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Evaluating the Swiss textile machinery industry for 2018, Cornelia Buchwalder, General Secretary of SWISSMEM, stated that despite a decline of about 8 % in Swiss textile machinery exports to Turkey compared to the previous year with 98,8 million CHF, it has still remained as second major market of the Swiss industry. Total exports volume of machinery exports in 2018 was recorded at 821,4 Million CHF with a decrease of about 6,8 % compared to the previous year. China, Turkey, Germany, USA and India ranked as top 5 export markets for Swiss textile machinery industry.
We have realized an exclusive interview with Cornelia Buchwalder, Secretary General of SWISSMEM, on 2018 evaluations, ITMA, 2019 expectation and strategies, sustainability and industry 4.0 aspects of the Swiss textile machinery builders and their new campaigns recently launched. Full text of the interview follows:
Can you evaluate 2018 for the Swiss machinery manufacturers? What was the position of the Turkish market and how is the important of the Turkish market for the Swiss manufacturers?
2018 was a very positive year for the Swiss Textile Machinery manufacturers. Some of the markets developed very well, namely the US, Italy, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Most of the other export markets showed a stable sideways movement. Turkey is one of the top three export markets for the Swiss textile machinery industry for many years. In 2018 Turkey was the second most important market behind China, showing a slow development. The outlook for 2019 remains unchanged.
How does Swissmem support its companies? What are the major upcoming and ongoing activities in 2019?
Swissmem is the leading association for SMEs and large companies in Switzerland’s mechanical and electrical engineering industries (MEM industries) and related technology-oriented sectors. Swissmem enhances the competitiveness of its 1100 member companies both at home and abroad by providing needs-based services. These services include professional advice on employment, commercial, contract and environmental law, energy efficiency, and knowledge and technology transfer. Our members are active in sectors such as machine tools, precision tools, packaging machinery technology and many more. The Swiss Textile Machinery Association is the oldest division within Swissmem and was founded in 1940. Among other activities, we organise symposia in important customer markets, Swiss pavilions at trade fairs, innovation workshops and basic textile training courses.
What does Swiss companies expect from ITMA 2019?
After quite a few years with “best-ever” order volume and results, Switzerland, as many other industrial countries, encounters a certain slowdown of our industry. This is certainly uncomfortable but far away from downturns as we experienced 10 years ago. As our industry is very accustomed in dealing with such strong fluctuations, we are very confident, that the impact on our industry is very digestible. However, ITMA in the middle of the year, with many innovations shown, will most probably trigger an additional stimulation of orders.
What opportunities is Swissmem hoping to take advantage of in 2019?
Free trade agreements are of utmost importance for Switzerland. An FTA was recently signed with Indonesia, which is very favourable for the Swiss Textile Machinery industry. Further FTAs are currently being negotiated with the USA and Mercosur states. All these agreements stimulate trade between the Swiss machinery industry and these countries. They therefore provide opportunities of preferential market access.
Sustainability, Industry 4.0. What is the next major topic in agenda for Swissmem?
Sustainability and Digitalisation stay the two major topic for the industry! Many of the upcoming innovations will integrate digitalisation and sustainability aspect. Industry 4.0 offers various possibilities, be it in product or process optimization or in the development of completely new business models. Our member companies use these possibilities to generate maximum customer benefit. With regards to sustainability, the optimized utilisation of resources is again one of the major topics. Raw materials are scarce and energy is expensive, therefore making our machines more efficient in both aspects is key.
What are your final remarks?
Did you know that The Swiss Textile Machinery association has just launched its new campaign and the webpage www.swisstextilemachinery.ch? They both focus on the innovative spirit of our country. The chocolate bar, fizzy drinks and the computer mouse were all invented in Switzerland. “Invented in Switzerland. Where the same innovative spirit drives textile progress today.” This is also reflected by the years of experience of our 44 members – an impressive number of 4011 years!
