Simone Rancan: In recent years the Indian manufacturing industry is growing strongly
Santex Rimar Group is present in various countries with four factories and more than 30,000 customers throughout the world to whom they offer specific solutions and services in order to become their reference point of excellence. Santex Rimar’s know-how enables them to understand and fulfil the needs of the global customers to whom they offer not only high quality machines but also a good and punctual after-sales service. Simone Rancan, CEO, Santex Rimar Group, in this conversation with Divya Shetty, discusses emerging trends and the company’s future plans.
What are the core competencies of the Italian textile machinery industry which give it a global competitive edge?
Italy is one of the few countries in the Western world that still has an important textile production sector. It is mainly in specialised niche sectors, but it means the textile industry remains an important presence overall. This allows machinery manufacturers in Italy to maintain direct contact with end-users. And the whole textile eco-system is still present and complete, from brands to retailers, from fibre and fabric producers – right up to textile machinery producers. This is an enormous benefit in terms of R&D and in sensing market trends.
Could you highlight some breakthrough innovations in textile machinery that Santex Rimar Group has introduced recently, especially those addressing efficiency, sustainability or digitalisation?
SantexRimar has always been a reference for the market in terms of energy consumption and sustainability. The premium quality of our projects and machines translates into lower energy consumption per kilo of textiles treated. This has the effect of reducing some negative factors for sustainability. Embracing sustainability has the healthy consequence of reducing waste material, as well as reducing energy consumption. We have paid great attention to software developments, to enable machine performance to achieve these goals.
How is Santex Rimar Group encouraging its member companies to integrate eco-friendly practices and technologies into their machinery and manufacturing processes?
At SantexRimar Group, we believe that good practices and and eco-friendly mentality must be supported by business advantages. If we can deliver economic benefits to our customers from this eco-friendly approach, then we have achieved a double result: customers improve both profitability and sustainability. Saving water and energy have to viewed as economic advantages – not just as good practice for protecting the environment. This is the key for our serious commitment to sustainability. We want to make it totally attractive to our clients.
How are Italy-India relations in the textile sector gaining momentum?
In recent years the Indian manufacturing industry is growing strongly. We have already been present in India with a sales and service centre for more than 20 years. For us, it’s a very valuable source of information in terms exploring potential cooperations with local manufacturers. We are sure that future opportunities will emerge for us, even if not just yet.
What are the primary challenges facing the Italian textile machinery sector and how is Santex Rimar Group tackling them?
The main challenge is, of course, the strong competition from many areas of the world, especially Asia. But our sector has been operating successfully for many decades, remaining very competitive. So the Italian textile machinery manufacturers have often adapted in the past and are continuing to do so at present. It is important to face these challenges and learn from them to stay competitive. In fact, this is certainly something Italian textile machinery companies are very good at.
What emerging technologies or trends do you believe will have the most significant impact on the future of textile machinery?
Digitalisation and automation have been topics on the table of the industry for quite a few years. And that’s intensified now, more than ever, with the increasing use of AI-related tools. SantexRimar has a long-established commitment to offer our clients the best market solutions for digitalisation. This requires investment in engineering by us, as well as cooperation with our partners in digital goods production. We are extremely satisfied with the results achieved so far.
The level of automation is also increasing, and we see our clients choosing more and more to equip our machines and plants with the automation options we offer. This brings the end-user great consistency in the quality levels of the fabric produced. It also allows a reduction in the numbers of direct employees needed for these processes. This is a critical aspect, because it reduces the need for training and helps in areas with a higher rate of staff turnover.
From Santex Rimar Group’s perspective, what steps can Indian textile companies take to strengthen their partnership with Italian machinery manufacturers to drive mutual growth in the coming years?
We believe that the best route should be based on common understanding and listening to different points of view. Italian companies may already be present in other markets and can use the expertise generated by this. At the same time, the Indian companies are best suited to understand and anticipate the needs of their Indian clients. Once this knowledge is shared, a common benefit can be enjoyed by both parties. The Indian side can proceed at a faster rate, capitalising on the long experience of the Italian counterparts, while the Italian partners can have the correct approach and the best access to the very important Indian market.
NEWS SNIPPET
Sangam and Goldenseams partner to expand denim apparel presence
Sangam (India), one of India’s most respected names in the textile industry, has taken a significant step forward in its strategic growth journey by entering into a joint venture with Goldenseams. This collaboration has led to the incorporation of a new entity—Goldenseams Sangam. With this move, the group seeks to diversify its textile value chain and make a mark in the fast-evolving denim apparel segment.
The new company, headquartered in Orissa, will primarily focus on manufacturing and marketing ready-made denim garments such as jeans, jackets, shirts, trousers, and other fashion-forward apparel. The venture is designed to serve both domestic and international markets, backed by an integrated manufacturing setup and a strong distribution network.
Sangam (India) holds a 50 per cent equity stake, reflecting the company’s deep commitment to this growth initiative. The acquisition was made through cash consideration, and the new company is currently laying the groundwork for commencing full-fledged operations.
Goldenseams Sangam is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing Sangam’s presence in the value-added garmenting space. The joint venture is not just a manufacturing initiative—it is a holistic business model that includes cutting-edge laundry operations, design and product development, and research and innovation aimed at catering to dynamic consumer preferences.
By integrating advanced denim processing technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices, the JV will seek to position itself as a leading supplier of high-quality denim apparel. Plans also include exploring omnichannel retailing through offline outlets, e-commerce platforms, and international trade partnerships, giving the venture a truly global outlook.
Setting up operations in Orissa opens new avenues for industrial and economic development in the eastern region of India. It aligns with the government’s push for regional textile hubs and is expected to generate employment and skill-building opportunities locally. The JV aims to support the larger goal of making India a key hub for denim apparel manufacturing.
Sangam’s move also complements its existing strengths in yarn, fabric, and processing, creating an end-to-end textile ecosystem—from fibre to fashion. The promoter group has a direct interest in the new company, reinforcing the group’s hands-on involvement and strategic alignment.
As the global denim market continues to grow, fuelled by demand for versatile, comfortable, and fashion-forward clothing, Sangam’s new venture with Goldenseams comes at a strategically opportune moment. With operations expected to ramp up in the near future, Goldenseams Sangam is poised to emerge as a dynamic player in the global denim arena, delivering value to consumers, partners, and stakeholders alike.
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