By K. Gopalakrishnan
The global textile machinery market in 2025 was marked by uncertainty, geopolitical disruptions, and delayed investment decisions. Yet, even in such a cautious environment, technology-driven companies with a long-term vision continued to strengthen their positions in high-potential markets. Salmoiraghi S.p.a., a pioneer in automation for man-made fiber handling, has emerged as a key contributor to India’s journey toward higher quality, efficiency, and EU-aligned manufacturing standards. In this interaction, Giorgio Salmoiraghi, CEO of Salmoiraghi S.p.A., shares perspectives on market trends, the impact of the EU–India Free Trade Agreement, and the company’s expanding role in India’s textile modernization.
2025: A Year of Uncertainty, Yet Strategic Progress
According to Giorgio Salmoiraghi, 2025 was characterised by widespread uncertainty. Tariffs and international upheavals forced many textile investments and expansion plans into a holding pattern. Nevertheless, projects and plant constructions initiated in 2024 continued across Asia and the United States, ensuring a degree of continuity for automation suppliers.
Market sentiment throughout the year remained cautious. However, Salmoiraghi’s participation at ITMA Asia in Singapore proved to be a turning point, generating several promising new projects—particularly from India. These engagements not only opened fresh opportunities but also helped the company consolidate its already strong presence in the Indian market.
EU–India FTA: Accelerating Modernisation and Innovation
The proposed EU–India Free Trade Agreement is seen by Salmoiraghi as a major catalyst for the adoption of advanced European machinery in India. The agreement is expected to support the modernization of India’s textile industry while delivering mutual benefits—enhancing innovation, improving product quality, and aligning manufacturing practices with European standards.
European quality benchmarks, however, also imply higher compliance requirements in areas such as environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and social standards. Salmoiraghi notes that European industries, having operated under such regulations for years, can act as both a model and a support system for Indian manufacturers who are still in the process of addressing these challenges. Importantly, EU certification linked to Made-in-EU machinery could also provide Indian producers with stronger leverage in accessing premium European markets.
European Automation: A Competitive Edge in Man-Made Fibres
Manufacturers of automatic handling systems for man-made fibers—particularly those with design, engineering, and manufacturing bases in Europe—are well positioned to benefit from India’s ongoing standardisation drive. Salmoiraghi highlights that European textile machinery has long been a global leader in plant automation, data management, and advanced technologies.
Compared to competitors from other regions, especially China, European systems offer decisive advantages in quality, innovation, reliability, and low maintenance—even when faced with aggressive pricing strategies. These strengths make European automation solutions especially attractive for Indian manufacturers seeking long-term efficiency rather than short-term cost savings.
Helping Indian Textiles Access the European Market
India’s textile sector, Salmoiraghi believes, has a significant opportunity to expand its footprint in Europe by aligning products with European consumer preferences—particularly in terms of quality, consistency, and sustainability. Advanced automation and handling systems play a crucial role in achieving these objectives.
With more than 25 years of continuous presence in India, Salmoiraghi has installed sophisticated automation systems for synthetic yarn handling at the facilities of leading Indian manufacturers. These solutions have delivered measurable benefits, including improved product quality, optimised material flow, reduced operating costs, enhanced organisational efficiency, lower energy consumption, and full EU-certified machinery compliance.
From Pioneer Automation to AI-Driven Inspection
Salmoiraghi has been at the forefront of man-made fiber automation, consistently integrating emerging technologies as they became available. Over the years, the company has combined mechanical engineering, electronics, and IT systems to create highly integrated automation platforms.
Today, the company is taking a further step by eliminating one of the last phases of human intervention in the man-made fiber bobbin handling cycle. This is being achieved through automated visual inspection systems that leverage advanced vision technologies integrated with AI software—marking a significant leap in consistency, accuracy, and productivity.
Strengthening Local Presence and Expanding Applications
India has now become a priority market within Salmoiraghi’s global strategy. Building on the successes of recent years, the company is strengthening its local presence to stay closer to customers and respond more effectively to their evolving needs. Collaboration with local suppliers is also being intensified to achieve deeper industrial integration.
Beyond yarn and thread handling, Salmoiraghi is expanding its focus to adjacent sectors, including automated warehouses for fabric rolls and conventional pallet warehouses. This broader offering reflects the company’s ambition to play a larger role in India’s end-to-end textile logistics and automation ecosystem.
Despite a challenging global environment, Salmoiraghi S.p.A. has used 2025 as a year to reinforce its strategic positioning—particularly in India. With the EU–India FTA poised to accelerate modernization, European automation technologies are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of India’s textile growth. Through advanced handling systems, AI-driven inspection, and a deep commitment to local collaboration, Salmoiraghi continues to support Indian manufacturers in achieving higher efficiency, EU-aligned standards, and sustainable global competitiveness.
