Martin Vorsatz
Managing Director
The name Terrot is renowned globally for its commitment to quality and excellence in manufacturing electronic and mechanically controlled circular knitting machines. Their motto, “experience makes the difference,” has been a guiding principle for the company since its inception. Terrot has a rich history of innovation, with a focus on capturing current market trends and translating them into cutting-edge products through their Research and Development efforts.
With a strong emphasis on quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, Terrot’s machines are engineered to deliver top performance. Leveraging their extensive experience, technical expertise, and unwavering dedication, Terrot consistently demonstrates superior performance in their everyday operations. Quality has always been a top priority for Terrot, defining the brand’s identity and contributing to its business success. By providing high-quality, durable, and user-friendly solutions, Terrot empowers its customers to invest in long-term profitability, boost productivity, explore new market opportunities, and ensure their own business prosperity.
TVC Media Team recently had the honour of interviewing Martin Vorsatz, Managing Director of Terrot, to gain insights into the company’s remarkable journey.
Can you tell me a bit about your company?
We are Terrot T-Machine GmbH from Chemnitz, Germany. We make circular knitting machines that we sell all over the world. They are the highest-quality circular knitting machines on the market. We make single jersey machines, double jersey machines, and electronic jacquard machines too. We recently joined the Santoni group last year. Terrot was founded way back in 1862, so we have a long history of making high-quality circular knitting machines. We produce about 450 machines a year, all in Germany with the highest quality standards. That’s what we’re all about!
How do you find collaborating with Santoni, a Chinese company, given that Terrot is a German company?
A: I think the collaboration with Santoni is a great addition. Our different cultures bring different perspectives to the table, which is helpful when it comes to quality, production methods, and how we think about machines in general. There is no cultural difference, in my opinion, just an addition. I believe our different viewpoints are a big advantage for manufacturing machines. We are an open-minded company that produces for the entire world, so working with Santoni is just an extension of that. Together, we have more power than before, and this will be a great opportunity to provide better service, quality, machines, and solutions for all of our customers. So, I think we are in a very good position.
How do you figure out what kind of machine a customer needs?
It can be a challenge, but our sales team is well-versed in the capabilities of all our machines. During the pitch, we work together to identify the customer’s needs and recommend the best option. If none of our machines seems like a perfect fit, we’ll collaborate with Santoni to find a solution that works for the customer. Ultimately, our goal is to provide the best possible solution as a team.
What is your vision for Santoni and the Terrot group?
Our vision is to make Santoni and Terrot the biggest manufacturer of circular knitting machines. We want to be the go-to company for customers looking for the best solutions in circular knitting technology.
How important is the Turkish market for Terrot?
The Turkish market is the most important market for Terrot right now. We have many big, valued customers there who trust the quality of our products. There’s a big demand for our double-chasing machines, which is a perfect match for what customers are looking for. That, along with the clear customer interest we see here, makes Turkey a very important market for Terrot.
Do you have your own office in Turkey and what is your current market share there?
Yes, we have our own office in Turkey and currently, we have a market share of nearly 50% in the quality A-level. Our agent, Erko, represents us for Terrot machines and Pelotelli machines as well. We aim to further expand our market share in Turkey.
Is India a significant market for your company, and do you have a presence there?
Yes, India is an important market for us, and we have a strong presence in the country. The Indian market holds great potential for our business, and we are dedicated to providing the best solutions to meet the needs of our Indian customers. We have observed a growing demand for single-jersey and double-jersey products in India, indicating the market’s interest in our offerings. While the Indian market differs slightly from the Turkish market, we recognize its increasing importance and are committed to serving our customers with top-notch products and services, including Jacquard options.
What is your company’s total turnover right now?
At the moment, the expected turnover for this year is around 35 million Euros, and that’s only for Terrot.
How crucial is the Smartex solution in ensuring the sustainability and quality control of products in the market?
Smartex plays a vital role in shaping the future of the industry, providing a robust system for maintaining market sustainability. By allowing precise control over fabric quality and reducing waste, Smartex emerges as a significant solution for enhancing efficiency and accountability within our industry.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs entering the knitting garments industry?
As an entrepreneur venturing into the knitting garments sector, it is vital to seek guidance from experts like Terrot to address the complexities of the industry. The decision to enter the knitting or weaving industry depends on market demand and your customers’ preferences. Understanding the nuances of different machines and fabrics is crucial for meeting customer needs effectively. By collaborating with Terrot, you can access tailored solutions for your business and ensure the right machinery aligns with your production requirements. Our commitment is to work closely with you to find technical solutions that will propel your company forward in the dynamic knitting industry.
What is the current outlook for the knitting industry and its potential growth in the future?
The knitting industry is expected to undergo some changes with evolving demands each year, primarily influenced by fashion trends. Currently, the double jersey market is gaining popularity, and Jacquard is experiencing rapid growth. However, the future growth of the industry will heavily depend on the ever-changing landscape of fashion trends.
