Interview with Mr. Fritz Legler The Marketing Officer of Stäubli

"The vertically integrated textile sector in Egypt, through the cultivation of the finest cotton globally renowned for its first-class quality, and the modernization of the rest of the industry’s phases, will be able to offer high-quality products and will be able to compete locally an internationally. Egypt is among the important markets for Stäubli "

• How did it feel to be back to physical exhibition and face to face communication that returned with ITM Istanbul?

We were glad to be back live in Istanbul. The general atmosphere was ambitious and international. Many visitors from neighboring textile markets attended the show. Despite the global uncertainties in the industry, we could gather quite positive vibes from the many visitors to our booth. This was partly due to the significance of the constantly growing Turkish market and probably also due to the post-Covid effect – the wish to meet in person again.

• Do you believe that virtual exhibitions could ever replace physical ones?

Replace completely? No. After experiencing the atmosphere at the first post-pandemic trade fairs, we are totally convinced of the importance of physical exhibitions. It’s a question of human interaction, the activation of our five senses. You have to be there in person to feel the magic of a weaving machine in operation and touch the fabric. The information you can get through digital channels is good, but it’s not always enough to convince you of making the right decision. Of course, virtual reality and 3D animation remain important tools for sales and after-sales support. Technologies like these offer many interesting possibilities for machinery suppliers such as Stäubli. It is clear though that virtual exhibition respectively a virtual booth of e.g., Stäubli products can be supportive in certain circumstances.

• What is the trend at the moment, are sales returning to pre covid? Or still in recovery? What are the markets showing signs of healthy recovery?

Generally speaking, global export statistics clearly show that in 2021, for instance, the level of machinery deliveries in weaving were even exceeding numbers of pre-Covid level.

Having said this, there are, unfortunately, uncertainties clouding investment decisions going forward. We all profited from a healthy backlog going into 2022 but this will subside. We all know that uncertainties are toxic if it comes to taking out the cheque book. There are probably too many incidents coinciding with each other resulting in a wait-and-see position with cloth manufacturers. Geopolitical incidents, supply-chain topics, currency distortions and inflation may further hamper a global demand situation which was in a recovery phase post-Covid.

• What are the challenges facing Staubli in nowadays economic and social obstacles? And what are your strategy to overcome them?

We are one among many facing supply chain issues, struggling with inflationary pressures or a less stable demand from the market due to reasons explained above. We have taken dedicated steps for each and every challenge to progress well in troubled waters. As a global mechatronics solution provider with three core activities in connectors, robotics and textile machinery we always have opportunities in many industries and can balance our revenue streams. Resilience is key in dealing with challenges.

• What are your plans for ITMA Milano, will you be introducing new developments and innovations?

ITMA Milano 2023 will be one of next year’s highlights for the industry. The eyes of the textile world are focused on this event. Of course, this trade fair is very important for Stäubli, as a leading supplier to the weaving industry. We will be there and will be presenting interesting and progressive developments that mills will not want to miss.  

• What are your observations and insights of the Textile Egyptian market at the moment? And your forecast for the future?

Egypt has many advantages if it comes to textile manufacturing. The textile industry is one of the most important and promising industries in the country. To meet the needs of the local market and the export to foreign markets, especially the US and Europe, the Egyptian government has set a plan - for both public and private sectors - to modernize the whole textile industry including spinning, weaving and carpet weaving, dyeing, finishing and to the ready-made garments. Egypt benefits from its infrastructure - reasonable labor cost, low costs of utilities such as electricity, gas, and water - supporting the increase of its income from the textile sector and double its exports.

Moreover, the Egyptian cotton is a major asset. The vertically integrated textile sector in Egypt, through the cultivation of the finest cotton globally renowned for its first-class quality, and the modernization of the rest of the industry’s phases, will be able to offer high-quality products and will be able to compete locally an internationally. Egypt is among the important markets for Stäubli.

Pic 1 : Mr Fritz Legler, Marketing Officer Stäubli Textile, in front of/ presenting a SAFIR S60 automatic drawing-in machine.