Established in 1991, CETTEX (Centre Technique du Textile) provides advice and expertise to manufacturers in the textile and clothing sector, as well as public authorities. Based in Tunis, the Textile Technical Center CETTEX is a publicly funded organisation, under the supervision of the Tunisian Ministry of Industry and SMEs.
The CETTEX lab has been operating with James Heal equipment since 1995, a nearly 30 year relationship where quality textiles testing has taken precident.
Tunisian Lab Plans Expansion into International Markets
The Vision
Supported by the Ministry, CETTEX worked with a number of partner organisations in Tunisia and across Europe to conduct market research, looking for new ways to grow their own business outside of their home market.
“Our ultimate vision was to elevate our laboratory to bring CETTEX to the same level as multinational companies and grow our business solely from domestic to include international clients, and eventually serve more big global brands.” said Mr. Missaoui.
The Strategy
The first new instrument to be installed was a ProMace Snag Resistance Tester as part of the plan, which has been added to the existing comprehensive suite of James Heal lab equipment for the testing of textiles.
Why CETTEX chose James Heal
CETTEX has worked with James Heal and their local Sales Channel Partner, Vibratech since 1995, not long after their lab was first set up. Having had James Heal instruments working reliably in their labs, and a strong relationship with Vibratech built up over many years, CETTEX knew which brand they ideally wanted to work with to implement their expansion and planned new investment into the future.
On the subject of his experience with the company, Mr Missaoui comments, “We chose James Heal instruments for their quality and robustness, they last so well over time. All the features are fantastic and responsive to our needs.” In addition, after sales service was a primary factor, “The expertise of engineers and ongoing technological support provided is unmatched by other providers, it is a collaborative relationship.” he continues.
As a publicly funded organisation, CETTEX has to achieve best value for money in their procurement, and that means longevity and reliability are key considerations.
The CETTEX team felt that James Heal specialised in and had a strong understanding of instruments in each area of testing. Other benefits mentioned by the team at CETTEX were the ease of use for Technicians and inclusion of international standards in the software.
“It is a co-operative relationship, invested in the future.” said Mr. Missaoui.
What are your favourite aspects about working with James Heal?
“From our experience James Heal are way ahead with the after-sales service they provide, others are not so giving and lack the ongoing relationship we have.” explains Mr Missaoui.
Looking ahead – Industry challenges
As the EU is the principal market for CETTEX, Green Deal 2030 is considered a very important factor in their business planning. Implementing the Green Deal, the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles addresses the production and consumption of textiles, whilst recognising the importance of the textiles sector.
The team at CETTEX believe this new EU strategy will have an impact on the sector in many ways from product labelling through to taxation based on carbon footprint, which they are monitoring closely.
Additionally, the team have seen a shift in consumer behaviour in Europe over the last few years, such as purchasing less to reduce waste, being more respecting of the environment and having more thought for sustainability. Trends that will feed into future planning for CETTEX.