Exclusive Interview by K. Gopalakrishnan, Pics by Manikandan
As India accelerates its transformation into a global hub for technical textiles, collaborations between international technology leaders and experienced domestic solution providers are playing a decisive role in shaping the industry’s trajectory. One such partnership is between Salvadè KMT, the renowned Italian specialist in finishing, laminating and innovative textile effects, and Sainit Exports, a leading Indian distributor known for introducing cutting-edge solutions to the market. In an insightful conversation, Mr. Andrea Verga, Product Manager at Salvadè KMT, and Mr. Jayesh Nanavati, CEO of Sainit Exports, shared their perspectives on technology, sustainability and the immense opportunities in India’s advanced textile ecosystem.
A Long-Standing Presence and a Deep Understanding of India
For Salvadè KMT, India is more than just a market. With continuous engagement spanning several decades, Andrea humorously described the country as his “second home.” Over the years, both the company and its Indian partners have cultivated deep relationships with textile manufacturers across the country.
“We are very happy about the Indian market,” Andrea noted. “India is moving, India is working, and we respect that a lot.”
This long association has enabled Salvadè to understand India’s evolving needs in both conventional and technical textiles, allowing the company to offer targeted, application-driven solutions.
Jayesh echoed this sentiment. “We have been selling Salvadè machinery for many years. Our goal is to provide fancy, high-value solutions and help customers turn technical textiles into profitable end products.”
A Comprehensive Range of Advanced Finishing Solutions
Salvadè KMT offers a versatile portfolio of finishing technologies tailored for both fashion and technical textile applications. The company specializes in:
- laminating and multilayer lamination systems
- membrane and film applications
- crushing and pleating machines
- high-performance calendars
- after printing steamers
- continuous tumbler and air vibration dryers
Their calendar machines, in particular, are recognized globally for their precision and quality. Meanwhile, the tumbler dryer offers dual functionality, allowing users to dry the fabric or alter its handfeel based on machine settings also ensuring excellent dimensional stability. For those who need to develop fabrics with maximum brilliance and without replicates even in digitally printed fabrics, the Salvadè steamer is today the world reference.
Jayesh highlighted Salvadè’s role in enabling value addition: “When you want to add value to a technical textile, Salvadè is there. We help customers produce more profitable products.”
Unique Solutions That Differentiate India in Global Markets
One of the standout aspects of the Salvadè–Sainit partnership is their ability to introduce concepts that are not available elsewhere in the world. Jayesh pointed to the success of yarn printing, a technology introduced by Salvadè several years ago. Today, one Indian customer uses three such machines exclusively for saree production—an application previously unheard of in global markets.
Salvadè has also consolidated multiple processes into one integrated machine that can handle metal foil application, laminating and transfer printing. “This saves space, reduces manpower and allows customers to switch processes at the touch of a screen,” Andrea explained.
Fashion effects are increasingly finding their way into technical textiles, especially as Como—Salvadè’s home base and the heart of Italian fashion manufacturing—emerges as a center for technical textile innovation. “Why not bring fashion aesthetics into technical textiles?” Andrea remarked. This cross-pollination is one of Salvadè’s unique strengths.
Relentless Focus on Innovation, Efficiency and Reduced Consumption
Salvadè’s engineering philosophy is rooted in continuous improvement and technological refinement. The company regularly upgrades electronics, mechanical systems and control interfaces to ensure machines are more user-friendly, durable and efficient.
Jayesh emphasized that the company works closely with customers to understand emerging needs and then incorporates relevant features into the machines.
A major breakthrough is the new patented steamer technology, named “4S” which reduces steam consumption by 40 percent and water consumption by an equal margin. “Unbelievable results,” Andrea noted with pride, reflecting Salvadè’s commitment to developing machines that reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
Championing Sustainability Through Technology
As the president of ACIMIT, Italy’s Textile Machinery Association, Mr. Marco Salvadè plays a critical role in promoting sustainable manufacturing. Salvadè’s machines are designed with sustainability at their core, minimizing electricity use, compressed air requirements, water consumption and overall emissions.
“For us, sustainability is not a slogan,” Andrea remarked. “It is embedded into every machine we design.”
This commitment aligns perfectly with India’s growing emphasis on eco-friendly production, especially in technical textiles, where global buyers are increasingly demanding transparency and responsibility across supply chains.
A Partnership Built on Innovation and Trust
The Salvadè–Sainit partnership extends beyond machinery sales. It is built on knowledge sharing, problem solving and enabling customers to enter new, high-value markets.
Jayesh explained that their aim is to produce what is not available in India and help customers move into segments with high profitability. “We work closely with customers, understand their goals and guide them with the right machine and process. Our focus is on enabling growth.”
Their joint expertise ensures that Indian manufacturers can confidently invest in niche applications, adopt global innovations and create products that set them apart in international markets.
Salvadè KMT and Sainit Exports exemplify how strategic partnerships and technological excellence can accelerate India’s progress in technical textiles. With decades of experience, a shared commitment to innovation and a deep understanding of India’s manufacturing landscape, the two companies are empowering mills to move beyond basics and embrace advanced value-added processes.
As the Indian market continues to evolve, Salvadè’s engineering strength and Sainit’s market insight will play a critical role in shaping the country’s future in high-performance textiles. Their alliance stands as a testament to what is possible when global expertise meets local vision: smarter processes, sustainable solutions and more profitable opportunities for India’s textile industry.
