Lonati S.p.A. is a leading Italian manufacturer of circular knitting machines, best known for its advanced sock knitting technology. Established in 1946 and based in Brescia, Italy, the company has earned a strong global reputation for precision engineering, innovation, and reliability. Lonati’s machines are widely used by hosiery and apparel producers worldwide, helping improve efficiency and product quality. With a focus on automation, digitalization, and sustainability, the company continues to develop cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving demands of the textile industry, positioning itself as a key contributor to modern knitting technology.
Team Textile Focus conversed with Gulshan Singh, Area Manager of Lonati S.p.A. at Bangladesh Textile & Garment Industry Exhibition 2026 about innovations in circular knitting, especially advanced sock production. The discussion covered automation, digitalization, sustainability, and how Lonati supports manufacturers with efficient, future-ready textile machinery solutions in Bangladesh and globally. Read the full conversation below.
Textile Focus: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your company, who you are and what you stand for?
Gulshan Singh: “For nearly 80 years, Lonati has been the global benchmark in circular knitting machines for hosiery. Our foundation rests on three core values: innovation, quality, and cutting-edge Italian technology. We produce over 10000 machines per year, our products are trusted by manufacturers across the world who demand the highest levels of performance, reliability, and precision. Our portfolio goes from single and double cylinder sock machines to medical hosiery solutions, Lonati has continuously pushed the boundaries of what textile machinery can achieve.”
Textile Focus: Why did you choose to participate in BTKG Bangladesh, and what challenges do you see in this market?
Gulshan Singh: “We are here at BTKG because Bangladesh is one of the most important textile markets in the world, the second-largest apparel exporter globally, with nearly 40 billion dollars in export earnings last year. And yet, we know the industry faces real challenges: the growing pressure to modernize production, adopt sustainable practices, reduce costs, and remain competitive as global market dynamics shift rapidly.”
Textile Focus: What is your response as Lonati Group to these market challenges, and what new developments are you bringing to the industry?
Gulshan Singh: To answer these challenges, the Lonati Group has launched a new brand: LonaKnit. Developed and produced by Lonati Zhejiang, our operation in China, LonaKnit, is designed to meet different market demands – bringing Lonati Group technology and know-how to a broader range of manufacturers. Together, Lonati and LonaKnit cover every segment of the hosiery industry, so we can be the right partner for every business, at every stage of their growth.”
