#Textile processing

2026-02-12

Pfaff Industrial announces new managing director

Since February 2, 2026, Michael Kilian has been the new managing director (speaker for the management board) of PFAFF Industriesysteme und Maschinen GmbH. He succeeds Dr. Frank Meyer, who will remain Managing Director at KSL Joining Technology GmbH in Bensheim. Together with Ms. Jing Fan (Managing Director for finance & controlling, human resources, IT, and quality), Michael Kilian will take over responsibility for the long-established Kaiserslautern-based company.

Michael Kilian is also Managing Director of Dürkopp Adler GmbH. Both companies are part of the internationally operating Shang Gong Group (SGG). Together with Ms. Fan, is responsible for driving forward and implementing the initiated reorganization of the group. The goal is the strategic and operational integration of PFAFF INDUSTRIAL into Dürkopp Adler GmbH company. This measure is a further step towards leveraging synergies within the group and securing and expanding the companies' market position in the textile and leather processing industry in long term.

“With this reorganization, we are ideally positioned to meet the future challenges of the markets regarding automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. With PFAFF INDUSTRIAL in the group, we intend to strengthen our textile welding activities with new, innovative products,” says Michael Kilian.

PFAFF INDUSTRIAL thanks the outgoing Managing Director, Dr. Frank Meyer, for his dedicated and successful work at PFAFF INDUSTRIAL and wish him continued success at KSL Joining Technology GmbH.

Multi-directional sewing at Texprocess 2024

In the realm of advanced sewing technology, PFAFF INDUSTRIAL and KSL stand out for their expertise in multi-directional sewing, backed by reliable CNC technology. Their expansive CNC modular system, boasting a sewing area of up to 6,000 x 8,000 mm, offers tailored solutions for a wide array of applications.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI reshape textile processing

Investment decisions in textile processing have become increasingly complex. Rising energy prices, labour shortages and geopolitical uncertainties are forcing companies to prioritise technologies that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and process stability. This applies not only to apparel production, but also to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. Modernisation projects are therefore being evaluated more selectively – but the pressure to upgrade production systems continues to grow. Texprocess 2026 reflects this tension between cautious investment behaviour and increasing technological demand.

Gunold showcases embroidery product range and services at Texprocess

At Texprocess 2026, GUNOLD will present numerous hands-on examples related to embroidery in Hall 8, Booth E20. The focus is on creative embroidery designs as well as the extensive product range of threads, nonwovens, and accessories for embroidery and embellishment. “Trade visitors can once again look forward to many new and creative embroidery designs. Of course, we will also showcase the matching products required to bring these ideas to life,” announces Marketing Manager Stephan Gunold.

LineONE – Smart performance, smart investment at Techtextil 2026

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt (April 21–24, Hall 12, Booth C79), AUTEFA Solutions will present its LineONE concepts for cost-efficient nonwoven production. As a full-line supplier for nonwoven production lines, AUTEFA Solutions covers the entire process chain – from fibre opening through to web bonding. With its LineONE line concepts, the company combines proven technologies into well-balanced, cost-efficient turnkey solutions. These concepts are designed for capacity expansions, modernisation projects and new production lines, offering robust design and high flexibility for applications such as filtration, geotextiles and automotive.

EU and Australia strengthen relations with Security and Defence Partnership and Trade Agreement

The EU and Australia have today announced the adoption of a groundbreaking Security and Defence Partnership. They have also concluded negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) and agreed to launch formal negotiations for the association of Australia to Horizon Europe, the world's largest funding programme for research and innovation. With these steps, the EU and Australia are delivering mutually beneficial outcomes and further reinforcing their already close relations in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

DuPont introduces Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, setting a new benchmark for extreme breathability

DuPont (NYSE:DD) announced the launch of the Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, the first in a new generation of extremely breathable disposable chemical protection garments. Manufactured using DuPont™ Tyvek® APX™ groundbreaking fabric, the new garment combines 360° protection and durability with extreme breathability, taking worker comfort and safety to a whole new level.