Automation keeps UAE garment manufacturing industry a step ahead of competition

UAE garment manufacturers, following the inclusion of the textile trade in the WTO, faced stiff competition in the US and EU markets from the Chinese textile industry.

China's textile and apparel exports to Europe rose 57 percent to $8.65 billion in the first half of 2005.

The industry in the UAE received some respite after the US and EU, two of the biggest markets, imposed restraints on several categories of textiles imported from China.

With China having joined WTO in 2001, the developed countries were in a position to impose economic safeguards till 2007 in order to limit Chinese growth.

Another relief that the UAE garment manufacturing industry received was when the quota requirements were abolished in early 2005.

Till last year, the UAE garment industry had to abide by pre-set quotas for shipments to the US, thereby losing its edge to quota-free countries such as Kenya and Madagascar.

Following the abolition of the quota requirements, garment manufacturers across the UAE started looking at ways and means to make themselves more competitive. A large majority of them introduced automation.

"The well planned factories in UAE are saving in labour costs by introducing automation," said Mr. Shafaat Ali Khan, general manager, Al Borj Garment Machinery Trading Company, on the sidelines of TEXPO 2005.

The 4-day TEXPO 2005 Show, which began at Expo Centre Sharjah on September 12, 2005, is the Middle East's only event fully dedicated to meeting the requirements of the region's apparel and allied industries.

"Automation not only helps reduce labour costs but also increases profit margins. Also, automation can help garment factories have good production planning schedules and on time shipment, thereby increasing buyer's confidence," he added.

UAE's annual garment exports to the world market increased from Dhs 619 million in 2003 to Dhs 625 million in 2004.

In 2003, UAE's garment re-export figures reached as high as Dh2.3 billion in 2003. The main garment re-export destinations were Algeria, Oman, Libya, Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

According to Mr. Shafaat Ali Khan, the return on the capital for automated workstations can be expected anytime between six months and three years.

The focus of this year's TEXPO at Expo Centre Sharjah is on the latest equipment and machinery including technology and solutions that can help the regional garment manufacturing and allied industries reduce production cost and enhance quality.

TEXPO 2005, with over 100 exhibitors from across the globe, is showcasing some of the latest solutions and technologies for the garment manufacturing industry as well for those engaged in tent making, upholstering, interior decoration, blind and awning manufacturing, furniture making, auto seat manufacturing, and boat building.

Some of the leading technology and solutions supplying companies for the apparel and allied industries participating in TEXPO 2005 are Al Borj Garment Machinery Trading Company Limited, Al Naseej Machines Trading Company LLC, Global Trading Company, Oubari Gulf, Qi Quali -Taiwan, Jyh Long-Taiwan, Pegasus Consultancy Private Limited, Hi- Tech Machinery Company, S&M-France, JCP-Hong Kong, Hangzhou Jingwei - China, Rashington-China, Swarovski Middle East FZE, and Transgulf Enterprises among others.

Texpo 2005 has on display the complete range of technology and products used by garment manufacturers and allied industries, including industrial & domestic sewing machines, knitting and hosiery machinery and accessories for the making up industry, pressing machines, industrial irons, ironing tables etc., embroidery machines, laboratory dyeing machinery, quality testing and measuring equipment, accessories, including machinery components, fasteners, threads, machine needles, raschel elastics, zippers, dyes & chemicals, tapes & ribbons, enzymes, softeners etc., yarns and fabrics, and more.

TransGulf Enterprises, a part of the prestigious Alzarooni Group of Dubai, is participating in this year's TEXPO along with a large number of its global principals known for their sewing machines, garments making machines, threads, interlining and accessories.

"Our display this time at TEXPO 2005 concentrates on the new line of direct drive machines family. This family has grown from single needle lock stitch to double needle lock stitch machines and now includes the all important bar tacker and lock stitch buttons stitching machine," said Mr. Tareq Abdullah, General Manager, TransGulf Enterprises.

"Undoubtedly these machines have contributed immensely in improving the productivity of factories with saving in electricity consumption and maintenance cost," he added.

TEXPO is organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). The TEXPO 2005 show is open daily from 10 am to 1 pm and 4.30 am to 9.30 pm for trade only. It concludes on September 15.