Held every four years in Europe, ITMA is known as “the Olympics of textile machinery” and sets the stage for presenting the latest technology to the textile industry. Due to exhibition rules, there was a time when visiting ITMA meant you could expect to see brand-new machines exhibited for the first time. Since the 1990's however, that regulation has become relaxed, and more recently, the kind of excitement expected from manufacturers showing first-time technology seemed like a thing of the past. 

Meanwhile, SHIMA SEIKI has consistently maintained an impressive showing at ITMA, showing something new and exciting at every edition under the guiding philosophy: “Ever Onward.” For 2023, this tradition not only remains intact, but recalls ITMAs of the past through a brand-new lineup mostly consisting of new machines and next-generation prototypes.

The Next-Generation group of machines is represented by the letter ‘R,’ first used in the SWG-XR WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine launched last year in time for SHIMA SEIKI's 60th Anniversary event. The SWG-XR name is based on the original SWG-X four-needlebed WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine which debuted at the Milan ITMA in 1995. As ITMA returns to Milan, SWG-XR refers to its origin as a pioneering invention that launched a new genre of seam-free knits produced in one entire piece. At the same time it represents a renewal of SHIMA SEIKI's commitment to its customers, the industry and the environment, as all aspects of the machine were re-evaluated in terms of its purpose, the way it is manufactured, how it is used and how it impacts the environment. The same renewal has been applied to the rest of the company's product lineup, and it is this renewal that becomes the core of SHIMA SEIKI's exhibition concept for ITMA 2023: "Reborn."

Of the 9 knitting machines SHIMA SEIKI is exhibiting at its 600 sq. meter booth located at Hall 4, Stand D209, 8 machines will be part of the Next-Generation lineup, ranging from WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines and computerized flat knitting machines to glove knitting machines. More than 300 items will be on display as proposals for knitted applications in various fields ranging from fashion, sports, shoes, bags and accessories to medical, safety, automotive, aeronautical and other wearable and industrial textile applications. 

In addition to machine technology, SHIMA SEIKI's SDS-ONE APEX series computer graphic design system and software will be shown with their latest software upgrades that feature significant improvements in knit programming, 3D functions and speed. Demonstrations will be available for a comprehensive fashion tech solutions package based on realistic virtual sampling and supported by various digital solutions and web services.