MEWG Visit at Itema and the Revolution of the Textile Industry

After the wide participation seen last year, the Intercompany Network Series organized by the CICC Mechanical Engineering Working Group (MEWG) will continue in 2022 with a busy schedule of company visits.

The first meeting this year was held at Itema Weaving Machinery (China) Co., Ltd, which hosted a visit to its facilities in the Songjian District with nearly 40 participants.

The visit saw the participation of the Commercial Consul of the Consulate General of Italy in Shanghai, Ms Alessandra Palumbo, and the Director ITA - Italian Trade Agency Shanghai Office, Mr Augusto Di Giacinto, who focused on the importance of relations between Italy and China and on the business development of our companies in the country.

Mr Lorenzo Maffioli, Managing Director of Itema Weaving Machinery (China), first introduced Itema group.

"Starting from the inception in 1967 of Somet, the company at Itema roots, through a successful history of continuous growth and M&A, Itema is today a leading global provider of weaving solutions with 1,100 employees and 308 millions € turnover in year 2021, +40% YoY. One of Itema key values is Technology and Itema is committed in the development of solutions for sustainable weaving, such as iSaver, the innovative device designed by Itemalab, innovation hub and incubator of the group. Versatility of application, top quality of the output and, more in general, textile mastery are the distinctive factors which markets recognised to Itema machines."

Mr Maffioli then presented more in details the experience of Itema in China:

"Itema connection with the development of China textile supply chain traces back to 1981, when first Somet machines were imported to China. China textile supply chain is the widest of the world and has already crossed different phases with strong evolution of the market needs on customer side and, at the same time, a relevant growth of the competition. Success of Itema China business relies upon evolution of the product range with the ability to fit differentiated requirements of Chinese and Asia weavers while taking opportunities from development of Chinese mechanical and electronic industries. If the heart of the machines produced by Itema China is made in Italy, also partnership with highly qualified Chinese companies is a key factor of success for Itema business model."

In recent years we have been witnessing the growing digitization of weaving machines, motivated by a constantly changing world and new consumer needs. The issue of digitization was addressed in an interesting session with the Italian company Santoni.

"The textile industry and supply chain is experiencing a 'Revolution' driven by new market trends, consumer behavior and new digital technologies. This is bringing to a digital transformation that involves not only the textile & apparel industry together with its supply chain but is also in turn re-shaping the consumers experience and behavior. This digital transformation has been accelerated by COVID-19 pandemic which has posed both new challenges and opportunities to our industry." (Livio Rodari, Business Development Manager Santoni (Shanghai) Knitting Machiner)

Know more about MEWG

The MEWG represents the interest of all Italian companies in China working directly or indirectly in the sector on a national base.

MEWG Objectives

• Coordinate and promote all Italian members’ needs which are active in many different industries of the Chinese mechanical engineering sector (machinery, automotive, component manufacturers, mechanical engineering …);

• Promote and raise awareness on the size and the importance of the Italian technology in the sector to all institutions in China and Italy that are our natural counterparts, in order to develop business opportunities;

• Coordinate and promote activities and events that boost the visibility and the image of “Technology Made in Italy”;

• Inform all members on the topic Made in China 2025, particularly with regard to risks and opportunities for Italian businesses;

• Become a reference for all mechanical engineering companies within the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (CICC), lobbying private and public institutions active in the Chinese market.

For more information about the MEWG please contact the email address: infoshanghai@cameraitacina.com

The CICC Team