With the diversity of its product range, speed of order processing and prices to rival those of asian suppliers, Optex S.A. has demonstrated that it is possible to operate successfully even in the sector of plain woven fabric preferred by the majority of consumers.

In the 1980s, 50% of the fabric produced by Optex was being exported to China and Kuwait. Its export quota ratio has changed considerably since then. A 20-year business relationship with Western Europe has been maintained and now accounts for 10% of exports. However, the main consumers are Polish wholesalers and the wellorganized domestic ready-to-wear industry, which in turn forms the hub for garment sales to the CIS states and Western Europe.

One significant reason for Optex's favourable position in international competition is its swift and flexible reaction to requests and orders. If necessary, orders can be turned around within 10 days. To achieve this high level of performance, the plant has undergone consistent modernization in recent years.

Optex thus produces its own polyester for the weaving mill on 8000 texturing spindles, some of them brand new. The weaving preparation department comprises two older warping machines together with two ultra-modern units, while the weaving mill operates with 250 older rapier weaving machines and 48 airjet weaving machines of the latest design. In the finishing department, piece dyeing accounts for 95% of the output, with the remaining 5% being yarn-dyed. The inventory of machinery is rounded off by three stenter frames, one unit also being fitted with a coating device.
A sample department with its own sample warping machine and sample weaving section completes the picture.

In 1994 Optex purchased 28 DORNIER airjet weaving machines. The company's decision was based on the knowledge that a larger range of fabrics can be woven at a higher rate of production on this machine model than on any of the other directly comparable airjet, rapier and projectile weaving machines available.

All 28 weaving machines are two-colour machines, including dobbies and cam motions with scissors controlled by stepping motor and rotary leno devices.

Only textured polyester in yarn counts between 167 and 350 dtex (150-315 den) is used in the warp. For the filling Optex uses textured polyester and also linen, lurex, viscose, cotton and linen/viscose blends, primarily in counts of 167 to 350 dtex.

With just one yarn break per 100,000 picks, a unit efficiency rating of 96-98% is attained at 746 rpm. The automatic filling repair facility AFR achieves a 90% success rate.

To be able to satisfy the demands of the textile market in the future for well-adapted products and produce up to 12 million running metres of woven fabric per year even more cost effectively, Optex will be continuing its process of modernization in all departments.