Oerlikon’s Vision for the Next Generation of Textile Manufacturing
In an exclusive interview with TEXtalks, André Wissenberg, Vice President of Oerlikon Textile GmbH & Co. KG, discusses the company’s innovation focus at ITMA Asia, customer response, and Oerlikon’s long-term impact on the global textile industry.
TEXtalks: Can you provide an overview of Oerlikon’s focus at ITMA ASIA this year?
André Wissenberg: We are delighted to be back in Singapore after 20 years, and this edition is especially meaningful for us because we are presenting more than 20 new innovations. One of our major highlights is our fully automatic winding system for polyester. In the past four days, we have also launched our new manual texturing machine, the EFK Evo Smart, which has attracted a lot of attention. Beyond that, we are showcasing solutions for polycondensation, new components in our filtration and recycling business, as well as developments for staple fiber lines and BCF carpet yarn production. Our aim is to demonstrate how our portfolio is continuously evolving to support the next generation of textile manufacturing.
TEXtalks: How has the response been from visitors, and were your expectations met at ITMA ASIA?
André Wissenberg: The response has been outstanding. We welcomed many customers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and, of course, important partners from China and Indonesia. Visitors were genuinely excited to see the new technologies and innovations we are bringing to the market. Many customers told us they appreciate that Oerlikon has never stopped expanding its portfolio and investing in innovation, even in challenging years. For us, this engagement confirms that our technology roadmap is aligned with industry needs.
TEXtalks: Productivity and sustainability are often seen as trade-offs. How does Oerlikon make them work together in real production lines?
André Wissenberg: All our innovations are developed under one core principle: our e-Save initiative. This applies to every new generation, WINGS 2.0, EFK Evo Smart, and other technologies we are presenting here. We design equipment that maximizes energy efficiency and minimizes environmental impact. For us, productivity and sustainability are not opposites; they must reinforce each other.
TEXtalks: Looking ten years ahead, what lasting impact do you hope Oerlikon will have on the textile industry?
André Wissenberg: I am convinced that the innovations we are introducing today will shape the market for years to come. I believe we’ll see that Oerlikon has helped usher in new technological eras, as we have in the past. Our goal is to continue redefining processes, pushing boundaries, and supporting textile manufacturers worldwide through innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
