Exclusive Interview by K. Gopalakrishnan, Pics by Manikandan
ZIMMER AUSTRIA, one of the world’s foremost innovators in textile printing and finishing technologies, delivered a strong and strategically significant presence at ITMA Asia in Singapore. Speaking during the event, Mr. Andreas Rass, Managing Director, discussed the company’s performance, product advancements, market outlook, and the accelerating shift toward sustainable, automated textile manufacturing. Despite geopolitical uncertainties, tariffs and unstable market conditions, ZIMMER AUSTRIA ends 2025 with renewed momentum. “Despite tariffs and geopolitical challenges, 2025 has so far been a stable year for Zimmer, with strong demand for efficient and sustainable textile machinery continuing to drive our growth,” he noted.
After many years, returning to Singapore provided ZIMMER AUSTRIA with a truly global meeting point. The exhibition drew visitors from India, Pakistan, Malaysia and several other textile hubs, underscoring Singapore’s neutrality and accessibility. According to Mr. Rass, the show exceeded expectations with high quality interactions involving both long-term clients and new prospects.
The strength of the response also reflects the resilience of ZIMMER AUSTRIA over the past few years. Although the company felt the impact of political uncertainties, trade tensions and shifts in global consumption patterns, it has managed not only to weather these challenges but to strengthen its competitive position. As Mr. Rass explained, “Thanks to the quality of our machinery and the reputation we have built, we’ve managed not only to defend but, in some areas, even expand our market position.
Digital Printing Innovation Anchors Zimmer’s Technology Leadership
At ITMA Asia, ZIMMER AUSTRIA showcased its advanced digital carpet printing system alongside key components from its broader digital portfolio. The company’s COLARIS platform drew significant attention due to its capability to handle complex applications ranging from carpet and transportation fabrics to terry towels and airplane carpets. ZIMMER also saw considerable interest from the military textile sector, where performance and reliability are critical.
The company’s digital offerings sit at the center of its innovation strategy. Technologies including COLARIS and CHROMOJET have undergone extensive upgrades, focusing on improved ecological efficiency, reduced emissions and higher productivity. ZIMMER’s newest COLARIS digital printing modules embody these principles, offering lower water consumption, optimized ink usage and enhanced automation.
“These innovations are not just about speed or clarity,” Mr. Rass emphasized. “It is about understanding the materials, the process and the customer’s requirements, and delivering a print solution that truly fits their needs.”
Screen Printing and Coating Solutions Evolve for High Value Applications
Alongside digital printing, ZIMMER AUSTRIA continues to modernize its screen-printing platforms. The latest enhancements to the ROTASCREEN system highlight improvements in operator accessibility, durability and process stability. A new ROTASCREEN model further strengthens the company’s offering for customers seeking high throughput with consistent print quality.
The company’s coating systems, particularly valued in the military and technical textiles sectors, were another highlight. Their reliability, flexibility and precision make them ideal for manufacturers working with demanding substrates or functional textile applications. ZIMMER’s combination of printing and coating capabilities positions it as one of the few global companies capable of providing true wing to wing solutions.
Driving Growth Through Strategic R&D
ZIMMER AUSTRIA’s sustained success is rooted in its research and development philosophy. The company invests heavily in enhancing machinery’s performance, integrating automation and reducing environmental impact across all product lines.
Key pillars of ZIMMER’s innovation strategy include:
- new ROTASCREEN systems with improved ecological and operational features
- expanded COLARIS digital printing offerings for diversified applications
- automation tools enabling predictive maintenance and real-time quality monitoring
- MAGNOROLL enhancements supporting uniform coating and minimized resource consumption
These advancements underline the company’s priority to deliver high value, future ready solutions while supporting customers in their transition to more sustainable production.
India at the Forefront of Zimmer’s Market Strategy
India continues to be one of ZIMMER AUSTRIA’s most important global markets. Demand for digital printing and coating technologies is rising rapidly, driven by the country’s expanding role in home textiles, carpets, automotive fabrics and apparel.
Technologies such as COLARIS, CHROMOJET, ROTASCREEN and MAGNOROLL have established a strong presence in the Indian market. ZIMMER’s leadership sees significant opportunity ahead: “India’s rapid development and its investments in modern technology offer major opportunities for expanding its role as a global supplier.”
Indian manufacturers increasingly prioritize sustainability, versatility and automation. Zimmer’s solutions align perfectly with these evolving priorities.
Sustainability as a Core Commitment
ZIMMER AUSTRIA’s sustainability vision is integrated across engineering, operations and customer support. Machines are designed to consume less water, less energy and minimize waste while delivering maximum output. The company’s facilities in Kufstein and Klagenfurt rely on photovoltaic power, rail transport and resource-optimized manufacturing methods.
“For us, sustainability is not a slogan — it is a commitment,” the leadership emphasized. Collaboration with customers includes joint optimization projects to reduce utility consumption and transition toward greener operations.
ZIMMER’s sustainable engineering is also critical as brands and retailers increasingly demand transparent, ecofriendly production practices across their supply chains.
A Dynamic Technical Textile Market
Technical textiles represent an important strategic opportunity for ZIMMER AUSTRIA. These segments maintain production even in high-cost economies due to the specialized nature and high value of end products. Customers in this sector require reliable, high precision machinery backed by deep application expertise. ZIMMER’s ability to pair advanced machinery with process engineering makes it a natural fit for manufacturers in defense, filtration, mobility and industrial fabric categories.
ZIMMER AUSTRIA’s presence at ITMA Asia underscored its resilience, adaptability and forward-looking vision in a challenging global environment. The company’s integrated strength across digital printing, screen printing and coating systems, combined with advanced automation and a deep sustainability ethos, positions it at the forefront of modern textile manufacturing. As the industry moves toward ecological responsibility, digital process control and high value technical textiles, ZIMMER AUSTRIA stands poised to play a central role in shaping a more efficient, sustainable and technology driven future.
