Thailand's Luckytex invests in Monforts technology

The largest export market for 100 % spun produce is the Middle East. Filaments for linings, outerwear, twill and satin are also substantially exported, while denim is mainly for the local market. Taffeta currently accounts for 20 % of exports.

Taffeta production totals about 4,600 yards/month( kyd/per month), of which the bulk is 62 cm wide: only slightly over 500 kyd is 48 cm width. Approximately 87 % of production is for plain taffeta, with the remaining 13 % being dobby and cam.

Altogether, Asia forms the largest export market with 85 %, followed by Europe at 11 % and   America with 4 %.

Installation of the three-chamber Thermex 6500 continuous dyeing line, will allow Luckytex to develop new high-density fabrics and special finishes. And being a loop-dryer with a fabric capacity of up to 51 m, it will ensure drying times of only a few minutes for knitted fabrics.

The new Thermex is currently processing materials of 120 gm/m², but this is expected to increase to 200 gm/m². The width is usually 160 cm.

Earlier this year the company installed a Monforts MXL 7000 continuous moist cross-linking unit which allows, for example, non-iron, laundry fresh and wrinkle-free properties, particularly on cotton fabrics at a reaction of the time required by batch methods. Process times are reduced from more than 20 hours to less than three minutes.

It also ensures greater flexibility and increased process safety. The MXL process line comprises a padder, a stretching field and a Thermex hotflue treatment chamber. It is being used principally for 100 % cotton woven fabrics along with some cotton blended with polyester woven fabrics.

The recently installed Montex 6500 stenter is being used almost exclusively for taffeta, which Luckytex believes offers more potential as a market.

“The past two years has been a time of heavy investment for us,” says Mr Li. “We believe we have reached the strategic point we are aiming for, in order to increase our value-added revenue.

“This is essential for us, and as a long-time user of Monforts, who we regard as a valuable business partner, we have every confidence in achieving our targets.”

Monforts