SIMA Texfair 2026 will mark the 15th edition of one of India’s most focused and influential exhibitions for Textile Machinery, Accessories & Spares, scheduled to be held from March 6 to 9, 2026, at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex. Organised by The Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), the exhibition has established itself as a premier B2B platform connecting textile machinery manufacturers, spares and accessories suppliers, and key stakeholders across India and major global textile hubs. Over the years, Texfair has gained strong industry credibility for addressing the practical and operational needs of the textile value chain, making it a must-visit trade fair for manufacturers, exporters, and technology providers in the textile sector.

Durai Palanisamy, Chairman, SIMA, along with industry leadership, is spearheading preparations for what promises to be one of the most impactful editions yet.

In an exclusive interaction, Dr. K. Selvaraju, Secretary General, SIMA, shared insights into the journey of Texfair, its founding philosophy, and why the 2026 edition holds special significance.

A Legacy Rooted in the Textile Value Chain

Understanding Texfair begins with SIMA’s legacy. Established in 1933 by R. K. Shanmukham Chetty, the Association was envisioned as a professional body representing the entire textile value chain of South India—from fibre to fashion.

Over nearly nine decades, SIMA has played a proactive role in shaping textile policy and addressing industry concerns spanning labour relations, industrial laws, taxation, shipping, transportation, power, and environmental compliance. The Association continues to work closely with both State and Central Governments to frame policies that strengthen India’s textile ecosystem.

The Genesis of Texfair: Addressing a Critical Industry Gap

Texfair was conceptualised to bridge a clear gap in the exhibition landscape. While large international expos served major textile machinery manufacturers, Textile Spares and Accessories producers—contributing nearly three percent of the industry’s turnover—remained underserved.

“These manufacturers, largely Micro and Small Enterprises, found participation in international exhibitions either unaffordable or ineffective due to limited display opportunities,” explained Dr. Selvaraju.

Recognising this need, SIMA’s former Chairman, Manikam Ramaswami, proposed a focused exhibition exclusively for spares, accessories and auxiliary equipment manufacturers—thus laying the foundation for Texfair.

Strong Foundations and International Standards

From inception, SIMA positioned Texfair at international standards. The launch coincided with the establishment of the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex in Coimbatore. Dr. Selvaraju acknowledged the crucial support of A. V. Varadaraj, then Chairman of CODISSIA, during the inaugural edition held in August 2001.

From Modest Beginnings to Record Footfalls

The first edition featured 186 exhibitors from Coimbatore, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and select international markets. Since then, Texfair has witnessed remarkable growth. From 2013 onwards, the exhibition has consistently recorded over one lakh footfalls—an achievement few trade fairs in the textile sector can claim.

Texfair 2026 is expected to host over 250 exhibitors across approximately 12,500 square metres of exhibition space, reinforcing Coimbatore’s position as a leading textile machinery hub.

An Inclusive Exhibition Model: From Boardroom to Shop Floor

One of Texfair’s defining strengths is its inclusive visitor base. Unlike many exhibitions restricted to top management, Texfair welcomes shop-floor professionals—technicians, electricians, and fitters—who directly work with spares and accessories.

For exhibitors, this translates into strong commercial returns. Nearly 60 percent of stalls are reportedly booked within an hour of announcement, underscoring the trust and credibility Texfair commands. Importantly, the event is fully managed by the SIMA Secretariat, ensuring operational transparency and efficiency.

Concurrent Conferences on Digital Transformation

Adding intellectual depth to the exhibition, SIMA has scheduled two days of concurrent conferences. A key focus area will be digital transformation and technology development, helping buyers source textile products more efficiently through digital platforms.

Comprehensive Exhibitor Profile

Texfair 2026 will showcase manufacturers and suppliers across the textile value chain, including:

• Textile Machinery, Accessories and Spares for Ginning, Spinning, Weaving, Processing, Knitting and Garmenting
• Textile Testing Equipment
• Pneumatic and Humidification Systems
• Energy-saving Solutions
• Auxiliary Equipment
• Lubricants
• Electrical and Electronic Components
• Logistics and Power Solutions

As the countdown begins, SIMA Texfair 2026 is poised to once again reinforce its status as India’s premier focused exhibition for textile machinery spares and accessories—delivering practical solutions, meaningful networking, and tangible business outcomes for the textile industry.

Source: Indian Textile Magazine

 (Rewritten & adapted by Indian-Apparel.com News Desk)

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