According to Swiss textile machinery manufacturer Oerlikon Barmag, the demand for top-quality polyester Fully Drawn Yarn (FDY) is growing significantly, particularly in the Chinese market. The company says that yarn qualities for further processing using high-speed warp-knitting methods have been in especially high demand over the past few months

The warp-knitting process which is especially good for producing mesh fabrics requires particularly even yarn, as even the smallest irregularities in the yarn have a negative impact on both the production process and the appearance of the fabric surface. The spectrum of warp-knitted goods ranges from the finest tulle and lace, robust netting and elastic linings all the way through to high-end plush.

“We are detecting a trend towards quality products among Chinese polyester FDY manufacturers”, confirms Oerlikon Barmag Vice President Sales, Michael Korobczuk. “We have just successfully commissioned a polyester FDY 24-end project with 32 positions in the Jiangsu Province. These yarns are destined for warp-knitting plants. Chinese yarn manufacturers are now increasingly focusing on products with higher margins, particularly in the currently extremely difficult market and due to the growing competition in standard products.”

A further multi-position polyester FDY 24-end project was sold last week and the company, from the Chinese Zhejiang Province, is also planning to manufacture FDY yarns for further processing using high-speed warp-knitting machines.

About Oerlikon

Oerlikon (SWX: OERL) is one of the world's most successful high-tech industrial groups specializing in machine and plant engineering. The company is a leader in the field of industrial solutions and innovative technologies for textile manufacture, thin-film solar and thin-film coating, drive, precision and vacuum systems. With roots in Switzerland and a long tradition stretching back 100 years, Oerlikon is a global player with a workforce of more than 19,000 at 170 locations in 35 different countries. The company’s sales amounted to CHF 5.6 billion and it ranks either first or second in the respective global markets. In 2007, approx. 5 per cent of the turnover was invested in research and development (CHF 274 million).