Strengthening technical collaboration to drive sustainable manufacturing and create new value through embroidery
Tajima Industries Ltd. (Headquarters: Aichi, JAPAN; President: Hidetoshi Kojima, hereinafter “Tajima”) has entered into a strategic partnership with Coats Group plc (hereinafter “Coats”), a world-leading Tier 2 supplier of critical components to the apparel and footwear industries, with the shared goal of advancing the global embroidery industry.
Through this partnership, Coats’ extensive expertise in embroidery threads will be combined with Tajima’s embroidery technology to create new values and support the sustainable growth of the embroidery industry through joint development, technical collaboration, talent development, and collaborative engagement with brands and manufacturers.
Background
In recent years, the apparel and fashion industries have placed increasing importance on sustainability initiatives and supply chain transparency. At the same time, regulatory frameworks such as the EU’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) are accelerating the need for manufacturers to properly manage and disclose information relating to materials, raw components, and production processes.
Against this backdrop, the adoption of recycled embroidery threads, high-performance materials, and a wider variety of specialty materials continues to expand. As embroidery threads become increasingly diverse in composition and performance characteristics, the ability to achieve consistently high embroidery quality while maximizing the unique properties of each thread has become more critical than ever.
Tajima’s flagship TMEZ Series features its proprietary i-TM (Intelligent Thread Management) and DCP (Digitally Controlled Presser Foot) technologies. Unlike conventional friction-based thread tension systems, i-TM automatically optimizes upper thread tension according to the characteristics of the thread and material, while DCP automatically controls presser foot movement based on fabric conditions. Together, these technologies deliver stable, high-quality embroidery across a wide range of materials and embroidery threads.
Coats is actively developing environmentally responsible products, including embroidery threads made from recycled materials. By combining Coats’ global expertise in embroidery threads with Tajima’s advanced embroidery technologies, the partnership aims to create high-quality embroidery solutions that meet the increasingly diverse needs of the market.
Recognizing these industry trends, the two companies have established this strategic partnership. Going forward, they will leverage their respective expertise in embroidery threads and embroidery machinery to collaborate across joint development, technical knowledge exchange, talent development, and joint initiatives with brands and manufacturers, creating new value for the embroidery industry.
Executive Comments
Hidetoshi Kojima, President, Tajima Industries Ltd.
“We are delighted to contribute to the further development of the embroidery industry through this partnership with Coats, combining the technologies and expertise of both companies. Going forward, we look forward to strengthening our collaboration to deliver new value to our customers together.”
Adrian Elliott, Group Commercial Officer, Coats Group plc
“By partnering with Tajima, we can deliver unique value-adding solutions that support customers from design through to production.”
The partnership agreement was signed on July 9, 2026, at Tajima Industries Ltd. by Hidetoshi Kojima, President of Tajima Industries Ltd., and Kunal Kapur of Coats Group plc.
About Coats Group plc
Coats is a world-leading Tier 2 manufacturer and trusted partner for the apparel and footwear industries. We deliver essential materials, components, and software solutions that help our customers grow, compete and win.
With over 250 years of industry expertise, we’re shaping the future of the apparel and footwear supply chain through insight-led innovation, impactful sustainability practices, and digital technologies that unlock better product quality, efficiency and performance.
Headquartered in the UK, Coats is a FTSE 250 company and a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index. In 2025, we generated $1.5 billion in revenue and employed approximately 19,000 people worldwide — all united by a spirit of innovation, quality, and service. Learn more at Coats.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
About Tajima Industries Ltd.
Tajima is a Japanese embroidery machine manufacturer established in 1944. As a leading company in the embroidery machine industry, Tajima developed the industry’s first embroidery machine equipped with AI technology to pursuit finely detailed and beautiful embroidery. In 2022, Tajima also welcomed a prominent Canadian software company into the group. It aims to transform the embroidery business from both hardware and software perspectives. Furthermore, its technology is being deployed and used in a wide range of fields, including the automotive and aerospace industries.
Tajima Group Press Release: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000023.000039898.html