As the regional textile industry in South America seeks to reconcile rising production costs with the necessity for greater efficiency, Shima Seiki Mfg, Ltd is set to introduce its latest knitting innovations at Simatex 2026. Held in Buenos Aires from June 2-4, 2026, the exhibition serves as a crucial platform for the company to demonstrate how its Wholegarment technology can replace labor-intensive assembly processes. By producing garments in a single, seamless operation, manufacturers can bypass traditional linking and sewing stages, effectively reducing the time-to-market while improving the structural integrity of knitwear. This shift is particularly relevant as regional apparel producers face pressure to optimize their cost structures against global competitors.
Bridging design and demand through digital integration
Beyond physical machinery, the company’s focus remains on the digital transformation of the supply chain through its SDS-ONE APEX4 3D design system. By enabling realistic virtual sampling, Shima Seiki provides a framework for manufacturers to gauge consumer demand before commencing full-scale production. This model shifts the industry away from traditional inventory-heavy strategies toward demand-based manufacturing, which significantly curtails material waste and lowers overheads. Integrating design-to-production workflows is essential for sustainability, notes the company, emphasizing that virtual prototypes now possess the fidelity required to replace physical samples entirely. This digitization allows for a more agile response to market trends, positioning the technology as a long-term solution for brands aiming to balance aesthetic innovation with operational sustainability.
Enhancing global apparel supply chain sustainability
Founded in 1962, Shima Seiki is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in flat knitting technology, CAD systems, and computerized cutting machines. The company focuses on the global fashion and industrial textile markets. With 1,328 employees, it continues to invest in high-efficiency manufacturing systems to improve global apparel supply chain sustainability.
