Oerlikon Textile India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Swiss-based Oerlikon Group, stands at the forefront of advanced machinery and solutions for textiles. Specializing in cutting-edge spinning, filament, texturizing, and nonwoven technologies, the company serves India’s dynamic textile industry with precision and expertise. Committed to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, Oerlikon Textile India equips manufacturers with automated, energy-efficient systems that boost productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
Blending Swiss precision with German engineering, the company delivers state-of-the-art solutions through its renowned brands—Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag, and Oerlikon Schlafhorst. Its relentless focus on automation and digitalization ensures Indian textile manufacturers stay ahead, seamlessly aligning with global sustainability goals.
By driving technological advancements and nurturing local expertise, Oerlikon Textile India plays a pivotal role in reshaping the country’s textile landscape. Its commitment to excellence cements its reputation as a trusted partner for high-performance textile solutions.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Sudipto Mandal, Senior Manager – Sales and Marketing at Oerlikon Textile India, delves into the company’s latest innovations in technical textiles. He explores emerging opportunities in the medical textile sector, shares his perspective on the 2025-26 budget from an industry standpoint, and outlines his vision for Oerlikon’s growth over the next decade. Here are the key takeaways from this insightful discussion.
Q: Can you share insights into Oerlikon’s latest innovations in the technical textile space and the key products it is offering to drive advancements in the industry?
A: Oerlikon operates on a massive scale, and within its Polymer Processing division, we specialize in cutting-edge machinery and technologies that drive advancements in technical textiles. Our portfolio spans multiple high-performance segments, with industrial yarn (IDY) as a key focus area alongside the rapidly expanding nonwoven sector.
In nonwovens, we offer state-of-the-art machinery for Malivlies, Airlaid, and spunbond lines, enabling manufacturers to produce a wide range of technical fabrics tailored to diverse industrial applications. Our expertise in this segment helps companies meet evolving demands in filtration, hygiene, automotive, and medical textiles.
Meanwhile, in the IDY segment, we provide specialized production lines for High Modulus Low Shrink (HMLS) yarn, High Tenacity (HT) yarn, SLS yarn, and low-shrinkage yarns. These advanced materials play a crucial role in safety and durability applications, including airbags, seatbelts, and other high-strength textiles.
Beyond automotive, our technology extends to marine, aerospace, and medical applications, supporting innovation across multiple industries. With our comprehensive solutions, we empower manufacturers to push the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and sustainability in technical textiles.
Q: What are the key opportunities for technical textiles in the medical sector, and how is Oerlikon leveraging these advancements to cater to this growing market?
A: The National Technical Textile Mission (NTTM) presents a transformative opportunity for India’s technical textile industry. The sector is witnessing rapid growth, yet India continues to rely on imports for high-value technical textile products. Despite the industry’s vast potential, only a handful of domestic players operate in this space, while the majority of manufacturing still takes place abroad. This heavy dependence on foreign suppliers underscores the urgent need to build a robust domestic ecosystem.
Recognizing this, the Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, has prioritized the development of a self-sufficient technical textile industry. The focus is on scaling up domestic production, fostering innovation, and creating a globally competitive sector. With strong policy backing, the industry is poised for remarkable expansion. The government is actively promoting research and development, skill-building, and financial incentives to attract investments and encourage entrepreneurship.
One of the key applications of technical textiles is in the construction sector, particularly in infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, and railways. Geotextiles, essential for strengthening and stabilizing roads and embankments, are in high demand. While companies like Strata Global are making significant contributions in this segment, India still has substantial room for growth. Similarly, medical textiles, including advanced wound care products, surgical drapes, and PPE kits, represent a booming market with vast untapped potential.
With the government’s strong support, aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and even students can venture into this industry. They can begin with small-scale units and gradually expand, leveraging government-backed funding schemes and incentives. By fostering local manufacturing and reducing import dependence, India can position itself as a global leader in technical textiles. This is the ideal time to invest, innovate, and shape the future of this high-growth industry.
Q: What are your insights on the 2025-26 budget from a textile industry perspective, and how do you see it impacting growth and innovation in the sector?
A: The government has significantly increased its budgetary allocation for the textile industry, particularly for technical textiles. Funding has surged by 57%, marking a substantial rise. Overall, the textile sector has seen an unprecedented boost—from a modest ₹48 crore to over ₹1,000 crore. This reflects the government’s strong commitment to fostering growth and innovation in this space.
However, industry players and aspiring entrepreneurs must step up to seize these opportunities. Those seeking guidance or support can turn to experienced professionals, including industry leaders, machine suppliers, and consultants. We offer comprehensive solutions, from engineering and procurement to construction (EPC), ensuring businesses receive end-to-end support. Whether it’s strategic consulting or technical expertise, we can help entrepreneurs refine their ideas, develop viable business plans, and navigate market entry challenges. Additionally, independent consultants in the market can provide valuable insights and specialized expertise.
The government’s proactive efforts deserve recognition, but true progress requires collective action. Young entrepreneurs must take initiative, leverage available resources, and actively contribute to the industry’s expansion. This is the time to innovate, collaborate, and build a thriving ecosystem that positions India as a global leader in textiles. The opportunity is here—it’s up to us to make the most of it.
Q: What is your vision for Oerlikon’s growth over the next 5 to 10 years?
A: As the market leader, we have built a legacy spanning over a century. This March, we will complete 103 years of operations—a milestone that reflects our enduring innovation and industry leadership. In 2022, we proudly celebrated our 100th anniversary, marking a century of groundbreaking advancements.
We pioneered machinery for polyester and man-made fibers, working alongside our customer, DuPont, to develop the very first machines for polyester production. This innovation cemented our position as an industry leader, shaping the future of synthetic fibers. Today, we continue to dominate the global market with a significant share, consistently pushing the boundaries of textile technology.
Looking ahead, we are driving the next wave of transformation with breakthrough recycling technologies. The future of textiles lies in sustainable solutions, and we are at the forefront of addressing one of the industry’s biggest challenges—recycling polyester and man-made fibers. Tackling mixed textile waste is equally complex, but the market potential is enormous. Currently, we recycle less than 1% of the apparel and textile waste produced globally, leaving a vast opportunity for growth and innovation.
The demand for sustainable textile solutions is surging, and we are poised for a long-term expansion. With over a century of expertise, we are confident that our journey has only just begun. As we continue to evolve, we are committed to shaping the industry for the next 100 years and beyond.
