In Shaoxing Keqiao, a new generation of textile entrepreneurs, often called the 'second-generation textile people,' is rewriting the rules of the traditional printing industry. They no longer rely on scale expansion but instead inject computing power, algorithms, and a global vision into this sector once known as a 'money-printing business.'
Shift in Capacity Logic: From Piling Up Machines to Boosting Efficiency
The case of Shaoxing Hongxin Printing Co., Ltd. is representative. Founded in 1990, the company's assets exceeded one million yuan by 1996. At that time, a single sheet of printing paper cost only 1.5 yuan and could be reused 5 to 8 times, with the first print run covering costs. However, the era of easy profits is long gone.
The new-generation manager, Chen Biao, has a clear path for capacity upgrades: not blindly adding machines, but achieving a qualitative leap in efficiency through smart transformation. Under the traditional model, the workshop could only print 8,000 meters of fabric in 10 hours. After introducing digital equipment, output per unit time has significantly increased. This 'precise investment, quality and efficiency' approach effectively avoids the common industry risk of over-expansion, keeping the business stable and controllable.
Reshaping the Market: 90% of Products Exported
Adjusting the market structure is another core move for these second-generation entrepreneurs. Hongxin Printing now exports 90% of its printed products to South America, the Middle East, and Africa, completely shifting from its earlier domestic-market focus. To cater to different regional aesthetic preferences, the company customizes solutions: the South American market prefers clean, simple stone-textured fabrics, while the Middle East favors high-saturation dark prints. This strong market adaptability has become a core competitive advantage for their overseas expansion.
Digital Tools in Practice: AI-Assisted Pattern Development
In terms of digital application, Chen Biao highly praised the 'AI Cloth' mini-program launched by the China Textile City Group. The traditional pattern sampling process is cumbersome, involving plate engraving, sample garment sewing, photo shooting, and video recording. With the mini-program's fabric visual creation feature, users only need to upload one image, and the AI automatically generates a realistic fabric texture and produces a real-scene application video, showing the fabric's drape and dynamic effects on a model.
This drastically shortens pattern development time, quickly responds to customer sample requests, and effectively increases order conversion rates. However, Chen Biao emphasizes that AI is an efficient design assistant; core creativity still relies on the artisan's touch. The company independently develops one to two thousand new patterns annually. After AI generates the initial draft, manual selection, adjustment, and professional color optimization are still required to meet the diverse needs of global customers.
Building a Technological Moat: Escaping the Low-Price Trap
Facing homogeneous low-price competition, Chen Biao has established a strategy of 'creating differentiated advantages through patented technology,' focusing on the high-value printing track. The company collaborates with universities to develop scarce functional patented printing products, integrating cutting-edge functions like cooling and radiation protection with traditional printing techniques. These high-value-added functional fabrics significantly increase profit margins per meter.
To further amplify the effect of technology, Chen Biao has also proposed a 'park industry closure' concept. The company will revitalize idle resources in its existing park, precisely introducing upstream and downstream supporting enterprises such as printing and lamination to build a complete industrial ecosystem. Through collaborative production within the park, cross-factory logistics, communication, and coordination costs can be significantly reduced, enabling the sharing of core resources like raw materials, equipment, and customers, thereby retaining the entire supply chain's profit.