From the Sector

Heimtextil, the leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design, is strategically expanding the Smart Bedding segment. A new exhibitor area will be created for the January 2026 edition: Sleep & Meet. This new format will take up around a quarter of Hall 4.0. Numerous well-known brands from the mattress sector have already registered to take part. With a clear structure and a high-quality environment, Sleep & Meet offers bedding retailers, hospitality and volume buyers direct access to relevant companies and industry participants, new product range perspectives and valuable business contacts.

Numerous strong German brands from the mattress sector will be exhibiting at Heimtextil 2026. Well-known companies such as Auping Germany, Bettwaren Stendebach, Erich Werkmeister, ergomed, Femira, Rummel and Schwarzwald Schlafsysteme are celebrating their premiere at Heimtextil 2026 and have already registered. The EuroComfort Group with Badenia, Brinkhaus, Lück and fan frankenstolz are significantly expanding their space at Heimtextil 2026.

Trade association Matratzen-Industrie e.V. will be present again
The trade association Matratzen-Industrie is also sending out a strong signal: the association will once again have its own stand at Heimtextil 2026. ‘Heimtextil offers the ideal platform to showcase the innovative strength and diversity of German mattress manufacturers internationally’, explains Martin Auerbach, Managing Director of the trade association Matratzen-Industrie.

DyStar, a leading specialty chemical company with a heritage of more than a century in product development and innovation, announced the cessation of manufacturing operations at DyStar Hilton Davis with partial integration of production within DyStar LP in Reidsville, North Carolina.

The latest integration will impact the production facility of DyStar Hilton Davis, which primarily manufactures Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Dyes (FD&C), Drug and Cosmetic Dyes (D&C), Lakes, Technical Dyes, and Pigment Dispersions. As part of our ongoing efforts to consolidate and optimize our manufacturing footprint (MFO) in Americas, the facility will cease production operations on 30 June 2025.

Following the final instalment of the Group’s consolidation plan, DyStar’s Americas will focus our main production activities at the sites in Reidsville, North Carolina, and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Mr. Xu Yalin, Managing Director and President, DyStar Group said, “We believe that the success of the strategic plan will position DyStar to decisively respond to the fundamental changes taking place in the industry and enables us to improve profitability while maintaining strategic product development capability, and to accelerate growth over the long-term.”

Mr. Clement Yang, Vice President, Global Manufacturing, DyStar Group said, “The overall plan builds upon our global capabilities and resources, and it reinforces DyStar’s strong commitment to strategic investments, product and service excellence, as well as productivity improvements that will drive our Company, customers and industry forward.”
DyStar remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders, including affected employees, customers, suppliers, and partners to minimize the impact on business operations and to ensure a smooth global transition. We will treat all affected parties with due respect and dignity, adhering to company policies, collective bargaining agreements and regulatory requirements.

The company will support affected employees with necessary resources during this transition, including resources and opportunities for employees to apply for open positions at other DyStar locations in Americas.

The UK’s leading contemporary fashion and lifestyle show, Scoop announces an exciting move to Olympia National Kensington, London for their upcoming S/S ’26 show taking place 13-15 July 2025.

A beautifully renovated heritage building with a serious design pedigree, having housed iconic fashion events over its 100-year history, Olympia National Kensington will provide the perfect backdrop for Scoop to expand their repertoire of emerging and exclusive designers in a more elevated and spacious venue.  Scoop’s Founder and Managing Director Karen Radley says, “We’re always seeking the new, and our new home will soon unveil its most beautiful incarnation yet. We can’t wait to welcome you to this exciting new chapter!”

This landmark season, ‘For Fashionable People’ will see Scoop walking on sunshine with an electric mix of fashion, lifestyle and iconic art and culture that captures the energy and joie de vivre at the heart of the show. While the details are kept a closely guarded secret Scoop S/S ’26 will embrace joy and optimism, celebrating the feel good in their new home at Olympia National Kensington.

Radley has always stood proudly at the forefront of unveiling emerging designers from around the globe and perfectly curating a show that reflects the retail environment giving Scoop its distinct character. Radley comments, “This season at Scoop will be a true breath of fresh air. Buyers will walk into our sunshine filled! new home at Olympia National Kensington, to a showcase that celebrates emerging designers poised to have significant impact on the UK market.”

Recognised as a must-see on the international trade show circuit, Scoop will open its doors at Olympia National Kensington, this July with an edited line up of premium women’s fashion as well as luxury home, beauty, lifestyle and men’s collections.

SCAYLE ernennt Fabian Wesner zum Managing Director Customer Success. Er folgt auf René Dalock, der das Unternehmen auf eigenen Wunsch Ende April verlässt. Fabian Wesner ist für die Umsetzung und Weiterentwicklung von Kundenprojekten verantwortlich. Zusammen mit den bestehenden Managing Directors Tobias Ring und Christopher Metz trägt er die Gesamtverantwortung für Wachstum und Expansion des Tech-Unternehmens.

SCAYLE ist ein Enterprise-Shop-System für B2C-Marken und –Händler. Das Funktionsset umfasst u.a. PIM, Shop-Management, Checkout und OMS, aber auch Funktionalitäten für Omnichannel, erweiterte Promotions und Search. Marken wie Harrods, Manchester United, Deichmann, s.Oliver, Fielmann und FC Bayern nutzen das System. Die SCAYLE GmbH ist Teil der ABOUT YOU Group.
 
Fabian Wesner bringt langjährige Expertise in der Führung technologiegetriebener Transformationen mit. Als Global CTO bei Rocket Internet verantwortete der heute 45-Jährige von 2009 bis 2011 globale Tech-Projekte und die eCommerce-Plattform hinter Online-Shops wie Dafiti, Jabong und Zalora.  Als CTO bei Project A setzte er 2011 bis 2014 die Tech-Stacks und Online-Shops mehrerer Unternehmen auf, darunter Contorion, Tirendo und Nu3. Danach wurde er CTO der Commerce-Plattform Spryker, bevor er 2020 das Feature-as-a-Service-Startup ROQ Technology mitgründete und Enterprise-Unternehmen zu E-Commerce-Innovationen und Plattform-Migrationen beriet.
 
Bei SCAYLE wird sich Fabian Wesner mit seinem Team um die Migration von Neukunden sowie die Weiterentwicklung bestehender Kundenprojekte kümmern. Ein weiterer zentraler Bestandteil seiner Aufgaben wird das Customer Success Management sein.

Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium launch 'Behind the Break: Exploring Fibre Fragmentation,' a study investigating the key drivers of fibre fragmentation. The research aims to challenge root causes and assumptions, address data gaps, and validate test methods. Tackling the issue at the source, this project is c reated to advance the industry knowledge needed to mitigate fibre fragment pollution.  
 
The project brings together major fashion brands and manufacturers including adidas, Bestseller, C&A, Inditex, Kering, Levi Strauss & Co., Norrona, ON, Paradise Textiles, and Positive Materials, with Under Armour joining as a project partner. Testing will be conducted across three laboratories - Paradise Textiles, Under Armour, and IMPACT+ Network from Northumbria University - to analyse fibre fragmentation in cotton knit, cotton woven, and polyester knit fabrics.  

BEHIND THE BREAK: Data required to understand root causes of fragmentation  
Fibre fragmentation is a significant topic of concern across the industry, with studies highlighting the potential threat to ecosystems and human health. This underscores the urgent need for the development of effective strategies aimed at mitigating the negative impact of fibre fragments.  
 
In recent years, several domestic and industrial mitigation efforts have been developed to capture fibre fragments before they enter air, water, and soil. However, the focus lies in reducing fibre fragments from entering the environment downstream, rather than tackling the problem at the source.

It is pivotal for the industry to better understand the root causes and mechanisms of fibre fragmentation. Therefore, under this initiative, Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium are launching:  

• A new report, which aims to offer a snapshot of the issue of fibre fragmentation through the lens of the textile and fashion industry, unpacking various aspects of this complex issue (definition, sources and pathways, root causes, analytical test methods, solution portfolio, biodegradation, toxicity and regulation).  
• “Behind the Break: Exploring Fibre Fragmentation” project, identifying root causes of fibre fragmentation within manufacturing processes (such as different dye methods) and how these influence fibre fragmentation. It will focus on three different fabric types - cotton knit, cotton woven and polyester knit. The project includes various testing methods, leveraging the expertise of project partners Under Armour, Impact+ and Paradise Textiles. You can learn more about the testing details here.

"Fibre pollution is a challenge that the industry faces as a whole, so we are partnering with The Microfibre Consortium to contribute to the foundation of data that will help us better understand the root causes of fibre fragmentation. The focus on different testing methods will allow us to reduce uncertainty, take a common direction and set priorities for future research and initiatives within the industry.” Katrin Ley, Managing Director at Fashion for Good.  

This initiative aims to identify the most effective approaches to tackling fibre fragmentation at the source through the following insights:  

• Enhancing Test Methods: Validate and refine testing techniques to ensure accuracy, reliability, and alignment with industry standards.
• Strengthening Data Correlation: Compare results across methods to identify variations, uncover discrepancies, and establish clearer data connections.
• Driving Improvements: Address limitations in current methods, expand databases, and support better design and supply chain practices.
• Supporting Stakeholders: Equip partners and industry players with practical strategies to reduce fragmentation through improved design and manufacturing.
• Informing Policy: Provide valuable insights into contamination and fibre structures to shape effective regulations and policies.

To read the report and learn more about the project click here.
“Partnering with Fashion For Good has helped to unite the project partners behind the ongoing need for alignment on closing fibre fragmentation knowledge gaps. With this rallied support, we can build on the existing state of knowledge and make great strides in addressing urgent topic challenges for a future of informed, science-led and integrated mitigation action.” Kelly Sheridan, CEO at The Microfibre Consortium.
 
“By conducting this study, we are taking a proactive approach to addressing microfibre release. Our goal is to leverage data-driven insights to improve our processes, product design, and sourcing practices, thereby contributing to a less polluting industry. Collaboration across stakeholders is crucial to accelerating our progress toward a more sustainable future.” Lucie Anne Martinol, Textile Innovation Lead at ON.  
 
“At Paradise Textiles, we recognise that the future of the fashion and textile industry hinges on our ability to address challenges like fibre fragmentation head-on. By partnering with Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium, we're bringing collective insights together to validate theories on the root causes of fibre fragmentation. Our objective is to identify processes and strategies that mitigate fibre pollution through informed textile design and manufacturing processes. We're excited about continuing this critical work and pioneering innovative technologies that can reshape the industry for the better.” Lewis Shuler, Head of Innovation at Alpine Group/Paradise Textiles
 
“Positive Materials believes that reducing fibre fragmentation requires innovation at every stage. Our partnership with Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium on Behind the Break is critical because we're not just aiming to reduce shedding; we're making sure our materials maintain the high standards our customers depend on. It’s about finding that balance where environmental responsibility drives innovation, not compromises it.” Elsa Parente, Co-CEO & CTO of Positive Materials

Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions recently hosted its highly anticipated Innovation and Technology Day at the Deltin Hotel in Daman by end of January 2025. The event attracted over 300 participants, including industry experts, partners, and stakeholders, who gathered to explore the latest advancements and trends in the manmade fibers industry in India.

Customer Event in Daman, India
The Innovation and Technology Day commenced with a warm welcome and introduction by Wolfgang Ernst, Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions, and Debabrata Ghosh, Head of Sales at Oerlikon Textile India. They provided an overview of the Indian market and its challenges.

“The Indian textile industry, particularly the chemical fiber sector, is experiencing significant growth and transformation. This development is driven by increasing production capacities, strategic investments, and a shift in global consumption patterns”, said Ghosh. India's production of manmade fibers (MMF) is robust, with annual outputs of 4.8 million tons of Polyester Filament Yarn (PFY), 1.7 million tons of Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF), 0.7 million tons of viscose, 0.2 million tons of Polyamide 6 (PA 6), and 25 thousand tons of acrylic. Additionally, the country boasts substantial capacities for PET bottles and films, growing at rates of 7% and 15% per annum, respectively. The Indian market is witnessing significant expansions in PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) capacity, with major projects underway by Indian Oil Corporation, GAIL, MCPI, Reliance Industries, and the Adani-Indorama joint venture. These expansions are set to increase the PTA capacity from the current 6.296 million tons to over 14 million tons by 2030.

Market Dynamics and strategic investments
“The global consumption landscape is shifting towards India and emerging Asia, driven by rising incomes and changing demographics. By 2050, India and emerging Asia are expected to account for 30% of global consumption at purchasing-power parity (PPP), up from 12% in 1997. This shift underscores the growing importance of these regions in the global economic landscape”, Ghosh continuous. Significant investments are being made to enhance production capacities and integrate advanced technologies. Indian Oil Corporation, in a joint venture with MCPI, is establishing a 900 TPD continuous polymerization unit in Odisha, supported by substantial government subsidies. Similarly, the Adani Group, in partnership with Indorama, is entering the petrochemical sector with a $3 billion PTA plant in Maharashtra.

Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the positive outlook, the industry faces challenges such as ensuring cost efficiency, scalability, and the seamless integration of new technologies into existing production processes. However, the sector is optimistic about improving profitability, driven by favorable supply-demand dynamics and strategic investments. “The Indian textile and chemical fiber industry is poised for significant growth, supported by strategic investments, capacity expansions, and a favorable global consumption shift. These developments position India as a key player in the global textile market, driving towards a sustainable and prosperous future”, said Ernst.

After the introduction about the current market situation, the event continued with numerous technical presentations in which Oerlikon and its partners presented their technological and solution expertise along the textile value production chain “From Melt to Yarn, Fibers and Nonwovens”.

“To spin an excellent yarn, you need the prefect melt”, said Moderator André Wissenberg, Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications, and Public Affairs at Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions. How this can be produced using extrusion or continuous polycondensation technology was demonstrated by the keynote speakers Sven Streiber, Regional Sales Director at Oerlikon Barmag, Deepak Lokre, Head of Engineering at Oerlikon Textile India, and Matthias Schmitz, Head of Engineering Recycling Technology at BB Engineering (BBE).

The second session focused on Oerlikons technology partner for manmade fiber spinning mills. Presentations covered topics such as enhancing manmade fiber production with innovative air engineering, automatic handling solutions and quality inspections, as well as air texturizing solutions. Notable speakers included Praveen Kumar Singh, Managing Director of Luwa India, and Luca Lacitignola, Sales Director at Irico Gualchierani Handling (IGH), Simone Ducceschi, Sales & Project Manager at Thema Systems, as well as Ralf Morgenroth, Head of Engineering Textile Machinery at BBE.

The third session delved into solutions for producing the perfect fibers and yarns, with a focus on Oerlikon Barmag POY/DTY, FDY, IDY technologies as well as Oerlikon Neumag BCF and staple fiber line plants. Presentations were delivered by Philip Jungbecker, Head of R&D, and Guido Dresen, Regional Sales Director, both at Oerlikon Barmag, as well Chetan Bhagat, General Manager Sales, and Sameer Mehrotra, General Manager Service at Oerlikon Textile India. Ralf Morgenroth added further insights of the compact spinning solution VarioFil from BBE.

Environmentally friendly recycling solutions
The fourth session highlighted environmentally friendly recycling solutions, featuring insights from Sven Streiber and Sudipto Mandal, Sales and Marketing Manager at Oerlikon Textile India, and again Matthias Schmitz, BBE. They provided a detailed portfolio overview in the field of mechanical and chemical recycling. The new partnership between Oerlikon Barmag and Evonik was also presented to the audience. Finally, this was followed by a session on customer services and digital solutions, where Michael Ruebenhagen, Head of Global Service Sales and Ivan Gallo, Digital Solutions, both at Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Solutions discussed current upgrade and retrofit options, the Digital Academy, and the future of digitalization in manmade fiber spinning mills. Shared Kulkarnie, General Manager Service Sales & Workshops, as well as Chandru Gurbaxani, Digital Solutions, performed together with their German colleagues.

The event concluded with closing remarks again from Wolfgang Ernst, who provided a global market overview and outlook for 2025. Final remarks were given by Atul Vaidya, Managing Director of Oerlikon Textile India. Finaly the event ended with a gala evening with more than 500 participants featuring a fashion show, music, dancing, and excellent food, supported by Decathlon and Garden Vareli.

Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) of Leeds, UK enjoyed a highly successful exhibition at COMPAMED 2024 in Düsseldorf. This was the first time that FET had exhibited at this leading international trade fair for the medical technology supplier sector, a reflection of the company’s growing role in the global medical sector. In 2023-24, over 60% of FET’s turnover was derived from the medical market.

“It is never certain whether a new exhibition will prove to be a successful venture until it is tested in practice” commented FET’s Managing Director Richard Slack, “but we are delighted to report that COMPAMED 2024 exceeded all expectations. In fact, we have already booked a stand for next year’s exhibition in November, albeit in a slightly different location”.

COMPAMED 2024 attracts suppliers of a comprehensive range of high-quality medical technology components, services and production equipment for the medical industry. FET’s expertise in this sector therefore proved to be a perfect fit. With almost 40 serious customer leads taken at the show from both existing and previously unidentified clients, the initial outlook is for a very successful exhibition which will be followed up by future participation at this annual event.

FET’s established expertise lies in laboratory and pilot melt spinning equipment for a vast range of applications, especially precursor materials used in high value medical devices and specialised novel fibres from exotic and difficult to process polymers. In cases where melt spinning solutions are not suitable, FET provides a viable alternative with pilot and small scale production wet spinning systems.

Central to FET’s success has always been its ability to provide customers with advanced testing facilities and equipment at its Fibre Development Centre in Leeds, complemented by unrivalled knowledge and expertise in research and production techniques.

FET has successfully processed over 100 different polymer types and its systems can melt spin resorbable polymers in multifilament, monofilament and nonwoven formats, collaborating with specialist companies worldwide to promote greater sustainability through innovative manufacturing processes.

The Autumn/Winter '25 edition of Scoop returns to Olympia West, Kensington, from 9–11 February 2025, bringing London’s largest and most anticipated curated showroom event back into the spotlight. Under the expert curation of Founder and Managing Director Karen Radley, this season promises a fresh roster of talent, featuring exciting new faces among the line-up of international designers and lifestyle brands, all carefully selected to captivate buyers and visitors in an intimate and contemporary setting.

Founded in Paris in 2017, Artlove is set to present a vibrant collection that cultivates the spontaneity of a feminine and easy-to-wear aesthetic. Committed to meticulous craftsmanship, Artlove’s clothes are inspired by the vivacious spirit of creativity, for a wardrobe imagined in Paris and to be enjoyed joyfully everywhere. Their dresses, knitwear and separates are designed in a palette of options to reflect individual personality. Each outfit is a work of art in itself, ready to be styled according to the wearer’s mood.

Also making its debut at Scoop is iconic Spanish streetwear brand Loreak Mendian. Founded in Donostia over 25 years ago, Loreak Mendian means “flowers in the mountains”, and is faithful to its roots today by advocating for the power of design to create timeless and durable pieces. Driven by culture, their collections are inspired by artistic expressions; music, art, and graphic design, balance practicality with style, offering versatile urban apparel for both men and women that embodies the spirit of sustainability.

ALIX the Label, renowned for its luxurious take on wardrobe essentials, will also be showing for the first time. Designed ‘for those with a hint of rock and roll in their DNA’, this season’s highlights include leopard-print dresses paired with crisp sneakers for a laid-back look, and bold oversized blazers that can be styled with sky-high heels for a night out.

Orfeo Paris will unveil a collection that effortlessly blends structured tailoring with dreamy feminine charm. Expect tailored blazers, chic dresses, and cosy knitwear designed with precision and a keen eye for detail. Each piece captures the essence of Parisian sophistication while remaining approachable and practical for everyday wear.

For buyers seeking new jewellery designers, Love Letter’s latest collection, The Divine Feminine, is an ode to feminine power and mystique. The line features striking jewellery pieces that harmonise celestial and earthly elements, with gemstones like rainbow moonstones, copper turquoise, malachite, amethyst, and carnelian taking centre stage. Also debuting, The Little Words Project is known for its handcrafted beaded bracelets featuring inspirational phrases. These customisable accessories promote kindness and positivity, encouraging wearers to “pay it forward” by gifting them to friends or loved ones in need of encouragement.

Travaux en Cours is set to impress with its chic and functional range of bags and hats.  Designed in France and woven in Italy, their unisex hats, crafted from durable woven paper that
mimics straw, are available in a variety of colours, making them an ideal addition to any wardrobe.

Other new designers poised to catch buyers’ attention include My Beachy Side, Artemis Muse, Fancy Palas, Mirto, and Sunny Studio. Scoop favourites, such as Cocoa Cashmere, Dr. Bloom, Dream Catchers, Sophie + Lucie, Sofie Schnoor, Quinton Chadwick, Mou, Eribe, Dedicated, and Dr. Denim, will showcase their latest collections. Meanwhile, returning brands Dixie, Pom Amsterdam, Vilagallo, Nooki, Humility, and FRNCH promise to delight with their distinctive offerings.

RUDOLF announced the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to acquire Proeza in Mexico. This strategic acquisition will allow RUDOLF to leverage Proeza‘s established strengths and extensive market presence. With approx. 2,000 employees in 45 countries, RUDOLF provides logistical and technical support to its
customers worldwide.

RUDOLF is committed to maintain the exceptional level of service and quality products that Proeza’s customers have come to rely on. Rudolf is looking forward to introduc a range of innovative products from their portfolio to expand the product offering and drive innovation.

Proeza has built a strong reputation over its 40 years in the industry and Rudolf wants to build on this legacy. To ensure seamless integration and local expertise, Mr Javier Sagrero has been appointed as the new Managing Director of RUDOLF Mexico.

With 42 exhibiting member companies, ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024 is once again marked by a strong presence of VDMA companies. They cover nearly all different machinery chapters with a focus on spinning and man-made fibers, nonwovens, weaving, braiding, knitting & warp knitting, finishing & dyeing as well as technologies for textile recycling and processing of recycled material.
In total, the German participation at the fair is the largest from outside China.

The VDMA team in Shanghai is staffed again with colleagues from the VDMA headquarters in Germany as well as from VDMA China. With these joined forces, the team is well prepared to support the exhibiting member companies on site.

Dr. Harald Weber, Managing Director VDMA Textile Machinery Association, summarised: “Although facing a difficult market situation, this year’s ITMA ASIA is an essential showcase for the member companies of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association. There is definitely no shortage of chances and opportunities in China and other Asian markets. The exhibiting members will demonstrate their smart technologies that can pave the way to a green textile production and are looking forward to welcoming numerous visitors from various countries to their booths in Shanghai.”

China is aiming at a green and low CO₂ development of its textile industry. At a press conference on the first day of ITMA ASIA + CITME, Georg Stausberg, member of the board of VDMA Textile Machinery and CEO of the Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division said: “Topics, such as energy efficiency and the careful use of resources have become increasingly important for Asian customers in recent years, not least due to stricter legal framework conditions. VDMA members and their technologies are the right partners on the road to a greener and low CO₂ textile production.”
 
Export performance
Already in 2023, the global textile machinery exports decreased by 18.6 % compared to 2022. This was a challenge all major textile machinery producing countries had to face. However, the German exports remained relatively strong and only declined by 3.4 % in 2023. 2024 did not see a change in the global textile industry and thus the German exports have now also dropped significantly. Between January and July 2024, German exports of textile machinery and accessories summed up to 1.2 billion € (2023: 1.6 billion €). The shipping to almost all major markets decreased between January and July: China: 242 million € (2023: 384 million €), Turkey: 140 million € (2023: 180 million €), USA: 118 million € (2023: 152 million €), India: 100 million € (2023: 153 million €).

Sales opportunities in Asia
An economic survey of VDMA in September, to which 20 textile machinery companies replied, reflects the global challenging situation. Around 36 % assessed their current business situation as satisfactory, 54 % said it was bad. Only very few companies expect the global situation to improve in the next six months.

However, looking at the sales opportunities by regions/countries in Asia, most of the responding companies expect a better business situation in the Asian markets except China in six months. The business situation is expected to be on a satisfactory level then. With regard to this, a presence at ITMA ASIA in Shanghai and next year in Singapore is important for VDMA members to continuously show their innovations and to keep contact with the customers in Asia.