SHANGHAI — Asia’s biennial fair for textile care, Texcare Asia, will present the latest technologies and solutions for the ever-evolving industry on Nov. 19-21 at the Shanghai (China) New International Expo Centre.
Approximately 150 exhibitors are expected to utilize more than 11,500 square meters of exhibit space to present the latest in laundry, drycleaning, ironing and dyeing machinery as well as textile management systems. Some 8,000 visitors from China and around the world are expected to attend.
One of the biggest trends to be highlighted during this year’s show is the evolution of China’s laundry and drycleaning industry from district-based locations to central plants, says show organizer Messe Frankfurt (HK).
Like most other markets, operators of dry cleaners and laundries in China have traditionally tailored their businesses to district-based operations that included local drycleaning outlets and commercial laundries. This strategy allowed them to meet the immediate demands of their customers in rapid time. But this business model is quickly going out of fashion in China, as district-based facilities have oversaturated their local markets and the cost of operation has increased dramatically.
In addition, challenges brought upon by stricter energy and water efficiency has made this traditional business model all but impossible for companies to maintain, Messe Frankfurt says.
To sustain their businesses, drycleaning outlets and laundry operators are looking into developing central plants, and this has led to a high level of capital investment into the latest machines that can utilize alternative energy, such as oil or gas instead of coal, as well as reduce wastewater.
State-of-the-art machines that are growing in demand in Asia include tunnel washers, finishers, spreader/feeders, chest-type flatwork ironers, dosing systems, RFID-equipped systems, and much more. Ozone washing systems have also become more in demand, as have non-steam laundry systems.
“Both international and domestic brands are starting to see not only the rise in demand for textile care products in China but also the quality of professional buyers who attend this show,” says Jason Cao, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK), of the rising demand for booth space. “Domestic exhibitors understand that buyers are looking for their quality and cost-effective products. In fact, some of our returning exhibitors have made stronger commitments to the show with bigger booths. This shows that the business and the overall market in China and Asia for local textile care suppliers are considerably increasing year after year.”
EQUAL ENTHUSIASM
Some of the industry’s most well-respected brands and associations will participate at Texcare Asia, aiming to address growing issues and demands of Chinese textile care suppliers, Messe Frankfurt says.
Long-term exhibitor Jiangsu Sea-Lion Machinery Group will return this year with more than 300 square meters of space. Kunshan Yingelan Commercial Laundry Equipments has booked more than double the space it used in 2011.
Other returning exhibitors with bigger booth spaces include Alliance Laundry Systems, Castic-SMP, JENSEN Group, Kannegiesser, Primus, Sailstar and Sankosha.
“Our company has been present in Asia for decades, and has a very strong reputation among the region’s textile care professionals,” says Thomas Yin, country manager of JENSEN’s Shanghai regional office. “We’ve seen immense growth in demand for our heavy-duty laundry devices. We return once again to Texcare Asia due to the great success we had at the last edition. Our goal is to meet our existing customers, and find new ones.”
Castic-SMP cites Texcare Asia’s brand influence and professionalism as contributing factors to its participation. “Texcare Asia is the largest industry event in the region, and the most important show in China,” says Sales Director Johnson Fok. “The fair has a history of introducing the latest techniques and strategies to industry professionals. Our presence at the show has been particularly effective for publicizing our corporate identity, increasing brand recognition and expanding sales channels.”
BOWE Textile Cleaning GmbH has been producing quality textile care products for buyers in Europe and the Americas for more than a half-century but is just starting to become recognized in the Chinese market.
“We needed a platform to build exposure for our brand in China, and Texcare Asia seemed to be the best choice for us,” says Frank Ziermann, managing director of BOWE. “We plan to showcase our state-of-the-art multi-solvent drycleaning machines and M series drycleaning machines at the fair and look forward to gaining new customers.”
“Texcare Asia offers the best platform for laundry equipment suppliers and manufacturers,” says Liao Ming, general manager of Shanghai Shenguang Laundry Machinery Group Co. “The show gathers the latest technology, products and creative concepts in the industry, providing a platform for great business opportunities. We believe the exhibition will be of great benefit to our series of washers and ironing machines.”
For each edition, Texcare Asia manages to gain the support of a number of industry associations, such as the Laundry Association of Hong Kong.
“As living standards rise in China, the laundry market has grown rapidly,” says Benson Li, the Association’s chairman. “Now, the industry’s development strongly relies on the adoption of advanced solutions such as automation technology. Texcare Asia offers an unparalleled platform in highlighting this technology.”
Away from the show floor, the Texcare Asia Forum will offer informative conferences. On the afternoon of Nov. 19, Business Development and Sustainable Innovation of the Professional Textile Care Industry will present case studies, best practices and sustainable innovation in the professional textile care industry, including an analysis on recent market developments in China and showcase sustainable business models from China and abroad.
An all-day lecture on Nov. 20, Education and Training in Professional Textile Care, will cover current business practices and the future of professional textile care, highlighting innovations in machine technology, detergent systems, ICTs and logistics.
U.S.-based companies exhibiting at this year’s show include Alliance Laundry Systems, American Dryer Corp., Dexter Laundry, D&S Exports, Erie Environmental Products, Forenta, Hoffman/New Yorker, and Maxi Companies.
To learn more about Texcare Asia 2013, or to register, visit www.texcare-asia.com.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].