the same action again.

RR
: The organizers of ITMA Asia + CITME 2012 declared in a recent Rupp Report that they are
committed to fight against any product piracy
(See ”
The
Rupp Report: Successful ITMA Asia + CITME 2012 Anticipated,”
TextileWorld.com, April 17, 2012). Do you think they will be successful?

Teraoka
: Of course. However, we cannot expect perfect measures, but we will evaluate their efforts.

Toyota Industries Corp. will be exhibiting at ITMA Asia + CITME 2012 in Hall W2, Booth C02
and Hall E4, Booth B10.

June 12, 2012

The Netherlands-based EuroFibers BV — a supplier of high-performance fibers and fiber solutions to
the European textile industry, and a distributor of Dyneema® ultra-high-molecular-weight
polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber manufactured by the Netherlands-based DSM Dyneema BV — has initiated an
open innovation project to develop products made using a patent-pending blend comprising cotton and
a very small percentage of Dyneema fiber. According to the company, the blended fiber provides
twice the abrasion resistance of cotton alone and also offers considerably improved tensile
strength and tear resistance.

In conjunction with the project, EuroFibers will share its expertise and supply samples to
partners including cotton mills, spinners, denim manufacturers, cotton fabric and end-product
manufacturers and consumer brands. Selected partners will not be required to reveal their trade
secrets. Potential end products include workwear, denim apparel and gloves, among other products.

“We know the high performance fiber market very well and have good knowledge of the
shortcomings of 100-percent cotton fabrics in technical application,” said Marcel Alberts, managing
director, EuroFibers. “Because of the strong value proposition of the invention we are confident
that a large part of the cotton industry can benefit from it. We now want to forge strong
partnerships with cotton processing companies and their customers who can take advantage from
stronger and more durable cotton fabrics to make this a marketplace success story.”

June 12, 2012

The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., has launched in North America a series of acrylic binders
designed to enable manufacturers of hygiene and medical products to produce end-use nonwovens
products containing minimal levels of formaldehyde.

According to Dow, RHOPLEX™ ECONEXT™ binders offer the best performance characteristics of
conventional self-crosslinking nonwovens binder technology — including excellent wet strength,
hydrophobicity, and the option to adjust softness and stiffness — but contain low and ultra-low
levels of formaldehyde so that manufacturers can meet increasingly stringent industry standards
such as the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certification for textile raw materials, intermediates and end
products.

Rhoplex Econext 110, 210 and 230 are the first binders in the product line to be
commercialized in North America. The acrylic binders may be used in disposable and reusable
nonwoven applications and are especially suitable for use in formaldehyde-sensitive environments
such as hospitals, schools, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®)-certified
buildings and manufacturing facilities, Dow reports.

“Our breakthrough Rhoplex Econext technology allows companies an opportunity to use this
family of binders with the knowledge that they were made with minimal formaldehyde and frequently
maintain the same performance characteristics as those traditionally served by
formaldehyde-releasing solutions,” said Courtney Fretz, global marketing director for Textile,
Non-Wovens & Films, Dow. “With this new technology platform, we continue to expand the range of
performance of Dow’s binder solutions for North America that demand nonwoven products with low or
ultra-low formaldehyde levels.”

Dow introduced the technology last year under its European trade name PRIMAL™ ECONEXT™ at
INDEX 11 — the nonwovens exhibition sponsored by Brussels-based EDANA, the International
Association Serving the Nonwovens and Related Industries — and received an innovation award for it
at the show.

June 12, 2012

Switzerland-based specialty chemicals manufacturer Clariant International Ltd. has joined the
Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) — a global organization established by a group of apparel and
footwear brands, retailers, manufacturers, nongovernmental organizations, academic experts and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with the aim to promote sustainable and socially responsible
practices among apparel and footwear producers and reduce the global environmental and social
impacts of their products.

“Over the past 15 years, Clariant has been actively assisting brands, retailers and textile
producers in adopting more sustainable operations and processes,” said Thomas Winkler, head,
Textile Chemicals Business Unit, Clariant. “Joining the SAC is a natural progression in our
contribution to the industry’s move towards greener production. We will continue to innovate to
ensure that our products and production processes use resources and energy more efficiently, thus
reducing our impact on the environment.”

Clariant also is a System Partner of sustainable textile standard developer bluesign AG,
Switzerland; and a member of the O’Donnell, Texas-based Textile Exchange, an organization promoting
the responsible expansion globally of textile sustainability and focusing particularly on organic
cotton and sustainable fiber.

June 12, 2012

Israel-based OptiTex Ltd. — a developer of 2-D and 3-D computer-aided design and manufacturing
solutions for the apparel, industrial fabrics, upholstery, automotive and aeronautics industries —
has partnered with global software development company Robert McNeel & Associates (McNeel) to
offer manufacturers and retailers a solution that is expected to increase productivity, shorten
time to market and improve quality and fit.

The partnership couples OptiTex’s flattening algorithms, technical pattern-making
capabilities and 3-D physical simulation with McNeel’s rapid prototyping and 3-D modeling
capabilities to create a solution that digitally connects design and prototyping divisions with the
relevant visualization, pattern making and production floors departments. The solution will replace
physical samples with multiple, customizable virtual prototypes.

“The partnership enhances OptiTex’s offering to our target markets, proving once again that
by working with other like-minded companies, OptiTex can bring worthwhile technology to the
apparel, automotive, aeronautics, industrial fabrics and upholstery industries,” said Sagi Shani,
chief technology officer, OptiTex. “OptiTex is most successful when we act as trusted advisors to
our customers, working closely with them to shape emerging technologies into productive and
profitable tools.”

McNeel has more than 700 resellers, distributors, original equipment manufacturers and
training centers globally; as well as offices in the United States, Argentina, Europe and Asia. Its
main product is Rhinoceros®, a 3-D Windows®-based modeling software tool for designers.

June 12, 2012

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — June 5, 2012 — The winners of the 2012 AATCC Concept 2 Consumer®
(C2C) Design Competition for college students have been chosen. The first place winner is Leah
Becker, a junior at University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

Becker was awarded US$1,000 and a copy of Pantone’s Cotton Planner. She also won high marks
from the judges for selection of base and accent colors and for creating a design that addresses
consumer fit, comfort, and style preferences for the target audience specified in the 2012 contest
criteria.

To date, AATCC has awarded over US$12,000 to promising fashion and textile program students
participating in the association’s annual C2C design competition.

The 2012 contest was open to both graduate and undergraduate students. AATCC received 34
entries from 13 colleges and universities.  The other winners are: 

2nd Place: 

Minerva by Elizabeth Keebler, Stephens College, in Columbia, Missouri, U.S.A.

Honorable Mentions: 

Fine Feathers by Carrie Cook, Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, U.S.A., and
Madam Mallard by Wynn Farley, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

For this year’s competition, the contestants were challenged with creating original active
wear for a female customer, age 50-65, for her daily walking routine. The theme was “Birds of a
Feather Walk Together,” and students were asked to include a combination of nine colors and
incorporate a bird element in at least one design.

Becker said the contest gave her a new perspective on color and reaffirmed that she’s on the
right career track.

“The most important thing I learned from the contest was the use of color,” Becker said.
“Prior to the competition I used more neutral color schemes for my designs. By having color
requirements, I discovered my interest in combining color through designing patterns and
prints.”  

The Concept 2 Consumer® Design Competition encourages students to design prints and products
to “real-world” specifications and is open to individuals or teams of up to four. Each year
students are given a design theme, and color and theme guidelines.  Prizes include first place
cash award of US$1,000 along with a copy of Pantone’s Cotton Planner, a US$750 award for second
place, and two US$100 awards for honorable mentions.  

AATCC would like to extend its appreciation to this year’s judging panel, which includes:

Carlos Vazquez, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM),
Instructor, Mentor for the
Debut 3rd, Designer.

Carrie Yates, Cotton Incorporated, Manager, Product Development.

Deborah Young, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), Assistant
Chair, Textile Science.

Diana Wyman, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), Product Research & Testing
Analyst.

Kristie Rhodes, Cotton Incorporated, Textile Designer.

Rachel Asimakopoulos, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), Design Manager, Women’s
Sportswear/Women’s Yoga/Children’s Wear.



Posted on June 12, 2012

Source: AATCC

After posting the thoughts of Heinrich Trützschler, managing partner of Germany-based Trützschler
GmbH & Co. KG
(see ”
The
Rupp Report: Executive Interview: Heinrich Trützschler, Managing Partner, Trützschler GmbH &
Co. KG,”
TextileWorld.com, May 29, 2012), the Rupp Report talked to Carlo Rogora, CEO
of Itema (Switzerland) Ltd., one of the leading weaving machinery manufacturers. Rogora answered
the same questions asked previously.

Expectations


Rupp Report
: What do you expect from 2012 in general?




Carlo Rogora
: In general, we expect to be in a somewhat better situation than in 2011. The second half of
2012 is still uncertain due to the tight policies of some countries, mainly in Asia. Several
projects are in the pipeline, but it seems that because of government policies and/or because of
the banks’ difficulties in lending money, these projects remain in the pipeline. However, we are
rather optimistic that this will change in the months to come.

RR
: What is the biggest change you see in the business this year for your products prior to
ITMA Asia + CITME 2012?

Rogora
: We see a number of changes, which are, however, different from one country to another.
In China, for instance, we see more investments for air-jet weaving, even for products and
applications for which this technology was not considered before. On the other hand, customers in
some countries are switching the weft insertion system from air-jet to rapier.

RR
: What conditions are you experiencing that are most influencing your business?

Rogora
: As I mentioned before, the main problem remains the difficulties with the banks. If
they lend money, the interest rates are very high. Furthermore, the economy is still uncertain in
Europe and the USA. Therefore, the main market for fabrics is still not enjoying a satisfactory
level. Although it has improved, it surely is not at the levels of some years ago. I must say, we
doubt that level will ever come back.

Market Situation


RR
: How do you see the current market situation in Asia and China?

Rogora
: In some countries, like China, the cost of labor has increased and customers are either
putting investments on hold or even thinking of moving plants elsewhere. The higher costs of cotton
in China also have had an impact on slowing down investments.

RR
: So, do you face any problems in China?

Rogora
: Not really. Some areas of the business are very slow, some investments are completely on
hold, but some other new areas are shifting toward new investments thanks to a higher availability
of workforce.

RR
: Are the mills receptive to new technology, or are they on the sidelines?

Rogora
: You see, technology is always well-received wherever it gives more efficiency, lower cost
of maintenance and an improved user-friendliness. The strategy we adopted to invest in new, more
reliable, more efficient — in general, more “technological” — machines is still confirmed, and we
will carry on this way.

However, the pressure on the Asian mills’ production is still more oriented toward the final
retail prices than on the quality. Of course, it is more than obvious that our customers are
strongly focused on the price we offer. We offer our customers new technology and ideas to weave
different styles and to improve machine efficiency combined with cost competitiveness. We do
believe that this will favor industry growth in the near future, with the possibility also to offer
high-quality fabrics worldwide.

Different Customer Requirements


RR
: Is this different in the regions of the world?

Rogora
: Well, in Europe and the Americas, customers are more interested in new solutions and new
technologies; they are — and have to be — generally active in markets that require superior fabric
quality. This is their reason for being. It has to be said that also some countries in Asia such as
— of course — Japan, but also Taiwan and Korea, are doing the same. Some “advanced” customers in
China are switching to this requirement as well.

RR
: Is the green movement — sustainability — a reality for your customers?

Rogora
: Frankly speaking, we do not receive particular requests from our customers, especially
not from Asia. Nevertheless, Itema is very sensitive to eco-sustainability. We are actively
participating in the project promoted by ACIMIT (the Association of Italian Textile Machinery
Manufacturers), to be the “Supplier of Sustainable Technologies.” This is focused on the
improvement of an “intelligent” use of energy, chemicals and water; and the minimization of the
carbon footprint of the fabric production cycle. For this, Itema received the Green Label, which
attests to our efforts in this area.

RR
: How are you helping your customers to address that?

Rogora
: We always push on this argument, because we believe that the future of our planet is the
responsibility of each one of us. We do hope and believe that eco-sustainability will become more
and more a need and a request by our industry.

New Machinery On Display


RR
: Will you show any true novelty for the first time in Asia?

Rogora
: Yes, there will be several improvements and new developments on the machines, both
those manufactured in Europe and machines assembled in China. Some of them will be very important
for the customers for cost savings in maintenance, ease of operations and better fabric quality. We
will show the Silver 501 rapier machine and the new air-jet, both of which were exhibited at ITMA
Barcelona for the first time.

The highlight will be the direct drive motor applicable to the locally assembled R880 (rapier
machine). This will now complete the wide range of applications and high profile of technology
offered by the machines assembled in China.

For the first time, with the T880, we will have the locally assembled rapier weaving machine
for terry in the booth of local Jacquard machinery manufacturer Song & Song. All products
delivered by Itema China have a relevant percentage of parts that are imported from Europe to
assure quality and high performances of each machine we deliver.

Product
Piracy


RR
: Did you face any problems with product piracy at the last ITMA Asia + CITME?

Rogora
: The product piracy, especially on spare parts, and especially in Asia, is massive. As
mentioned above, our customers are under very high pressure to cut costs in order to compete in the
current marketplace. Over a period of time, this is reducing the performance, in both quality and
efficiency of their machines. As the quality requirements of the fabrics produced and the
manufacturing costs in these countries increases — and they will — we believe that this phenomenon
will decrease. Would you use pirated spare parts on a Ferrari Formula 1 car that has to compete in
a Grand Prix? We don’t think so.

RR
: How do you face this problem?

Rogora
: ITEMA is focused on giving to the customers what they need. As their need is to reduce the
cost of maintenance, we develop and deliver machines that have fewer parts and are more reliable.
This is the solution that can provide our customers with top- and stable-performance machines, and
reduce the spare-parts costs.

RR
: Has the outcome of your action been successful?

Rogora
: We are marketing this new approach along with the newly reengineered machines such as
the Silver 501 and A9000/A9500. We do believe that the customers will recognize the value of the
new design, and that the products will be successful.

RR
: What do you do if you are faced with product piracy again in Shanghai?

Rogora
: Itema thinks that nothing really can be done. As long as the customers do not perceive the
value of a manufacturer’s original spare parts, this market will continue. The rules are made by
the market, not by the producers.

RR
: The organizers of ITMA Asia + CITME 2012 declared in a recent Rupp Report that they are
committed to fight against any product piracy (See ”
The
Rupp Report: Successful ITMA Asia + CITME 2012 Anticipated,”
TextileWorld.com, April 17, 2012). Do you think they will be successful?

Rogora
: I think that everybody should focus on the piracy of patented products or parts. This is
something that the governments have to focus on. The breaching of a patent is a legal violation —
which results in fines and very severe consequences everywhere in the world. Violation is not fair
and should not be permitted, and I think that the organizers should concentrate on putting more and
more pressure on the local governments in order to change this reality.

Itema will be exhibiting at ITMA Asia + CITME 2012 in Hall E4, Booth C10.

June 5, 2012