Itema will participate in SITEX 2026, taking place from 21 to 23 February at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The company will present two of its most successful high-end rapier weaving machines for the regional market: the R9500EVO and the Galileo-RX.
Itema’s presence at SITEX follows the recent inauguration of its new service centre in Surat, a key textile hub and one of the company’s most important markets globally. Opened in November, the Surat Service Center is equipped with an advanced electronics repair unit, a weaving machine behaviour simulator, and a local spare parts warehouse. The facility reinforces Itema’s long-term commitment to the region and enhances proximity and support for local customers.
According to Sameer Kulkarni, Managing Director of Itema Weaving India, Itema has witnessed exceptional growth in Surat since 2021, with a significant increase in machine installations across regional textile mills. He highlighted the company’s role in supporting Surat’s weaving community and contributing to the production of high-quality fabrics through advanced weaving technology.
Itema’s distinctive position in the weaving machinery landscape is driven by its patented rapier weft insertion system and unique shed geometry, designed to minimise stress on warp and weft yarns. These features result in improved fabric hand-feel and reduced stop marks, making the technology particularly suitable for producing high-value fabrics such as sarees. The strong adoption of Itema machines in Surat underlines the necessity of such precision technologies for weavers working with demanding quality and performance standards.
At SITEX 2026, Itema will demonstrate the versatility of its weaving solutions through two machine configurations tailored to different production needs. The R9500EVO, displayed at the Stäubli stand, features a wide weaving width and is paired with a high-capacity Jacquard system. Its configuration focuses on achieving superior textile performance through advanced weft transfer and cutting technologies.
At the Itema booth, visitors can see the Galileo-RX, a machine that has earned strong acceptance in the Surat market for its reliability and balanced price-performance proposition. Equipped with a guided weft transfer system, mechanical weft cutter, and the latest-generation Itema console with touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and IoT readiness, the machine reflects Itema’s focus on smart, connected weaving solutions.
With its participation at SITEX 2026, Itema aims to showcase how its rapier weaving technologies address the specific requirements of Surat’s textile industry, combining yarn care, fabric quality, and digital readiness to support modern weaving operations.
