Bangladesh Textile Journal interviewed Fritz Legler, Global Head of Marketing (Sales & Service—Textile), Stäubli, during ITMA ASIA in Singapore, where the Swiss technology group showcased its latest innovations in warp preparation, shedding systems, and weaving automation. The interview was taken by Shawkat Iqbal, Editor in Chief, BTJ.
High-Speed, Energy-Efficient Solutions for Warp Preparation and Weaving
BTJ: Mr. Legler, thank you for welcoming us to the Stäubli booth. Could you please introduce yourself and your role?
Fritz Legler: Thank you very much for visiting us. It is a pleasure to welcome you here. My name is Fritz Legler, and I am the Global Head of Marketing as well as Sales and Service for warp preparation equipment at Stäubli. We truly appreciate the opportunity to share our latest developments with you and, through Bangladesh Textile Journal, with the textile industry in Bangladesh.
BTJ: Stäubli is known for continuous innovation. What new technologies are you presenting at ITMA ASIA in Singapore this year?
Fritz Legler: Our main focus this time is on automation and high productivity. We are presenting a new generation of automatic warp preparation drawing-in machines, along with a high-production solution for filament weaving, particularly for water-jet weavers who need to prepare many beams per day. One of our key highlights is the Safir Pro S37, a high-speed machine designed for filament weaving using closed plastic heddles for water-jet weaving machines.
BTJ: Could you explain what makes the Safir Pro S37 special?
Fritz Legler: The Safir Pro S37 delivers very high productivity, operating at up to 280 cycles per minute. At the same time, we have significantly reduced the number of mechanical parts used in the machine. This lowers both the total cost of ownership and annual maintenance costs, making it a very attractive investment for weaving mills.
BTJ: What other shedding and motion technologies are you showcasing?
Fritz Legler: Alongside automation, we are presenting our high-speed cam motion S1792, developed for air-jet weaving machines. For bulk fabric production, this is a very successful solution, allowing weaving speeds of up to 1,300 picks per minute. In addition, we are introducing a brand-new dobby—S3280—designed for high-speed weaving. This dobby supports up to 20 frames on rapier machines and 16 frames on air-jet machines, operating at speeds of up to 1,200 picks per minute.
BTJ: You mentioned that these solutions are eco-friendly. Could you elaborate?
Fritz Legler: Yes, sustainability is a key focus for us. When developing new technologies, we always consider the eco-footprint of our customers. Our latest shedding systems are engineered to combine high-speed performance with low energy consumption, helping mills save energy while maintaining productivity. This balance between efficiency and sustainability is highly appreciated by our customers.
BTJ: What solutions do you have especifically for waterjet weaving machines?
Fritz Legler: High mounted dobby for waterjet weaving machines made in Hangzhou, China is called S3018. This solution is particularly important for filament and waterjet weavers, which we see as a growing market segment globally.
BTJ: Stäubli is also well known for jacquard technology. What are you highlighting in this area?
Fritz Legler: We are presenting our complete generation of jacquard machines, including the LX Pro series, depending on the number of hooks and application requirements. Stäubli is a complete system supplier. We provide not only the jacquard machine itself but also modules, harness cords, heddles, and retaining springs. This complete-package approach ensures optimal performance, reliability, and long-term functionality. While customers can use components from other suppliers, the best results are achieved when using the full Stäubli system. We are proud to say that Stäubli is a global leader in jacquard weaving, especially for high-end and premium textile applications worldwide.
BTJ: How do you see the Bangladeshi textile market in terms of Stäubli technologies?
Fritz Legler: In Bangladesh, jacquard weaving is still limited, but we see strong demand for dobbies, cam motions, automatic drawing-in machines, and tying machines, particularly among grey fabric, denim, and shirting producers. Bangladesh is one of the markets, where our tying machines are especially popular, and we are showcasing our latest model here.
BTJ: Could you tell us more about your latest tying machine technology?
Fritz Legler: Certainly. We are presenting the TIEPRO, a high-speed tying machine designed for standard bulk cotton fabrics and blends. It features a new motor-driven technology with no needles for yarn separation. Instead, it uses an advanced spindle system, requires no oil bath, and ensures no double ends. This machine is ideal for mills producing the same style, yarn count, and density repeatedly, as it allows very fast beam changeovers and quick restarts of weaving operations.
BTJ: How was the overall response at ITMA ASIA?
Fritz Legler: The response was very positive. Holding ITMA ASIA in Singapore made it much easier for customers from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan to attend, especially due to simplified visa procedures. We experienced high visitor traffic, had many meaningful discussions, and sold several machines. However, it is also clear that the market remains challenging. Many customers are still in a recovery phase, facing uncertainty and financial pressure. That said, we believe the industry needs a bit more time for conditions to stabilize and return to smooth operations.
BTJ: Thank you very much for your time and valuable insights.
Fritz Legler: You are very welcome. Thank you for visiting Stäubli, and it was a pleasure speaking with Bangladesh Textile Journal.
