Despite having fewer exhibitors and fewer visitors than the previous show in Münich four years ago, the 2011 edition of the International Exhibition of Textile Machinery (ITMA 2011) in Barcelona ended with results that far exceeded expectations for Shima Seiki.

"Considering the current global economy and the fact that an overwhelming majority of textile production is located in China, the venue location of Barcelona, Spain did not offer consolation for concerns initially raised regarding cost-effectiveness of exhibiting at ITMA," Shima said today in a statement.

Despite these seemingly unfavourable conditions, Shima Seiki, having strong interests remaining in Europe including Spain and other markets outside of East Asia, elected to exhibit, not to cater, the company says, to any specific market, but to pay homage to the traditions of ITMA as a showcase for new technology.

Solutions for Diversity

With "Solutions for Diversity" as its exhibit theme, Shima Seiki presented a range of products that reflected the dichotomy of the flat knitting machine market. Anticipating the ITMA visitor profile to include both high-volume export-oriented factories as well as manufacturers catering to local consumer markets, Shima exhibited a balanced cross-section of its entire line-up in both shaping and Wholegarment applications.

In addition, Shima Seiki took the opportunity to demonstrate its role as leading innovator by unveiling an impressive number of first-time exhibits in the form of new models, gauges and prototypes. In fact, of the 13 models exhibited, 11 were new exhibits. Some noteworthy developments included the world's first flat knitting machine capable of shaping in 21 gauge, and a V-bed prototype machine equipped with two additional loop presser beds.

"All this was in sharp contrast with the rest of the exhibitors in the flat knitting sector, some of whom were first-time participants, but whose stands were essentially devoid of new technology," Shima Seiki said.

Higher than expected sales

Shima says its efforts certainly seem to have paid off, with a higher-than-expected number of sales, prospective sales and inquiries. In fact, the company calculates that the total number of such inquiries were almost twice the number expected, resulting in more than two and- a-half times the number of inquiries obtained at ITMA Münich.

In addition, Shima says, enquiries were high not only in quantity but in quality as well, with a majority of them being "serious" to "very serious" prospects. "A steady flow of visitors to the Shima Seiki booth throughout the exhibition period was a pleasant surprise considering the fact that traffic usually tapers off after the weekend rush at ITMAs," Shima's Masaki Karasuno explains.

"In fact there were more visitors to the Shima booth on Tuesday and Wednesday than there were on Sunday," Mr Karasuno adds.  

Shima noted that a balanced exhibit attracted considerable interest toward both shaping and Wholegarment machines and a notable increase in interest for the SDS-ONE APEX3 design system more than doubled the number of inquiries from ITMA 2007.

"This can be attributed to customers' realization of their increasing need for product planning and design for consumer markets. Demonstrations were almost completely booked throughout the show, due to special interest in the photo-realism provided by virtual samples, by which Shima is advocating reduced sample-making," Masaki Karasuno says.

10^th ITMA and 50 years in business

From a commemorative standpoint, ITMA 2011 held particular significance for Shima Seiki as well. It was the company's 10th ITMA as an exhibitor and 2011 also marks its 50th year in business. The past 50 years has certainly been fruitful for Shima Seiki, having introduced a number of revolutionary technologies in flat knitting including seamless glove knitting, v-bed shaping in the form of the company's SES range of knitwear machines and Wholegarment knitting.

However, Shima says, ITMA was not an occasion for celebrating the past but an opportunity to establish, once and for all, its position as leading innovator and provide customers with the confidence and peace of mind that Shima can be depended upon for the next 50 years.

The Wakayama based company says that despite current economic conditions the enthusiasm expressed by customers towards new technology and the resulting inquiries helped renew faith in the future of the knitting industry in Europe, its outlying regions and other markets.

"It was part of Shima Seiki's aim at ITMA to restore customer confidence in the future of knitting with a show of commitment to future progress. According to Shima Seiki's results, that aim seems to have been met with great success, Mr Karasuno concludes.