#Spinning

2024-01-25

Oerlikon expands intralogistics offering through strategic partnership with Irico Gualchierani Handling S.r.l.

In the future, Oerlikon will offer intralogistics solutions for modern chemical fiber spinning mills through its new strategic partnership with IGH through IG Automation GmbH

At the turn of the year, the Polymer Processing Solutions Division of the Swiss Oerlikon Group realigned its offering in the field of intralogistics for large chemical fiber spinning mills. To this end, the unit integrated in 2018 and since then managed under the name Oerlikon Barmag Automation (OBAA) was sold on to the Italian company (IGH) Irico Gualchierani Handling S.r.l. The closing officially took place on December 20, 2023. Both parties agreed not to disclose the sales price.

Focus on core competencies in manmade fiber spinning

Thanks to this strategic realignment, Oerlikon will be able to focus more on its core competence "From Melt to Yarn, Fibers and Nonwovens" within spinning and texturing in the new 2024 fiscal year. This will also include automation solutions that are integrated close to or even directly in the product. Solutions for the transport and packaging of bobbins, for example, are to be realized with the new partner in the future. The new unit of the IGH Group will operate under the name IG Automation GmbH.

"With IGH, we have found a strategic partner who will further develop the intralogistics business of Oerlikon Barmag Automation with its 55 employees at the German sites in Bernkastel-Kues and Augsburg," explains Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions CEO Georg Stausberg. IGH already offers complete solutions for the handling of fiber bobbins including integrated quality control systems engineered and realized by Thema System, another company of the IGH Group. IGH has many years of experience in the planning, design, manufacturing and installation of flexible, high-performance, and reliable automatic bobbin handling systems. "We are very pleased about this step and especially about the new highly qualified employees, whom I would like to welcome. Besides, this puts us in a position to significantly expand our business for intralogistics solutions for the textile industry in one fell swoop," says Niccolò Paoli, CEO of IGH.

Yarn manufacturers continue to be supported in cooperation

Existing Oerlikon customer contracts will in principle remain unaffected by the new ownership structure. In future, the two partners will work together very closely and in partnership for the benefit of their customers. "The takeover of the workforce ensures that the specialist expertise remains within the company. This is crucial for us if we are to develop the business area intensively," says Paoli.

Barmag and Hitech Automation enter into partnership for an auto-doff system for texturing machines

Barmag (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Hitech Automation Solutions PVT LTD. of Surat, India, have agreed to an exclusive partnership to jointly market Hitech’s Doffmatic automation solution for Barmag’s proven manual eFK texturing machines. In many texturing facilities, manual doffing processes remain heavily operator-dependent – resulting in issues such as increased scrap, inconsistent quality, and limited productivity.

Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions hosted successful Technology Day 2025 in India

Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions recently hosted its highly anticipated Innovation and Technology Day at the Deltin Hotel in Daman by end of January 2025. The event attracted over 300 participants, including industry experts, partners, and stakeholders, who gathered to explore the latest advancements and trends in the manmade fibers industry in India.

Uster’s new Recycling Opening Index guides spinners to the perfect blend

Uster AFIS 6 now offers the key data for better decisions when blending recycled fibers. Process control is decisive in determining the quality and economic outcome. The new R Recycling Module of AFIS 6 introduces the Recycling Opening Index (ROI), so spinners can optimize their circularity credentials. It was officially launched at ITM 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.

Trützschler’s Integrated Draw Frame IDF 3: Unlocking the full potential of short fiber processing

Spinning mills worldwide are looking for solutions that combine higher productivity, stable quality and shorter processes, especially when processing short fibers. Trützschler’s integrated draw frame IDF 3 has proven to be a powerful answer to these requirements. Evaluations from several customer trials in Türkiye under real production conditions highlight the strong performance of the IDF 3, particularly when combined with the next-generation card TC 30i.

EDANA launches landmark continence report to mark the start of the World Continence Week

Today marks the official commencement of the World Continence Week. To honour this global awareness initiative, EDANA has published a comprehensive report titled "The Central Role of Absorbent Hygiene Products in the Management of Adult Urinary Incontinence: Benefits, Costs and Environmental Impact." The World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising public awareness about incontinence and bladder or bowel health issues. Traditionally held in June, this awareness week aims to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people worldwide but is frequently kept secret due to widespread social stigma, embarrassment, and taboo.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.

ITM 2026 makes happy participants with its international and qualified visitor profile

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious meeting points of the textile machinery sector, attracted attention in its first three days, particularly with its diverse international visitor numbers. Industry professionals from all over the world had the opportunity to closely examine the latest technology machines and solutions displayed in operation. Thousands of visitors from approximately 100 countries, primarily Egypt, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, met at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center for new investment and cooperation opportunities.