Swedish Automation Solutions Take Centre Stage At FILTECH 2026
As filtration manufacturers seek greater efficiency, traceability and productivity, members of the Swedish textile machinery association TMAS will showcase advanced automation solutions at FILTECH 2026, taking place in Cologne, Germany, from June 30 to July 2.
Technical woven and nonwoven fabrics play a critical role in air, gas and liquid filtration applications across industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to industrial processing and household appliances. With growing demand for high-performance filtration products, manufacturers are increasingly turning to automation to streamline operations and reduce dependence on labour-intensive processes.
Among the exhibitors, Swedish automation specialist Eton Systems will highlight its automated material handling technologies, which are helping filtration manufacturers improve workflow efficiency and product traceability.
At Norwegian air filter producer Interfil’s Skjak facility, Eton installed a 50-metre overhead UPS conveyor system linking two production halls. The system eliminates manual handling and truck transportation between facilities, improving production flow, quality control and component traceability while enhancing workplace safety.
In the United States, Filtration System Products (FSP) in Farmington, St. Louis, has reported a 60% increase in production output since implementing an Eton automation system in 2023. The company achieved the gain without increasing workforce numbers or operating hours. The integrated quality control system ensures that only compliant products leave the production line, while the compact conveyor design optimises floor space and improves workplace ergonomics.
“FSP wasn’t sure if it was possible to find an automated production system that could handle the varying demands of filtration media production due to the many style variations, but our system enables all carriers to be tracked in real time and proved to be the ideal solution,” said Jan Molin, CEO of Eton Systems.
TMAS member ACG Kinna Automatic will meanwhile present a fully automated microfactory for filter bag manufacturing, designed to replace labour-intensive cut-and-sew processes traditionally carried out by third-party suppliers.
The system combines the company’s Automatic Filter Tube Line (KA-156) and Automatic Filter Bag Production Line (KA-177) to create a fully integrated production solution capable of producing up to 120 finished filter bags per hour. Automated fabric feeding, folding, seaming, cutting and assembly are combined with high-definition vision systems for quality control, significantly reducing manual intervention while improving consistency and productivity.
“The automation of these essential production steps removes the need for many hours of labour-intensive manual work,” said Tomas Aspenkog, Marketing and Sales Manager at ACG Kinna Automatic. “This type of automation represents the future not only for filter bag production but also for many industries that depend on such consumable products.”
According to TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson, the technologies on display reflect the industry’s growing focus on advanced automation and sustainable manufacturing practices.
“At FILTECH 2026, TMAS members will demonstrate how reducing manual transportation and minimising handling can provide significant competitive advantages for textile manufacturers, particularly across Europe and North America,” she said.
