Itema Highlights India Growth At Surat Customer Meet

Global weaving technology manufacturer Itema Group brought together more than 400 customers, textile entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders at its Customer Meet in Surat on June 24, highlighting the company’s global manufacturing capabilities, technological developments and long-term commitment to the Indian textile industry.

The event commenced with a presentation on Itema ‘s evolution from the establishment of SOMET in 1967 by Gianni Radici in Italy to the formation of the Itema Group in 2001 through the merger of Somet, Sulzer Textil and Vamatex. The company also highlighted key milestones in its growth journey, including the opening of its first Indian branch in 2003, the acquisition of Lamiflex in 2017, the integration of Schoch into the Group in 2019, the establishment of Itemalab as an innovation hub in 2021, the acquisition of the former Cotonificio Cantoni industrial area in Ponte Nossa, Italy, in 2022 and the inauguration of its Surat Service Centre in 2025.

Addressing the gathering, Lorenzo Maffioli outlined Itema’s global manufacturing footprint, stating that the Group currently operates seven manufacturing sites worldwide. The company’s weaving machinery is produced at two facilities in Italy, one manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China and the Schoch manufacturing unit in Kolhapur, India, enabling Itema to cater to customers across major textile-producing regions.

Maffioli also elaborated on the company’s Ponte Nossa redevelopment project. Acquired in 2022, the former industrial site spans more than 52,000 square metres and is being redeveloped with a focus on sustainability, circularity, innovation and creating long-term value for the local territory. The project reflects the company’s strategy of integrating industrial development with environmental and community-oriented initiatives.

Speaking on the company’s international business, Matteo Mutti presented an overview of Itema’s global market presence. He noted that the company delivers weaving machines to customers in approximately 50 countries annually. China currently accounts for the largest share of Itema’s machine deliveries at 27 per cent, followed by the Indian subcontinent at 23 per cent, Türkiye at 19 per cent and Europe at 13 per cent, with the Middle East & Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas contributing the remaining share.

Mutti also highlighted the company’s presence across multiple weaving segments through its portfolio of rapier, air-jet and projectile weaving technologies, addressing the requirements of apparel, home textiles, technical textiles and industrial fabric manufacturers.

The India-focused presentation was delivered by Amit Singh, who highlighted the company’s expanding presence in the country. According to the presentation, Itema has maintained a direct presence in India for more than 23 years. The company stated that its rapier weaving machines have established a strong position in the premium segment of the Indian market, while customers continue to be supported through weaving technologies manufactured at its facilities in Italy and China.

The presentation further noted that Itema has recorded consistent annual sales growth in India over the past decade. Between 2016 and 2025, the company supplied more than 5,000 weaving machines and served over 350 customers in Surat, underlining the city’s significance as one of its key markets globally.

The company also highlighted the role of its recently inaugurated Surat Service Centre in strengthening after-sales support for customers in western India. The facility has been established to provide technical assistance, spare parts availability and service support to the region’s weaving industry.

The customer meet concluded with interactions between the company’s leadership and customers, focusing on developments in weaving technology, manufacturing capabilities and the evolving requirements of the Indian textile industry. The event highlighted Itema’s continued focus on expanding its presence in India through investments in technology, customer support and long-term industry partnerships.