Global Thread Manufacturer Coats and Tajima Form Strategic Partnership to Advance the Embroidery Industry – Strengthening Technical Collaboration for Sustainable Manufacturing and New Embroidery Value Creation

Tajima Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan; President and CEO: Shigetoshi Kojima; hereinafter "Tajima") has entered into a strategic partnership with Coats Group plc (hereinafter "Coats"), a global thread manufacturer headquartered in the United Kingdom, with the aim of further advancing the embroidery industry.

Under this partnership, the two companies will combine Coats' extensive expertise in embroidery threads with Tajima's advanced embroidery technologies. Through joint development, technical exchange, talent development, and collaborative outreach to brands and manufacturers, they aim to create new value and promote the sustainable growth of the embroidery industry.

Background

In recent years, the apparel and fashion industry has placed increasing emphasis on sustainability and supply chain transparency. In the EU, regulatory frameworks including the Digital Product Passport (DPP) are being developed, signaling a shift toward an era where detailed information about materials, raw ingredients, and manufacturing processes must be properly managed and disclosed.

In response to these changes, embroidery threads made from recycled materials, high-performance fibers, and materials suitable for diverse substrates are being increasingly adopted. At the same time, the variety of thread types and material characteristics has grown significantly, heightening the importance of embroidery technologies capable of delivering consistent, high-quality results across different materials.

Tajima's flagship "TMEZ series" embroidery machines feature proprietary technologies: i-TM (Intelligent Thread Management) and DCP (Digitally Controlled Presser Foot). Unlike conventional friction-based tension control systems, i-TM automatically optimizes upper thread tension based on fabric and thread conditions, while DCP dynamically adjusts the presser foot pressure according to fabric behavior—ensuring stable, high-quality embroidery across a wide range of materials and thread types.

Coats is actively advancing the development of environmentally responsible products, including embroidery threads made from recycled materials. This partnership will leverage Coats' global expertise in embroidery threads and Tajima's cutting-edge embroidery technology to create high-quality embroidery solutions that meet the evolving demands of the global market.

Given these industry dynamics, the two companies have formalized a strategic partnership. Moving forward, they will deepen collaboration across multiple fronts—joint R&D, technical knowledge sharing, workforce training, and joint value propositions to brands and manufacturers—to co-create innovative solutions and drive the future of embroidery.

Statements from Both Companies

Shigetoshi Kojima, President and CEO, Tajima Co., Ltd.

"We are delighted to partner with Coats, combining our respective technologies and expertise to contribute to the further advancement of the embroidery industry. We look forward to deepening our collaboration to deliver new value to our customers."

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 Co., Ltd.'s headquarters by Shigetoshi Kojima of Tajima and Kunal Kapur of Coats Group plc.

About Coats Group plc

Coats is one of the world’s leading Tier 2 suppliers of materials, components, and software solutions for the apparel and footwear industries, serving as a trusted partner in driving customer growth and competitiveness.

Leveraging over 250 years of industry experience, Coats delivers innovation grounded in deep expertise, sustainability initiatives, and digital technologies—enhancing product quality, production efficiency, and performance while shaping the future of apparel and footwear supply chains.

For more information, visit Coats.com or follow the official LinkedIn account.

Headquartered in the UK, Coats is listed on the London Stock Exchange as a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index and is also included in the FTSE4Good ESG Index.

For the 2025 fiscal year, Coats reported $1.5 billion in revenue and employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, all united by a shared passion for innovation, quality, and service.

About Tajima Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1944, Tajima is a long-established embroidery machine manufacturer. Driven by a commitment to the artistry and precision of embroidery, the company has developed AI-powered technologies that replicate master craftsmanship. In addition, Tajima is advancing embroidery digital transformation (DX) to meet diverse market needs. In 2022, the company integrated a leading Canadian software firm into the Tajima Group, pursuing innovation across both hardware and software to transform the embroidery business. Tajima’s dedication to embroidery excellence has earned the trust of fashion houses and designers worldwide, with its machines widely adopted by luxury brands across Europe.

For more information, visit the corporate website at tajima.com/jp.