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AAMA-TEX 2004 brings major apparel
and textile machinery and accessories makers to Singapore again AAMA-TEX 2004 attracted over 300 exhibitors from some 24 countries and regions and occupied over 8,000 square meters of net exhibit space. The leading exhibitors of the show included Juki, Brother and Pegasus from Japan, Dynagro from Srilanka, and JAM from Italy. The triennial AAMA-TEX 2004 registered a total of over 5,188 visitors from 52 countries and regions. Of these a sizeable group of some 1200 trade visitors and business professionals were from India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. These clearly showed the purchasing powers of these South Asia countries who are among the leading manufacturers of textile and garments in the world. The exhibition was attended by a large number of Indian visitors with several delegates from different parts of India. The largest number of overseas visitors came from neighbouring Malaysia 632 (13.86%) followed by 473 visitors from Indonesia and 434 from India, 426 from Sri-lanka and 327 from Bangladesh. There were quite a few visitors 257 (5.64%) from Pakistan and most of them were local representatives of foreign apparel and garment sewing machinery manufacturers. The author feels that this situation is quite alarming as it shows that the industry in Pakistan is not gearing to meet the challenges of the post -Quota era.
Mansoor Khawaja with visitors at AAMA-Tex The 6th edition of AAMA-TEX organized by the Sewing Machine Traders Association SMTAS has grown from a modest begining to the largest event of its kind in south and south east Asia. AAMA-TEX 2004 is managed by Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd (CEMS), a pioneer in Singapore exhibition industry. Since its debut in 1989, AAMA-TEX has grown over the years and is now comparable to regional and international shows like IMB (Germany), JIAM (Japan), Bobbin (USA) and CISMA (China). The next show will be held in 2007 and is expected to provide a robust marketplace for textile and apparel manufacturers to upgrade their manufacturing in order to better compete in the international arena. The visitors at AAMA-TEXwere spoilt for choice in selecting the latest apparel and textile machineries available. The garment and textile world is an old and well-respected industry. From a humble cottage industry with garments made from natural fibers, it has become a multi-billion market with natural and synthetic materials used for clothing. From 1st January 2005 onward the industry will be in a new phase of growth once the Multi-Fiber Agreement (MFA) is lifted for all World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries. The 30-year old MFA imposed strict quotas for major textile and apparel importing countries, most notably the United States and Europe, two largest markets in the world. In his opening address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr Heng Swee Keat, said that the MFA expiry would result in freer but definitely fiercer competition for the US$500 billion global garment market. The lifting of the MFA will spur companies hungry for higher exports to be more competitive in a free market. There is always a growing need to replace and bring in newer and more technological advanced equipment for companies to meet a growing demand for apparel and textile products. It was a perfect timing for AAMA-TEX 2004 to showcase the latest and innovative machineries and equipment for textile and apparel manufacturers and buyers. Visitors were able to view the latest available models of machines (cutting, creasing, laying, quilting, overseaming, sewing, sealing, embroidery, spreading, etc), accessories, software and systems (automation, CAD, CAM, CIM, etc). This exhibition can help buyers and manufacturers to strategize their next move in where they want to position themselves from 2005 onwards. To compete internationally for the US$500 billion market, manufacturers have to differentiate themselves from others and attract buyers. Already we can see a few countries, especially China, dominating the world textile and apparel industry. Textiles and garment exports from China have increased tremendously since her entry into the WTO. Some of the highlights of AAMA-TEX 2004 and the outstanding products displayed by the exhibitors are given here for the interest of our readers. The focus of the exhibition was the new and improved apparel machinery which is expected to meet following parameters: (1)time saving (2) improved productivity (3) labour saving (4), consistent quality (5) and higher production. Brother Industries Ltd. Japan Brother Industries Japan continues to provide solutions and products that meet the needs of users who want to produce higher quality products at lower cost. They offer machines and products which meet the needs of diverse manufacturers and can be developed and supplied in short term
RH-981A Electronic eyelet buttonholer
machine
S-7200 A by Brother
developed and improved models, such as electronic button holers, electronics eyelet button hole, electronic bar tack machines and electronic zigzag machine. The T 8420A is the world's first twin needle machine to use the direct
drive system, which allows the operator to carry out operations such
as starting and stopping and also to make minute adjustments to acceleration
and deceleration with a high degree of responsiveness. JAM Italy JAM was established by its founder and Chairman Mr. Compolucci around 15 years ago. The company then joined hands with Brother sewing machine company few years later, The joint venture (limited to the sharing the know how) gave birth to several top of the range machines with simple operating mechanism , durability, reliability and higher production. By using, the pocket setter of JAM into jeans manufacturing can save upto 7 operators , and give consistent quality and quantity. It stitches 120 to 150 pairs of pockets per hour. The setting of JIGS is also the easiest in the range of such machines available from different manufacturers. The proto type belt loop displayed was also with additional features, such as the maximum width of bar tacking, ie upto 40mm, as well as the length upto 80mm, with simplest operating systems. JAM uses all Brother heads for its machines due to the reliability and durability of Brother machines. JUKI Corporation
DP-2100 Computer-controlled sleeve setting machine by Juki
The sewing machine for knits MO 6914S is a super high speed, 2 needle, overlock machine attracted visitors. LK 1903A/BR35 computer controlled, high speed button sewing machine, with button feeder. For heavy weight materials, LU 2210 machine series were on display. The LU-2210N-7, high-speed, 1-needle, unison feed, lockstitch machine with large hook and automatic thread trimmer generated some interest. Pegasus Sewing Machine Pegasus showcased 41 state of the art sewing machines and equipment (including 5 prototype and 17 new models). The company classified the world market into two types of sewing industries, each with different needs. One market needs standard models, while other requires "high performance models". Pegasus opted to serve both with "the right quality" at the right price", based on its brand concept ". Quality is the heart of our business from Japan to the world". World first dry-head-type interlock stitch as well as over edger were the star of the pegasus booth. The MX series which is a Hybrid of EX and M series was the product of right quality at right price.
MX Series Sewing Machine by Pegasus (New range of Safety Stitch machines and overedgers) Yamato Sewing Machine Mfg. Co. Ltd.
Yamato exhibited about twenty sewing machines centering on equipment for the production of knitwear and innerwear under the theme "Solutions". With the start of a quite free trade from 2005, apparel manufacturers are now showing increasing interest in equipment for producing the garments of higher and uniform quality and increasing productivity. In view of this trend, Yamato promises to offer specific solutions to meet such requirements in each stage of production.The VG series of 2- or 3- -needle cylinder bed interlock stitch
machines have gained momentum especially for the production of stretch and elastic garment materials. Another machine for knitwear by Yamato AZ8120G-8 is 2-needle , 4 thread overlock machine for wide seam width ranging from 5 to 8 mm, which are convertible by the replacement of stitch plate and the presser foot stitch tongue without any adjustment. Open Data Another very important company that exhibited at AAMA-TEX was Open-Data who manufacture consecutive labels (Single & double progression). They are the world largest manufacturers of renowned brand Open-Data and blitz, textile numbering machine and stickers manufacturers. They have over 35% of world market share and taking over the market share of German and Korean companies due to the quality and reliable product. They also offer a range of adhesives such as removable, medium permanent, strong permanent and press able adhesives for the apparel and made-up industry. Ngai Shing Development Limited from Hong Kong, with a manufacturing plant in Shenzhen, China is famous for its high quality of folders, washing and finishing equipment. Oshima is renowned for automatic spreading systems, fusing machines, and needle detectors. The KS-3 spreading machine with tubular device is quite suitable for both woven and knitted fabrics. Avery Dennison, the manufactures of Plastic staple attaching machine,. META, the renowned supplier of parts and supporting equipment for JEANS . Eastman USA, famous for its world renowned Blue Streak cutting machine. In Pakistan, Eastman brand of cutting machines is the standard in many apparel companies againast which all others ae measured in cutting rooms around the world. Surprisingly, Tajima was absent from the show, but several Chinese manufactures of Embroidery machines filled up that gap |
