Mahlo GmbH + Co KG is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of measuring, control and automation systems for the textile and finishing industry as well as the coating, film and paper sector. The German machine manufacturer has been successfully represented in the Pakistani textile market for several decades.
Mahlo straightening machines have been synonymous with thread-straight products for years. This has enabled Mahlo to continuously maintain its position in a demanding market. The machine builder also offers systems for process control and quality measurement. An all-around package for efficient production, individually tailored to the needs of the manufacturer.
In the development and construction of the straightening equipment, the company draws on more than 75 years of experience. Since Mahlo carries out all developments itself, it brings its technologies to market maturity very quickly. Thus, Mahlo has repeatedly set standards in the field of straightening and regulating. In this way, the machines and devices contribute to ensuring high-quality standards in the Pakistani textile industry.
Straightening machines
With the classic weft straightener, Mahlo presents a system that can be used universally for almost any application. Its more compact version enables the fine straightening of textile fabric. But Mahlo also has the right answer for difficult tasks, for example for particularly high demands due to large fabric widths in carpets or dimensionally stable textiles such as denim. Pakistan plays an important role in the world market, especially in the denim sector. Accordingly, the demands on fabric quality are high. Only straightened fabric can satisfy customers and end users in the long run.
For asymmetrical distortions and for non-elastic fabric that cannot be scanned, the German manufacturer uses a special straightening principle with its needle straightener.
Process control
With a multitude of sensors, all relevant processes around the stenter frame are recorded and corrected in real-time. These include residual moisture and dwell time control as well as the measurement of the mesh row density.
Quality measurement system
Mahlo has developed the Qualiscan QMS quality measurement system to measure, record, and control critical process parameters such as moisture, coating thickness, basis weight, coating application, material composition, etc. The various sensors and measuring frames of the modular system can be used in virtually all industries that manufacture web-shaped products – and help manufacturers save costs and energy.
Founded in 1945 by Dr Heinz Mahlo, Mahlo GmbH + Co KG is based in Saal a.d. Donau, Bavaria, but operates worldwide: Five subsidiaries in Italy, Belgium, Spain, China and the USA serve as bases for the most important markets. Mahlo has enjoyed a flourishing business relationship with Pakistan for around 30 years. Supported by regional sales and service partners, textile manufacturers always find a competent contact to further improve their production. With quality made in Germany: Because Mahlo machines are developed and produced exclusively in Saal.
Adnan Andac and Stephan Kehry (Area Sales Managers)
Not many words need to be said about our area sales manager Adnan Andac, although there would be a lot to tell. After all, he has been a fixture in the textile industry in the Middle East and Turkey for over 30 years. After studying mechanical engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Giessen and working for several years in the technical department of a Turkish textile company and as a sales representative in a commercial agency that represented well-known European textile machine manufacturers in Turkey, Andac has been working for Mahlo as an area sales manager since 1997. His experience in a complex market is highly valued. In the 25 years, friendships have developed with many customers beyond business relations, which our area sales manager likes to remember. Every trip to Pakistan has been a joy for him: “not only because of the excellent care provided by the Al-Ameen members, whom I now count as family, but because Pakistan has become my second home.”
His experience and network are actually irreplaceable. Nevertheless, Mahlo will have to do without them from next year, as Andac is retiring. He is handing over his area to capable hands: to his long-time Mahlo colleague Stephan Kehry.
Stephan Kehry is our product manager for textile applications and area sales manager for India, the UK, Southeast Asia and Africa. Since recently he is also responsible for Pakistan, taking over from Adnan Andac. “I do my best to fill these big shoes here in Pakistan”. Kehry brings plenty of experience and enthusiasm to the table. Textile engineering was laid in his cradle, so to speak: Already his grandfather was Dye House Manager for a German wool finisher. Kehry holds degrees in Textile and Industrial Engineering from the University of Applied Sciences in Moenchengladbach. During his studies he worked for the UBL Consulting (Germany) with Key Accounts such as Mustang Denim or Keralogie Cosmetics. After his studies he joined Lansdowne Textile Industries in Cape Town (South Africa) as a Production Manager for the wet finishing. After two more stops and constantly enhancing his experience and knowledge in the diverse textile market, he joined Mahlo in 2016. For the Pakistan market, his goal is “to continue the successful partnership between Al-Ameen and Mahlo. Knowing the warm hospitality and bright knowledge of the Pakistan people from former projects, I’m very much looking forward to this exceptional opportunity.”
Al Ameen’s 40 years of successful association with Mahlo
Mahlo and Al Ameen have been contributing to promoting control in the industry, enhancing quality parameters through precise controls for the last many years. Here is an interview with Al Ameen about their effective journey with Mahlo.
How long has Al Ameen been in existence?
Al Ameen: Al Ameen Trading Corporation Pvt Ltd was established in 1947 and as of 2022 they will be celebrating its 75th anniversary. It’s a family-owned company run by 3rd generations in different fields of the textile value chain. Their family has roots in textile manufacturing since the 1920s over 100 years around textiles. Thereafter in early 1947, the business was remodeled to representation and distribution and after 75 years this remains as their core business.
How many employees does it have?
Al Ameen: They have more than 150 employees in the machinery department for sales, service, and support. The Head office is in Karachi with regional offices in all major industrial cities across Pakistan i.e. Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sialkot.
In which market sequences are they active?
Al Ameen: They are active in nearly all segments of the textile chain i.e. Spinning, Weaving, Knitting, Dyeing, Finishing, and Garments & Made-ups. Dyeing, Printing, and Finishing for Knits and Woven being the biggest portfolio of their range.
What are the biggest challenges in the market?
Al Ameen: Given the global pandemic of Covid-19 was dealt with very nicely by Pakistan, at the same time the affects of it on the world market has a direct impact on textile exporters. In today’s times, textile producers are looking for cost leadership and first-time right production as global and local conditions have changed drastically due to very high cost of utilities. Mahlo holistically focuses on addressing these challenges. Several of these solutions are running in Pakistan benefiting the industry by reducing the energy cost as well as the wastage of the fabric.
What conditions must be in place to best meet these challenges?
Al Ameen: We together with Mahlo are constantly building partnerships with customers who are looking for cost and quality leadership. Luckily Mahlo can offer solutions for most of the challenges customers are facing by offering equipment to control this wastage. Our sales network across the country are vigilant to any such opportunity. Situation of the top economies across the globe need stability for the growth of exports which we hope will recover soon.
Al-Ameen and Mahlo: How long have they already been sales partners?
Al Ameen: Our partnership with Mahlo dates back some 22 years. Before the formal agency agreement, we were still part of Mahlo’s promotion through Monforts. In effect, it is more than 40 years of association. Since the start of our partnership to date, we have had a very successful market leadership position and hope to keep the same.
What is convincing about Mahlo?
Al Ameen: Mahlo is a household name in the industry synonymous with innovation, durability, and reliability. Customers look up to a great company with products giving the best performances in their class, with an amazing team and innovation driven leadership.
What do customers say about Mahlo?
Al Ameen: Whenever you get repeat order from customers or when you are asked to deliver specialized solutions to address on energy or efficiency by our customers, it proves that the trust and confidence they have for Mahlo is very high. For this we are grateful to our esteemed customers. Some of our customers have disregarded the functional name “weft straightener” out of their vocabulary, instead they now only use the name “Mahlo” to refer to a weft straightener industry wide. This makes us very happy and proud at the same time. Can happen …… Competitor maybe asked by the customer to quote Mahlo. Or competitors’ product also called Mahlo.
What are the common goals for the future with Mahlo?
Al Ameen: Pakistan is gradually moving towards high value textiles where challenging articles demand non-compromising standard and uninterrupted production. Amongst the players in the field, customers have the highest expectation from Mahlo being supplier of innovative products for the industry since last 70 years.
Mahlo and Al Ameen are delighted by their contribution in promoting control to the industry enhancing quality parameters through better or precise controls for the last many years. Furtherance to this, we want to now serve the industry on process optimization through Mahlo system like atmoset with substantial savings on steam consumption during all stages of wet processing which is one of the pain area in the industry. Our long term focus together with Mahlo remains unchanged by offering solutions and products to customers which can reduce carbon footprints as well as better sustainability.
Mahlo Pakistan: Our Sales and Service Partners
Faisal Raza: He has been part of the Mahlo Family for more than 25 years and serving as Managing Partner of Mahlo-Pakistan since 2001. As a Unit Head, he manages service support to customers in Pakistan, Bahrain and Sri Lanka and has even travelled to install machines in Far East and Australia.
“I started as a fresher and an engineering graduate at Mahlo in 1996 and found a platform to explore my talents and enhance my skills and delighted to be one of the responsible persons for the growth of the company in Pakistan and other countries. I am part of Mahlo Family for more than 25 years; the proud association still continues, and I cannot be happier.”
Abdul Hameed Shah: Hameed has been associated with Mahlo Family for more than 25 years and serving as Managing Partner of Mahlo-Pakistan since 2001. He is an extensive traveler to customers in and outside Pakistan like Bangladesh, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Far East, Australia etc.
“I started my career at Mahlo in 1994 and have since then been part of Mahlo family – and very glad of that fact”
