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Twintex has recently implemented the ETON System overhead garment transport solution in its trousers production line, in a project developed in partnership with Filc. The system is now being extended to other production lines.
In statements to T Jornal, Beatriz Tavares, Social and Environmental Sustainability Ambassador at Twintex, explains that the investment was driven by the need to increase efficiency and flexibility in production lines. “The automation of garment transport reduces unnecessary movements, optimizes workflow, improves traceability, and ensures greater control over the process,” she says, framing the investment as part of the company’s innovation strategy in response to industry challenges.
The results were immediate. “Operational gains were visible from the very beginning, with a significant increase in productivity resulting from optimized workflow and reduced waiting times between operations,” she confirms.
However, the benefits go beyond efficiency. According to Tavares, the ETON system has significantly improved working conditions by “reducing fatigue associated with the constant movement of pieces along the line.” She also highlights a reduction in physical strain and, consequently, a lower risk of occupational injuries and diseases linked to manual handling of loads.
In terms of layout and workspace organization, a restructuring of the production area was required. “It was necessary to adapt workstation layouts and plan transport routes to ensure maximum efficiency. However, one of the advantages of this system is precisely the optimization of available space,” she explains, noting that the production flow has become more visually organized and efficient.
Initial worker reactions to the change were marked by some apprehension. However, as they became familiar with the system, the benefits became evident. “Today, many operators say they can no longer imagine going back to the previous method of work.”
T Jornal also spoke with Filipe Coutinho, founder of Filc, who explains that the project began with a detailed diagnosis of the existing production flow. “We mapped garment movements between workstations, identified bottlenecks, and quantified unproductive time associated with manual transport. From there, we defined operational goals with Twintex and sized the system. The installation was phased, starting with the dresses line, which allowed us to validate gains before scaling.”
He confirms that Twintex is one of the latest companies to adopt the ETON system, presenting it as an example that could inspire other Portuguese manufacturers to rethink their production models. “Overhead transport can be applied to virtually any garment production line—trousers, jackets, shirts, or suits. Workwear, uniforms, menswear, and outerwear sectors show particularly strong returns,” he notes.
Regarding return on investment, Coutinho explains that it depends on the scale and initial productivity level, but payback periods of two to four years are common, driven by productivity gains, reduced waste, and the release of labor for higher-value tasks.
Aware that automation is an ongoing process, Twintex plans to continue evolving, focusing on the digitalization and automation of information flows and internal logistics, reinforcing traceability and efficiency across the entire production chain. The company views automation as a “strategic tool to increase competitiveness, improve process efficiency, and create better working conditions.”
This vision is reflected in the upcoming Twintex Campus project, a new facility expected to be completed in August, which will allow testing of new approaches to work organization.
Filc has also been expanding its portfolio with solutions addressing current industry challenges, including AI-based textile inspection systems, automated cutting equipment, sewing automation, and production traceability and order preparation systems.
This cooperation stands as an example of a more connected factory floor, capable of reducing errors, increasing response speed, and strengthening the competitiveness of the Portuguese textile industry.