Investing in automation is crucial for businesses to thrive in today’s cut-throat competition, pointed out Kimura Kazuhiro, MD, Eastman- C.R.A. (Hong Kong) Ltd., a leading manufacturer of automated cutting systems and manually-operated cutting machines, serving customers across Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam.
Earlier, he was handling the Eastman’s factory in Ningbo, China. The Ningbo factory specialises in all kinds of garment cutting and tailoring machine manufacturing, including a series of straight knife cutting machines, fully auto spreading machine and band knives. Before that, he worked with the Japanese sewing company Kansai Special and has been handling the Bangladesh market since 1995. He noted that AI will bring major changes to automation in future.
“If business continues to grow positively, we may expand further. Currently, Bangladesh contributes about 10 per cent of our total revenue. Our main customers are manufacturers focused on high-quality production rather than low-cost, mass-market items,” he added.
In an exclusive interview with Apparel Resources, Kimura shared insights on how Eastman’s machines are improving productivity, the challenges with regard to automation, Bangladesh’s current economic situation, the importance of after-sales service and more. Here are the edited excerpts.
AR: How are your products making the RMG industry smarter, faster and more efficient?
Kimura Kazuhiro: We have a range of machines which are making life easier for the RMG industry by reducing power consumption, increasing efficiency and saving time. For instance, one of our best innovations is the ES- 660 Series Spreading System, designed for all types of knit and woven fabrics. It’s built to spread fabric quickly and efficiently, handling heights of up to 20 cm.
What makes it special is the photo-electric edge alignment system, which keeps fabric edges perfectly aligned and maintains the right tension. This means less material waste and better efficiency.
It also has a dual assist material feeding system that prevents fabric from stretching, along with an expanding roller, spiral roller and mesh extension, especially useful for knitted fabrics.
Another great machine we have is Raptor 75, a multi-layer automatic cutting system designed for precision and efficiency. It comes with a high-speed up-and-down cutting knife and can cut fabric up to 75mm thick after vacuum compression.
The process is fully automated. The fabric spreads automatically, moves to the cutting area and gets covered with a polyethylene film to prevent vacuum leaks. What makes the Raptor 75 stand out is its advanced network-based, digital motion control system, which allows real-time monitoring and adjustments.
It also has a self-diagnosis feature, meaning it constantly monitors itself, detects any issues and reports faults automatically.
Another reliable machine we offer is the EC-3N, a versatile cutting system designed for precision and ease of use. It comes with different handle options, including a push handle, a dual push/ pull handle for extra-wide cuts that need more than one operator and a swivel handle for limited space applications. The machine features a Perma-Field Motor, which provides more cutting torque while reducing heat buildup. We also have the 9N, a semi-automatic end cutter that is widely used in factories to improve productivity. This machine ensures rapid, high-quality and precise fabric cutting. It comes with a motorised cutting head and offers both hand and long-handle cutting options, with a maximum cutting length of 90 feet using a preset length control.
Other excellent products we have are EC-700N and EC-900N, advanced band knives designed for precision cutting. They offer variable speed control, powered by a unique inverter system that adapts to different materials. The speed can be easily adjusted using a touch panel, which also features a digital readout for precise control.
We also have the CT-3 cutting table, which is designed for durability and efficiency. It features a smooth, high-pressure laminate (HPL) surface that is 100 per cent solid wood, strong and resistant to wear and deformation. The table is equipped with an air pump that provides both blowing and suction functions, making fabric movement easier while reducing tension.
Moreover, 627PM and 629PM are specially designed cutting machines created to handle synthetic materials like plastics, PVC, vinyl and reinforced vinyl without causing fusing issues.
Another innovative machine we offer is the SC-2000 Auto Arm Cutter. This machine is designed to keep the cutter head perfectly vertical, solving technical challenges that often arise when cutting.
In CAD Software, we have introduced a multicore version where customers can use a minus buffer which is very effective for fabric saving-at least 2-5 per cent compared to conventional marker systems.
AR: How have market trends evolved over the years?
Kimura Kazuhiro: One major shift is the growing presence of Chinese manufacturers. Customers in Bangladesh have become more accepting of Chinese products, especially in terms of quality. The biggest challenge we face now is price competition. Since China’s products are becoming more affordable, maintaining our mid-range pricing strategy is difficult. Everyone is lowering their prices, which is making profit margins tighter across the board.
Moreover, Bangladesh is still developing in terms of adopting new technology compared to other countries. However, there is a market for advanced solutions. Previously, Uniqlo and other major firms primarily sourced their technology from China. Now, Bangladesh is emerging as a key market for such innovations.
| One of our best innovations is the ES-660 Series Spreading System, designed for all types of knit and woven fabrics. It’s built to spread fabric quickly and efficiently, handling heights of up to 20 cm.What makes it special is the photo-electric edge alignment system, which keeps fabric edges perfectly aligned and maintains the right tension. |
AR: What are your thoughts on Bangladesh’s current economic climate?
Kimura Kazuhiro: The depreciation of the Bangladeshi Taka against the US dollar is a significant challenge. The currency has weakened by approximately 11 per cent in the past year. Additionally, banks in Bangladesh often struggle to provide US dollars for import transactions. Even when customers want to purchase our machines, the lack of available foreign currency can delay or prevent transactions. The only way to solve this issue is for factories to increase exports and generate more US dollars.
AR: How crucial is automation in today’s manufacturing industry?
Kimura Kazuhiro: Automation is essential for efficiency. While it may reduce the number of workers needed for certain tasks, it also allows companies to reallocate manpower to more skilled roles.
The market is growing, but expansion is mainly driven by existing customers. The biggest challenges in our industry are securing funds for new automation and finding skilled operators to use the technology. Quick service support is also crucial. Due to geopolitical upheaval, rising inflation and increasing labour costs in Bangladesh, many customers want to cut expenses through automation. In fact many businesses cannot survive without automation.
While automation requires investment, we provide a Return on Investment (ROI) analysis to help customers make informed decisions.
Our primary goal is to help factories grow. When factories grow, they generate more revenue, increasing their ability to invest in better technology. This cycle strengthens the entire industry.
AR: How do you ensure top-notch customer support for your clients?
Kimura Kazuhiro: After-sales service is very important. Many competitors sell machines but don’t provide proper support, causing problems for customers. We stand out by offering strong after-sales support.
We have a team of technicians in Bangladesh and an office with spare parts to provide quick help. We also organise technical seminars to help customers fix issues on their own.
With our automation, we provide spare parts that last 1-3 years at no extra cost. For software and auto-cutter issues, we offer instant support through AnyDesk remote access. Our agents are well-trained and we have enough technical staff to assist customers anytime.
