Italian Dyeing Tech Goes East: Mezzera License to China Reshapes Equipment Sourcing

EFI Reggiani, through its subsidiary Reggiani Macchine S.p.A., has signed a multi-year license and manufacturing agreement with Danitech Group, covering the Mezzera and Jaeggli textile finishing machinery portfolio. Under the deal, Suzhou Danitech Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. will manufacture these machines in China under license. This is the first time Mezzera’s wet-processing technology—long considered a benchmark in European textile finishing—will be produced outside Italy.

Strategic Shift in Technology Transfer

Mezzera has over 70 years of engineering heritage in long-loop steamers, washing ranges, and dyeing machines. Jaeggli specializes in rope dyeing and desizing equipment. Neither brand had ever been licensed for manufacturing abroad before. The agreement is not a simple OEM arrangement; Danitech receives full technical documentation, process specifications, and a supply chain for critical components. EFI Reggiani retains brand ownership and quality oversight, but production will gradually shift to Danitech’s factory in Suzhou.

For China’s dyeing and printing industry, this opens a legitimate channel to access core European finishing technology. Previously, mills had to choose between expensive imports with 12-18 month lead times or reverse-engineered copies with performance gaps and IP risks. Licensed local production bridges that gap.

Cost and Lead Time Compression

Industry data shows that an imported Mezzera long-loop steamer costs between EUR 800,000 and EUR 1.2 million CIF, with delivery taking over 10 months. Licensed-made equivalents are expected to reduce the price by approximately 40% and cut lead time to 4-6 months. This timing is critical as Chinese mills face tighter environmental regulations and accelerating phase-outs of old equipment. Demand for high-uniformity, low-liquor-ratio, energy-efficient finishing machines is surging. Mezzera’s localization fills a sweet spot in the mid-to-high-end segment.

Moreover, Danitech brings expertise in automation and industrial IoT, meaning the licensed machines may incorporate localized digital monitoring features, further improving operational efficiency.

Impact on China’s Finishing Equipment Landscape

China’s finishing equipment market has long been split between two tiers: cost-effective domestic brands like Lixing and Yaji, and premium European brands like Thies, Then, and Mezzera. The licensed production of Mezzera creates a new category—European technology at Chinese manufacturing cost—that directly challenges domestic players on performance while undercutting imports on price. This will force local manufacturers to accelerate R&D and after-sales service upgrades.

For downstream dyers and printers, the expanded choice is a clear win. The old binary of “cheap but limited” versus “expensive but superior” is giving way to a third option: near-import performance at a local price.

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - Verify the source of critical components: some parts may still be imported from Italy; ensure aftermarket supply is secured. - Compare energy consumption data between licensed and original machines—efficiency directly impacts long-term operating costs. - Audit Danitech’s Suzhou factory quality control, especially welding, electrical assembly, and final testing processes.

For Exporters - If you trade in finishing equipment, assess how licensed production will affect your import agency business and adjust your product mix accordingly. - Monitor demand in Southeast Asia—countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh are expanding their dyeing capacity and could become target markets for licensed machines. - Explore partnerships with Danitech for spare parts supply or after-sales service, leveraging their localization to enter the service market.