British textile machinery manufacturers continued to advance innovation across composites, fibre processing, digitalisation, and materials testing in 2025, despite ongoing uncertainty in global markets. Members of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) reported significant technological progress, reinforcing the UK sector’s reputation for high-value engineering and specialist solutions.
BTMA chief executive Jason Kent said the past year saw members introduce new technologies for producing advanced fibres and technical fabrics, alongside wider adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning in process control systems. Developments in testing and quality assurance were also a key highlight, strengthening confidence in British machinery as the industry looks ahead to 2026. Kent noted strong momentum supported by international exposure at major events such as JEC Composites in Paris and Techtextil in Frankfurt.
In composites, Cygnet Texkimp gained industry recognition with its nomination for a 2026 JEC Innovation Award, following collaboration with McLaren Automotive on the ART rapid tape-deposition system. Capable of laying dry fibre tapes at speeds of up to 2.5 metres per second, the system improves precision, reduces material waste, and shortens production cycles. As the world’s largest independent manufacturer of prepreg production machinery, Cygnet Texkimp is also expanding its footprint through handling, converting, and recycling technologies, including licensed manufacture of the DEECOM composite recycling system.
Other BTMA members are contributing to composite manufacturing advancements, with Emerson & Renwick applying printing and coating expertise to carbon fibre processing, Airbond improving pneumatic yarn splicing for high-value fibres, and Slack & Parr supplying high-accuracy gear metering pumps for manmade fibre applications.
Innovation in fibre processing has also accelerated. Fibre Extrusion Technology has introduced a patented solvent extraction process using supercritical carbon dioxide for producing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The approach enables smaller, more flexible gel spinning systems, addressing limitations associated with traditional UHMWPE production.
Digitalisation and quality control remain central themes. Shelton Vision has expanded the capabilities of its WebSpector automated inspection system, enabling real-time defect detection on complex patterned fabrics, even where distortion occurs during processing. Meanwhile, C-Tex has brought laboratory-grade colour measurement directly into production lines, combining inline inspection with continuous colour analysis to improve transparency and consistency.
Advanced testing technologies continue to evolve, with James Heal launching new performance testing solutions focused on speed and usability, and VeriVide enhancing non-contact colour measurement through its DigiEye system. Addressing the challenge of objectively measuring fabric feel, Roaches International has introduced the Sentire fabric handle tester, enabling manufacturers to quantify tactile properties such as softness, smoothness, and drape.
According to Kent, these developments reflect a convergence of advanced machinery, intelligent software, and rigorous testing across the BTMA membership. He said the innovations are helping to build a more efficient, transparent, and resilient textile manufacturing sector, underpinning confidence in the future of British textile machinery on the global stage.
