M
esse Frankfurt GmbH has added another trade show brand to its portfolio of events serving
the global textile industry. This year, the Frankfurt-based producer and organizer of expositions —
including Techtextil, Texworld, Heimtextil and numerous others, both textile- and
non-textile-related, around the world — is launching Texprocess, a trade show focused on the
processing of textile and flexible materials. The inaugural Texprocess will colocate with
Techtextil 2011 in Frankfurt, May 24-27. Going forward, the European version of the show will be
held biennially in conjunction with Techtextil at the Messe Frankfurt fairgrounds, and its U.S.
version, Texprocess Americas, will debut April 24-26, 2012, also as a biennial show, colocating
with Techtextil North America’s East Coast edition held in Atlanta in even-numbered years.
Texprocess Frankfurt organizers are expecting 500 exhibitors to showcase innovative
products, technologies and services for the textile and flexible material processing supply chain —
including design, pattern production, cutting, making-up, finishing, logistics, information
technologies (IT) and technical accessories — to some 25,000 visitors from the apparel industry,
textile and flexible materials processing industries, retail and service sectors, skilled trades,
and science and education institutes. The expo will cover some 50,000 square meters of exhibition
space in Halls 4, 5 and 6 at Messe Frankfurt.
Sector leaders are hailing the debut of Texprocess as a venue for presenting processing
innovations and bringing together all parts of the sector.
“Processing textiles using highly productive and efficient methods represents a challenge
for the future of the textile-processing sector in Europe,” said Dr.-Ing. Thomas Gries, a professor
at the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen, Germany. “Automation, reproducibility and quality
assurance are just as important for this development as resources/energy efficiency of the machines
and processes. With its wide range of machinery manufacturers, research institutes and end users,
Texprocess is the ideal platform for innovations and new developments in this sector.”
Texprocess’s Source-it! platform will help apparel brands find contract manufacturers who
can provide the required sourcing and production capabilities to meet their
needs.
The event’s conceptual partner is the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) Garment and
Leather Technology Association. The show also has garnered the support of the European Apparel and
Textile Confederation (EURATEX), Brussels, and the International Apparel Federation (IAF),
Amsterdam. Both associations will have booths on the exhibition floor, and will hold meetings on
the premises during Texprocess. Scheduled EURATEX meetings include the Technical Clothing Group on
May 25 and the European Technology Platform on May 26. IAF has scheduled its Board meeting and
General Assembly May 23-24.
Other organizations supporting Texprocess include the Sewn Products Equipment &
Suppliers of the Americas, United States; China Sewing Machinery Association; GermanFashion —
Modeverband Deutschland e.V.; and Dialog Textil-Bekleidung, Germany.
Sourcing Platform
Source-it! — Texprocess’s international sourcing platform — will give suppliers an
opportunity to show their capabilities and their production facilities. For apparel brands seeking
an efficient, cost-effective supply chain, this platform offers important advantages: At a time
when small lots and short turnaround times are preferred to allow brands to respond to the fashion
demands of the moment, it is important to be able to source goods from areas in which the supply
chain is well-integrated and manufacturers have the flexibility to change styles quickly without
disrupting other links in the chain. Source-it! will enable fashion brands to meet with
international contract manufacturers and their services, and get an overall picture of the
production chain in particular countries and regions without having to travel around the globe to
find the best fit for their needs.
Other Events
The Texprocess program also includes several other events. Outstanding product innovations
and solutions will receive Innovation Awards and have their own special exhibit within Texprocess.
Network@Texprocess will present IT trends for the textile processing and apparel sector and will
include software, service and automation solutions for various management systems as well as IT
solutions for logistics processes.
The Texprocess Forum will cover topics such as sustainability, environmental protection,
traceability, automation and supply chain management. The Texprocess Campus, a collaboration with
fashion and design educational institutions, will present training and professional development
opportunities in the fashion industry.
For more information about Texprocess, visit
www.texprocess.messefrankfurt.com.
April/May/June 2011