The Clothing Machinery Fair is an international specialized trade fair held by Tüyap in Istanbul, bringing together manufacturers of garment machinery, embroidery machines, supply industry products and accessories. The first edition opened its doors in 1986. Malkan Machinery has been among the fair's uninterrupted participants since that first meeting.

For Malkan Machinery, founded in 1971 as Türkiye's first domestic manufacturer of industrial ironing machines, the Clothing Machinery Fair became a platform for meeting customers face to face at regular intervals.

At every edition, new products were introduced, machines were displayed in working condition, and the agenda of the industry was reviewed together with visitors. This article brings together the common thread of that journey.

The first section summarizes what the fair means for the industry and Malkan Machinery's participation history. The second part covers the technical topics a garment manufacturer should consider when evaluating an ironing machine at the Clothing Machinery Fair. The final section conveys the participating companies' shared expectations for the fair's future.

1. WHAT IS THE CLOTHING MACHINERY FAIR AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

A view from the Malkan Machinery fair stand.

The Clothing Machinery Fair is a meeting where machinery and equipment for every stage of ready-to-wear garment production, from cutting and sewing to ironing and packaging, are exhibited. Its full name shows its scope: the International Clothing Machines, Embroidery Machines, Clothing Side Industry and Accessories Fair.

Visitors are mainly garment manufacturers, factory managers, technical staff and distributors. Istanbul is one of the most important centers of Türkiye's garment production and exports.

Holding the fair in Istanbul therefore gives both domestic manufacturers and buyers from neighboring regions easy access. With this location, the Clothing Machinery Fair works as a marketplace where domestic and international buyers meet within the same week.

With a biennial calendar, the Clothing Machinery Fair has become the industry's regular meeting point. The Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Buyukcekmece hosted it in its spacious halls in recent editions. The 2014 edition was the fair's twenty-fourth, and the 2016 edition was its twenty-fifth.

A regular calendar allows participating companies to build their product development and promotion plans around the fair. The prototype of a new machine is often prepared with the next Clothing Machinery Fair in mind. This makes the fair a decisive date in the industry's innovation calendar.

For a machine manufacturer, the value of a specialized fair like this comes from the visitor's intent. A visitor to the Clothing Machinery Fair usually arrives with a concrete investment plan or a production problem to solve. As a result, conversations move quickly to technical detail and to a quotation.

The fair is an observation point not only for purchasing decisions but also for seeing the direction of the industry. Within a single day, a visitor can see developments in automation, energy efficiency solutions and new product groups side by side. With this chance to compare, the Clothing Machinery Fair also guides production planning.

2. FIGURES FROM THE EDITIONS

Organizer data shows the scale of the Clothing Machinery Fair in recent editions. The table below brings together the figures reported in Malkan Machinery's corporate news. The figures are based on the organizer's statements.

The figures show participant numbers holding in the 400s and visitor numbers staying between about 37,000 and more than 40,000. In 2014, nine halls and about 100,000 square meters of exhibition space were used, and a similar area was reported for 2016.

This scale shows that the Clothing Machinery Fair is one of the important industry meetings in its region. The quality behind the figures is as important as the numbers themselves.

In 2014, buying delegations from 12 countries abroad and 16 regions in Türkiye attended the Clothing Machinery Fair, and professional visitors came from 69 provinces. For participating companies, this meant the chance to meet many qualified buyers in a short time.

One point deserves attention when reading fair figures. The number of visitors shows general interest, but for a machine manufacturer, what matters is the number of qualified visitors interested in its own product group. For this reason, participants also track meeting quality and post-fair inquiries.

3. MALKAN MACHINERY'S UNINTERRUPTED PARTICIPATION AND THE 2016 AWARD

A look at the Malkan Machinery display layout on the fairground.

Malkan Machinery is among the companies that have participated without interruption since the very first day the Clothing Machinery Fair began. The company's corporate news highlights this continuity at every edition. Uninterrupted participation tells customers that the brand is a lasting presence in the market.

This continuity was met with concrete recognition in 2016. As one of three companies that had participated in the Clothing Machinery Fair without interruption for 25 years, Malkan Machinery was given a special award by the Tüyap Board of Directors.

The award was presented at the Malkan Machinery stand on the fairground by Bulent Unal, the founder of Tüyap Fairs and Exhibitions.

Malkan Machinery has continued to take part in every edition of the fair, held every two years, since 2018 as well.

That a company takes part in the same international fair for so long shows that regular production, R&D and service capacity stand behind it. For the buyer, this is an indirect sign that the supplier will remain reachable for spare parts and service in the long term.

This is why a fair participation history counts as supporting information in purchasing evaluations. Uninterrupted participation is meaningful for the fair itself as well.

Established participants present at every edition are fixed points that let visitors come to the fair with confidence. The long life of the Clothing Machinery Fair has also been supported by the regular participation of such companies.

For Malkan Machinery, uninterrupted participation is a deliberate choice rather than a habit. Each edition is a turning point for testing new products, collecting customer feedback and observing the industry's direction. This choice is the fairground counterpart of a manufacturing tradition that has continued since 1971.

The company's view of the industry can be summed up in a single sentence: “If you take part, you exist; if you do not, you cease to exist.” For Malkan Machinery, the Clothing Machinery Fair at Tüyap, as the backbone of the industry, is the most concrete counterpart of this saying.

4. NOTES FROM THE EDITIONS: THE MALKAN MACHINERY STAND

Malkan Machinery's corporate news also recorded the highlights of each edition. These notes show how the company's approach to the Clothing Machinery Fair deepened over the years. Below, only the main outline of each edition is summarized.

• The highlight of the 2010 edition was the ironing sets prepared for jacket and trouser manufacturers. Mustafa Alkan, General Manager at the time, stated that the domestic and international meetings after the fair pointed to a year of revival for the industry.
• At the 2012 edition, nine ironing groups were exhibited in working condition on the real steam, vacuum and air installation set up at the stand. Visitors had the garments they brought with them ironed at the stand and saw the result on their own products.
• For the 2014 edition, 147 types of products were planned for display on two stands, and three new machines were announced. After the fair, it was reported that the products were shown in working condition in a factory environment and that some meetings turned into orders during the fair.
• At the 2016 edition, the stand was turned into a live factory simulation and presses with PLC equipment were shown. At the same fair, the company received the uninterrupted participation award.

The common thread of these notes is clear: showing the machine while it works. At the Clothing Machinery Fair, Malkan Machinery presented its products in an environment close to real operating conditions instead of lining them up in a showcase. This approach gave visitors a measurable impression beyond catalog information.

The details of each edition are covered separately in the related corporate news. This umbrella article aims to present the common thread of those news items at a glance. Thus the fair's meaning for Malkan Machinery can be read as a continuity beyond individual years.

The Exintex 2026 announcement can also be reviewed as an example of Malkan Machinery's other fair participations.

5. THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF WORKING DISPLAYS: INSTALLATIONS AT THE STAND

A view from the fair stand.

Running machines on the fairground means setting up an ironing department again for a short time. The steam source, vacuum unit, compressor and the lines connecting them to the presses are installed at the stand.

At the Clothing Machinery Fair, stands that build this infrastructure offer visitors a demonstration close to the result in the factory. Setting up the installation on the fairground requires careful preparation.

The capacity of the steam source is selected according to the presses that will run at the same time, condensate is removed safely and the lines are insulated. The placement of the vacuum unit and the compressor is planned so as to keep noise away from the visitor area.

Safety is an inseparable part of this preparation. Safety valves on pressurized lines, protection on hot surfaces and sufficient distance between the running machine and the visitor are determined from the start. Compliance with the fair management's technical rules is also required to approve the installation project.

The reward for this effort is the reliability of the result the visitor sees. The penetration of dry steam into the fabric, the speed at which vacuum sets the form and the closing force of the press can be shown correctly only with a real installation.

For this reason, Malkan Machinery's stands at the Clothing Machinery Fair were arranged like an ironing department with installations at every edition.

6. EVALUATING AN IRONING MACHINE AT THE FAIR: STEAM QUALITY

For a manufacturer examining an ironing machine at the Clothing Machinery Fair, the first question is which steam the machine works with. What is wanted in ironing is dry steam that carries no water droplets. Wet steam increases the risk of stains, water rings and shine on the fabric.

Steam quality depends on the design of the source and the distribution line. Steam produced by a boiler or steam generator can condense in the line and start carrying water, so the lines need proper slope, insulation and condensate drainage.

Regular inspection of steam traps keeps the press supplied with dry steam at all times. On the boiler side, water quality is decisive.

Unsoftened water forms a scale layer on heating surfaces, which lowers efficiency and increases the risk of corrosion. Water softening and regular blowdown both extend the life of the boiler and keep the steam going to the ironing line clean.

At the fair, the answers to these questions can also be obtained by watching the machine work. Whether the product leaving the press has moisture residue, water stains or shine can be checked directly. Stands at the Clothing Machinery Fair that run machines on real installations make this check possible.

7. VACUUM AND BUCK: PERMANENCE OF THE FORM

The form of a fabric shaped by steam is set by cooling it with vacuum. When moisture and heat are quickly drawn out of the fabric after steaming, the crease and the form become permanent.

Insufficient vacuum leaves the product damp and causes it to lose its form in a short time. At the Clothing Machinery Fair, the strength of the vacuum is understood from the condition of the product after it leaves the press.

A dry product with a settled form shows that the vacuum is sufficient. In facilities using central vacuum, the line length and the number of stations working at the same time affect the vacuum each press receives.

The buck is the surface of the press that comes into contact with the garment. The suitability of the buck to the garment size and model, the even distribution of steam over the buck surface and the correct choice of buck cover determine the result.

Anatomical bucks are designed to match the shape of the garment as worn, so the product keeps the same stance on the hanger and on the body.

The thermal stability of the buck body also affects long-term quality. A buck that is constantly heated and cooled and does not change shape over time means the same result at every press. At the Clothing Machinery Fair, buck changeover and cover maintenance are also worth asking about.

8. CONTROL SYSTEM: PLC AND RECIPE MANAGEMENT

A programmable logic controller, or PLC, stores the working sequence and times of the press as a program. Steaming time, pressing force and time, and vacuum cooling time are kept in a separate program for each product.

The operator only selects the suitable program, and the press applies the same process in the same way every time.

Fully automatic jacket and trouser presses with PLC equipment were among the products that attracted the most interest for Malkan Machinery at the Clothing Machinery Fair. These presses make quality independent of operator experience and provide consistency between shifts. Touchscreens can shorten the training time of new operators.

Several questions stand out when examining a control system at the Clothing Machinery Fair. Chief among them are how many programs can be stored, how unauthorized changes to programs are prevented and which warnings are given in case of a fault.

Whether the screen language suits the operator's language also determines ease of use on the shop floor. The control system also provides data for maintenance.

Operating hours, cycle counts and alarm logs help determine the timing of planned maintenance. This data protects line efficiency by reducing unplanned stops, and if remote fault diagnosis is possible, service time is shortened as well.

The value of a control system emerges most in production with high model variety. When different fabrics and models pass through the same press during the day, selecting the right program is the only way to maintain quality. Matching programs to model codes minimizes operator error.

9. ENERGY AND OPERATING COST

The ironing department is one of the important items of energy consumption in a garment factory. Steam generation, vacuum and compressed air can consume energy even when the machines are not running. For this reason, energy consumption should also be asked about when examining a machine at the Clothing Machinery Fair.

Energy efficiency can be raised considerably with a few simple measures. Insulating heated surfaces, supplying steam only when needed and eliminating leaks in steam lines come first among them. Returning condensed water to the boiler also saves both water and energy.

Total cost of ownership requires looking beyond the initial investment price. Energy, maintenance, spare parts and operator training costs accumulate over the life of the machine. A well-informed buyer compares the quotations collected at the Clothing Machinery Fair on the basis of this whole picture.

Energy consumption is also related to the correct sizing of the machine. A boiler or vacuum unit selected larger than the line requires works inefficiently at low load. For this reason, the infrastructure should be planned according to the real capacity of the line.

Monitoring energy consumption is the first step of saving. When boiler fuel consumption, compressor running time and leaks in steam lines are measured regularly, the points to improve become clearly visible. Asking the supplier at the Clothing Machinery Fair about hourly consumption and idle behavior provides the starting data for this measurement.

10. AFTER-SALES: SERVICE, SPARE PARTS AND TRAINING

The value an ironing machine provides over its life is determined by after-sales service. Commissioning, operator training, regular maintenance and fault support are the main headings of this service. At the Clothing Machinery Fair, these topics should be asked about in as much detail as the technical specifications of the machine.

Access to spare parts is particularly important. Parts such as buck covers, gaskets, valves and heating elements are replaced regularly, and being able to obtain them quickly keeps production running without interruption. For buyers abroad, this question can be decisive in choosing a supplier.

Training is the precondition for using the machine at full capacity. Training for operators and maintenance staff ensures correct settings and on-site repair of small faults. Meeting the supplier's technical team at the Clothing Machinery Fair is a chance to see the quality of this support in advance.

As a manufacturer exporting to 95 countries today, Malkan Machinery regards after-sales service as the foundation of a long-term customer relationship. The first contact made at the fair stand is the beginning of a relationship that continues with commissioning and service.

This approach draws on the same understanding of continuity as uninterrupted fair participation. A maintenance plan is also part of after-sales service.

When buck cover changes, steam trap checks and the renewal of valves and gaskets are carried out at set intervals, the risk of failure drops noticeably. Delivering this plan together with the machine makes it easier for the business to continue maintenance without interruption.

11. FAIR FREQUENCY AND SME SUPPORT: A SHARED AGENDA

Malkan Machinery's fair evaluations focused not only on its own stand but also on the future of the Clothing Machinery Fair. In his 2014 and 2016 assessments, Factory Manager Metin Kilic stated that an international fair of this scale should be held every three years instead of every two.

According to Kilic, this view was shared among fellow participants as well. The reason for this proposal is participation costs and the R&D cycle.

Participating in a fair requires a large budget, and its return cannot be obtained in the short term; developing a new machine also takes a long time. The IMB fair in Cologne, which was held every three years for many years, is an example often cited in this discussion.

Another shared expectation is higher rates and amounts of fair support for manufacturer-exporter SMEs. Support covers part of the stand, freight and promotion costs and makes it easier for SMEs to be visible at international fairs. Predictability of the support is just as important as its rate.

The common point of these expectations is sustainable value for participants and visitors. When participation cost is reasonable and the visitor profile is qualified and international, the fair becomes hard for the industry to do without. Assessments of the Clothing Machinery Fair can be read as a call to preserve this balance.

In the 2012 assessment, Head Office and Marketing Manager Salim Kutuk had pointed to fewer foreign visitors and the risk of the fair turning regional. Kutuk had stressed that the organizer needed to work intensively to increase foreign visitor participation. The international identity of the Clothing Machinery Fair remained a shared priority of participants.

12. DOMESTIC MACHINERY INDUSTRY AND GARMENT PRODUCTION

The strength of garment production depends not only on sewing capacity but also on the machinery industry that supports this capacity. A domestic machine manufacturer offers nearby service, fast spare parts and technical support familiar with the producer's own conditions. This proximity is a safeguard of production, especially in busy order periods.

The Clothing Machinery Fair is one of the most natural settings where domestic machine manufacturers and garment companies meet. The producer can explain a need directly to the machine's designers, and the supplier learns about field problems first-hand. This two-way flow of information is one of the most productive sources of product development.

Malkan Machinery built the production it has carried on since 1971 on this mutual relationship. Feedback collected at fairs shaped the direction of new machines and of improvements to existing products. Uninterrupted fair participation kept this learning cycle running regularly.

The first industrial iron produced in Türkiye is exhibited today at the Rahmi M. Koc Museum. This piece bears witness to the starting point of domestic ironing technology and is a source of pride for Malkan Machinery.

The company's goals for its production infrastructure are also shaped by this understanding of continuity. Establishing a new production complex in Hadimkoy, Istanbul, remains among Malkan Machinery's goals.

The company's goals and future plans are also covered on the Malkan Vision 2025-2026 page. Among Malkan Machinery's international collaborations is the Indupress strategic partnership.

Another contribution of the domestic machine manufacturer is its indirect support for the competitiveness of exporting garment companies. Fixing a fault in a short time and getting spare parts quickly keeps delivery dates safe. The Clothing Machinery Fair provides an environment where this close cooperation is established and renewed.

13. AN EFFICIENT FAIR DAY FOR VISITORS

The Clothing Machinery Fair spreads over a wide area, and many stands are seen within a few days. An unprepared visit can lead to spending most of the time on general presentations. A small plan made in advance turns the fair day into a concrete investment discovery.

• Before the visit, the bottleneck in the ironing department and the target quantity should be clarified. When it is known which station will be renewed, discussions focus directly on that machine.
• Bringing a few samples of one's own product makes the evaluation concrete. Seeing the result of one's own fabric on a working press is more instructive than any information in a catalog.
• The existing steam, vacuum and compressed air capacity should be noted. The supplier can say whether the new machine will work with this infrastructure only with this information.
• Meeting notes should be kept under the same headings. Headings such as cycle time, energy, buck, service and delivery time make quotations comparable.
• A date should be set for post-fair follow-up. When a quotation, a site visit and a reference meeting are planned, the interest at the fair turns into a concrete project.

This preparation is as valuable for the participating company as for the visitor. A technical team can show the right solution quickly to a visitor whose need is clear. The efficiency of the Clothing Machinery Fair rises when both sides come to the table with this preparation.

Those who wish to review Malkan Machinery's product range before the visit can also benefit from the dry cleaning and laundry catalog.

14. Conclusion: Clothing Machinery Fair and Malkan Machinery

Since 1986, the Clothing Machinery Fair has been the garment industry's regular meeting point in Istanbul. Through uninterrupted participation since the fair's first edition, Malkan Machinery has become one of the lasting faces of this meeting. The award given by the Tüyap Board of Directors in 2016 was the institutional confirmation of this continuity.

The common thread of the company's approach to the Clothing Machinery Fair was showing machines while they work and talking with visitors through technical detail. From ironing sets to nine ironing groups, from new robots to a live factory simulation, every edition was a link in this line.

Its open assessments on fair frequency and SME support, in turn, contributed to the shared agenda of the industry.

15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Clothing Machinery Fair? It is an international specialized trade fair held by Tüyap in Istanbul, bringing together manufacturers of garment machinery, embroidery machines, supply industry products and accessories. Its first edition was held in 1986.

Since when has Malkan Machinery participated in the Clothing Machinery Fair? Malkan Machinery has been an uninterrupted participant since the first day the fair began. This continuity was honored by the Tüyap Board of Directors in 2016.

What should be considered when evaluating an ironing machine at the fair? Steam quality, vacuum strength, buck compatibility, control system, energy consumption and after-sales service should be evaluated together.

Why is it important to see machines working? On a working machine, the form, surface quality, moisture residue and cycle time of the product are observed directly. This provides a more reliable comparison than catalog information.

What do participants recommend for the fair's future? Malkan Machinery's assessments highlighted holding the fair every three years, increasing SME fair support and strengthening foreign visitor participation.

How many countries does Malkan Machinery export to? Malkan Machinery exports to 95 countries today. After-sales service forms the foundation of these international relationships.

What should be prepared before going to the Clothing Machinery Fair? The bottleneck in the ironing department, the target quantity, the existing steam-vacuum-air capacity and samples of one's own product should be prepared. This way, discussions focus directly on the need.

Why is a real installation at the stand important? When steam, vacuum and compressed air are supplied under real conditions, the visitor sees a result close to that in the factory. This makes it possible to evaluate the machine's performance reliably.

How should fair figures be interpreted? The number of visitors shows general interest. For a machine manufacturer, the real criteria are qualified visitors interested in its own product group and the inquiries received after the fair.