Itema To Showcase Advanced Rapier Looms At SITEX 2026

Global weaving machinery manufacturer Itema is presenting two of its best-selling high-end rapier weaving machines the R9500EVO and Galileo-RX, at SITEX 2026, being held from February 21 to 23 at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The exhibition follows the recent opening of Itema’s new Surat Service Centre, a move that strengthens the company’s presence in one of its most strategic markets. The facility includes an advanced electronic repair unit, a weaving machine behaviour simulator and a local spare parts warehouse, enabling faster technical support and closer engagement with customers.

Sameer Kulkarni, Managing Director of Itema Weaving India, noted that the company has seen significant growth in Surat since 2021, with a large number of installations across the region’s textile mills. He highlighted that Itema’s technology supports the production of high-quality fabrics, including premium saree materials for which Surat is widely known.

Itema executives emphasized that the company’s patented rapier weft-insertion system and unique shed geometry are designed to reduce stress on yarns, improving fabric hand-feel while minimizing stop marks key factors in high-value fabric production.

Machines on Display

At SITEX 2026, Itema is demonstrating two machines configured for different weaving requirements:

• R9500EVO: Displayed in collaboration with Stäubli, this 3,800-mm-width rapier loom is equipped with a Jacquard system featuring more than 12,000 hooks. The configuration is designed to achieve high textile performance, incorporating advanced weft-transfer and cutting technologies.
• Galileo-RX: Exhibited at the Itema stand, this 3,200-mm-width machine has gained strong acceptance among Surat weavers due to its reliability and cost-performance balance. The loom includes guided-hook weft transfer, mechanical cutting systems and a latest-generation console with touchscreen interface, wi-fi and bluetooth connectivity, and readiness for data analysis and IoT applications.