From Portugal to Pakistan, leading knitted fabric manufacturers rely on Monforts Montex stenters for precise and highly automated handling during critical drying and finishing processes.

“Knitted fabrics need delicate handling as they often have a higher degree of elasticity compared to woven materials,” explains Monforts Marketing Manager Nicole Croonenbroek. “Our Montex stenters provide smooth treatment at very low and precisely controlled tension, ensuring gentle and even thermal processing. The Montex is highly versatile, accommodating different fabric qualities while also delivering significant energy savings.”

Europe’s leader in dyeing and finishing ATB – Acabamentos Têxteis de Barcelos, founded in 1985 in Barcelos, Portugal, is one of Europe’s largest textiles dyeing and finishing companies, processing 36-40 tons of fabric daily for clients such as Benetton, Inditex, and Mango.

Since installing its first Monforts Montex stenter in 1990, ATB has expanded its fleet to five units, each 2.8 metres wide, equipped with heat recovery systems and advanced control technology for process precision. The plant also houses two Monforts Dynair relaxation dryers and one EcoApplicator.

Knitting operations are managed at Etevimol, also in Barcelos, which became fully owned by the Mano family in 2024. With 160 knitting machines being transferred to the ATB plant and a €5 million investment planned in new equipment, the company is strengthening its position in the market.

ATB also maintains a growing library of 10,000 fabric samples, enabling rapid prototyping for customers. “We ensure that our showroom is stocked with finished garments to anticipate customer needs,” says company CEO Ricardo Mano. “This, along with our investment in leading technology suppliers like Monforts, keeps us ahead in the industry.”

Interloop’s ambitious expansion In Pakistan

Interloop has grown from a small hosiery operation in 1992 to one of the country’s largest publicly listed textile firms. With key customers including Adidas, H&M, Nike, and Target, the company aims to reach $700 million in annual sales by 2026.

Interloop’s latest fully integrated knit facility in Faisalabad is designed to produce fifty tons of knitted and dyed fabrics daily, supporting an annual output of 45 million garments.

Spanning 1.25 million square feet, the new facility is Interloop’s most technologically advanced yet, achieving the highest LEED score for a project of its scale. The plant prioritises sustainability with renewable energy sources, biomass boilers, and advanced water management systems.

“We’re setting new industry standards with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability,” says Interloop CEO Navid Fazil. “With LEED-certified infrastructure, green energy solutions, and a shift to biomass fuel, we’re driving environmental responsibility at an unprecedented level.”

Reliability and efficiency

“Monforts Montex stenters are the industry benchmark for fabric finishing, providing knitwear manufacturers with precise control, high production throughput, and outstanding energy efficiency,” concludes Nicole Croonenbroek. “Our machines are renowned for their durability and are backed by our commitment to fast, reliable, and expert customer service.”

www.monforts.de

www.atb.pt

www.interloop-pk.com