Embroidery and braiding equipment will also have a stand-alone area, according to CEMATEX (the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers), which owns ITMA. 

"Although we have always showcased garment making machinery, we have greatly enhanced its profile for the 2011 show, adding many new categories and featuring the sector in our forum," explained CEMATEX secretary general Maria Avery.

The move has been welcomed by Rahul Mehta, president of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), who believes investing in "more advanced technology and more efficient solutions" will help boost the productivity and competitiveness of the country's garment makers.

Benny Soetrisno, chairman of the Indonesian Textile Association and vice chairman of the ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries, noted that while automation was not the primary answer to staying competitive, "the impact of new technology on industry development is not to be ignored."

As well as garment making technology, ITMA 2011 will showcase machinery and accessories for spinning, winding and texturing, web formation, weaving, knitting and hosiery, embroidery, braiding, dyeing and finishing, testing and measuring, software, recycling, logistics, plant operations, research and education.

The event will be at the modern Fira de Barcelona Gran Vía venue in Barcelona, Spain, from 22-29 September 2011 and is expected to attract over 1,400 international exhibitors and more than 120,000 trade visitors.