Texturing Automation Breakthrough: Barmag Partners with Hitech to Tackle High Labor Doffing Costs

The doffing operation on texturing machines has long been a bottleneck in the journey toward smart manufacturing. Barmag's exclusive partnership with Hitech Automation aims to unlock this legacy market with a retrofit automation solution.

Background

In June 2026, Barmag (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd., part of the Oerlikon Group, signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Hitech Automation Solutions PVT LTD, based in Surat, India. The deal covers the joint marketing of Hitech's Doffmatic auto-doff system for Barmag's proven eFK series texturing machines.

The eFK series is a mature product line with a large installed base worldwide. In many texturing plants, doffing remains heavily operator-dependent, leading to low efficiency and inconsistent package quality. The Doffmatic system enables factories to automate this critical step without replacing entire machines.

Industry Implications

Auto-doffing is not new, but its deep integration with the most widely deployed eFK model creates a clear business case. For downstream mills, the economics are compelling:

• Direct labor savings: A typical texturing line requires multiple doffers. Automation can cut labor input by at least 60%, reducing the payback period to 18-24 months amid rising wage costs.
• Quality gains: Machine-controlled doffing ensures consistent tension and motion, significantly reducing package defects—a critical advantage for high-end fabric buyers.

Geographically, key eFK concentration zones include China's Shaoxing, Shengze, and Fujian Changle, as well as India's Surat and Gujarat regions. These areas face both labor shortages and pressure to upgrade product quality, making them ripe for automation adoption.

Notably, Barmag chose to partner with an Indian local firm rather than develop the solution in-house. This reflects the growing importance of regional service networks. Hitech's deep roots in Surat give it intimate knowledge of local mill practices and after-sales needs. The "German machine + Indian solution" model could serve as a blueprint for future textile machinery automation retrofits.

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - Audit existing eFK machine counts and age: Retrofitting makes most sense for machines over five years old; new purchases should consider factory-automated versions. - Calculate total cost of ownership: Factor in installation, training, spare parts, and potential downtime during conversion. - Check system compatibility: Ensure the Doffmatic can integrate with future MES/ERP systems to avoid data silos.

For Exporters - Seize the Southeast Asian window: Vietnam and Indonesia are expanding texturing capacity and have a strong need for automation. Collaborate with Barmag/Hitech channels for technical promotion. - Offer financing options: High upfront costs can deter SMEs. Leasing or pay-per-use models can lower the entry barrier. - Strengthen local service: Auto-doff systems require specialized commissioning and maintenance. Set up spare parts hubs or service stations in target markets.