#Textile processing

2025-03-06

KSL Joining Technology GmbH: new company to strengthen high-tech textile solutions

KSL, a leading name in automated and robot-supported solutions for textile materials, leather, and composites, has announced the formation of a new independent company, KSL Joining Technology GmbH. This strategic move aims to strengthen the KSL brand, enhance innovation, and expand its high-tech product offerings in the global market.

KSL and Pfaff at Texprocess 2024 © 2025 KSL Joining Technology

KSL Joining Technology GmbH officially established

As of February 26, 2025, all KSL activities will be conducted under the newly founded KSL Joining Technology GmbH, headquartered in Bensheim, Germany:

KSL Joining Technology GmbH

Bertha-Benz-Straße 4, 64625 Bensheim, Germany

Tel.: +49 (0) 6251 9620-0

The transition aims to increase market visibility, drive technological advancements, and provide faster and more efficient solutions for customers and partners.

Focus on automation and process optimization

KSL remains committed to state-of-the-art robotics and control technology, enabling customers to automate both partial and complete processes while minimizing operator intervention. This ensures:

+ Higher productivity

+ Greater process reliability

+ Seamless automation in textile and composite manufacturing

Continuing partnership

The restructuring does not impact PFAFF Industriesysteme und Maschinen GmbH, to which KSL previously belonged. Moving forward, both KSL Joining Technology GmbH and PFAFF Industriesysteme und Maschinen GmbH will operate as 100% subsidiaries of the SGG Group, under the umbrella of the Dürkopp Adler Group.

Driving the future of high-tech textile solutions

With this transformation, KSL is positioning itself for further growth and technological leadership in the highly dynamic textile industry. The company looks forward to continuing its commitment to innovation, precision, and automation, shaping the future alongside its global customers and partners.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

Dedicated car seat model of SHIMA SEIKI’s P-CAM® R Cutting Machine unveiled

Leading Japanese textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, showed a special version of its P-CAM® R multi-ply computerized cutting machine dedicated to the production of car seats for the first time, at a private exhibition held over two days on Thursday, July 2nd and Friday, July 3rd at the Kariya City Industrial Promotion Center in Aichi Prefecture.

YKK invests USD 150 million in new manufacturing facility in India

YKK Corporation has announced plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in India, reinforcing its long-term commitment to one of the world's fastest-growing textile and apparel production hubs. The new factory will be built at Origins by Mahindra in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and will become the third manufacturing site of YKK India Private Limited. The facility is expected to be completed by February 2028 and represents an investment of approximately USD 150 million, covering land, buildings, machinery and equipment.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris highlights evolving global sourcing landscape

From 31 August to 2 September 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will bring together more than 1,000 international exhibitors at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. This edition reflects the new global balance of textile and apparel sourcing, highlighting a strong diversity of sourcing countries — some unexpected.

ALADIN paves the way for circular and demand-driven textile production in Europe

Textile production can be organized sustainably by utilizing short supply chains and preventing overproduction. This can already be achieved today by intelligently connecting and efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure. At the same time, production becomes circular when innovative technologies and materials are used that enable high-quality recycling. The ALADIN research project, launched in May 2026 and co-funded with five million euros under the EU Horizon Europe program, is creating the conditions for this.

Katharina Obergruber appointed to the Management Board of Sandler AG

The Supervisory Board of Sandler AG has appointed Katharina Obergruber to the company’s Management Board. Effective September 1, 2026, the Board will consist of Philipp Ebbinghaus (CEO), Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck (currently CCO, future COO), and Katharina Obergruber (CCO). Katharina Obergruber, currently Chief Sales Officer Hygiene and member of the Management Team of Sandler AG, will assume responsibility for all sales activities as Chief Commercial Officer. She will assume this role from Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck, who will focus primarily on production and supply chain topics.

Ence and ShareTex begin initial testing of the ATENEA innovation project to promote textile recycling in Spain

Ence and ShareTex are making progress on the Atenea R&D project, which aims to develop a complete value chain for textile recycling in Spain. Specifically, the goal of the ATENEA project—which is funded by the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI)—is to connect all the necessary stages for the recovery of textile waste, from collection and management, through recycling and transformation into new raw materials, to their incorporation into new textile products.