A machinery investment has to work on the factory floor. It must answer specific questions about speed, flexibility, quality, labour, downtime and return. That is why the first technical session is focused on technology in action rather than distant possibilities.
Specialists from BMS Vision, Karl Mayer and Dornier will contribute to a rapid sequence of weaving technology presentations. Together, these sessions offer delegates a direct way to compare developments across major machinery businesses without spending days travelling between separate meetings.
For operations and technical teams, the detail matters. Where can automation reduce repetitive intervention? How can machinery data help identify lost production time? Which developments support shorter runs or more varied order books? What could improve consistency while maintaining the characteristics that make UK-woven products distinctive? The conference creates a setting in which these questions can be considered alongside peers facing similar decisions.
The session will also include Hannah Brown of Heathcoat Fabrics speaking on ‘Small Changes, Big Impact: Keeping change simple". She will explore how small, practical improvements can deliver meaningful gains in productivity, quality and engagement from the weaving shop floor. Drawing on experiences and projects at Heathcoat Fabrics, Hannah will share examples of everyday challenges, the value of involving operators in problem-solving, and lessons learned from implementing change without adding unnecessary complexity. The session will highlight how a continuous improvement mindset can help build momentum, encourage collaboration, and create lasting results across the manufacturing operations.
The conference will outline new technology developments but will also join the dots between machinery capability and business priorities. Senior leaders can gain a clearer view of investment direction, while production and technical teams can take away questions to test against their own processes.
The wider programme adds context to those machinery decisions, including energy, funding, digital systems, training and future customer expectations. A machine does not operate in isolation, and productivity gains are stronger when equipment, people and information are considered together.
Book your place to hear directly from weaving technology specialists and bring your current production questions into the room.
Event details: 8 October 2026 | 9am–6pm, followed by networking dinner | Cedar Court Hotel, Huddersfield
KEY SPEAKERS:
Hannah Brown is Weaving Prep Production Manager at Heathcoat Fabrics. Before taking on this role, she was Continuous Improvement Lead, working closely with production teams to improve processes across the woven fabric division. With a background in Sustainable Textile Technologies and experience in textile manufacturing, Hannah has developed a practical, people-focused approach to improving quality and efficiency. Hannah enjoys finding opportunities for positive change on the factory floor and exploring how traditional weaving expertise can adapt to meet modern challenges. She is passionate about the future of UK textiles, and the role continuous improvement can play in supporting a resilient and innovative industry.
Heathcoat Fabrics Ltd. is a leading UK manufacturer of high-performance technical textiles, based in Tiverton, Devon. Founded in 1808, the company has over 200 years of experience in designing, developing, and producing innovative woven and knitted fabrics for industries including aerospace, defence, automotive, healthcare, and industrial applications. Heathcoat offers end-to-end manufacturing capabilities, including yarn processing, weaving, knitting, dyeing, finishing, and research and development. Known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Heathcoat supplies customers worldwide with advanced textile solutions tailored to demanding performance requirements and specialised applications.
