#ITM 2018

2018-04-25

Getting close to the Turkish market

Greatly demanded fabrics and machines – KARL MAYER’s stand at ITM 2018 in Istanbul © 2018 KARL MAYER

Turkey is one of KARL MAYER’s most important markets; accordingly well prepared was the company when travelling to the country’s leading trade fair in the field, the ITM. From 14. to 17. April 2018, the world market leader presented itself in Istanbul on a newly designed booth and with contributions that met the market demand precisely and completely.

No trend was forgotten. So, the machines and technology presentations for the denim warp preparation sector and for the HKS machine range were just as densely surrounded as the decoration islands for displaying selected textile developments for different applications. „Especially the terry topic attracted the customers‘ attention“, said Oliver Mathews, the Sales Director of KARL MAYER’s Business Unit Warp Knitting.

But also the stylish articles for the fashion sector were on everyone's lips, and hands. „The visitors looked at the various garments, they reached for the fabrics, touched and examined them“, explained Gabriela Schellner, Head of Textile Product Development.

She was happy about the success of her fabric experience concept. She was, like the entire exhibition team, constantly in demand. Nearly 250 qualified discussions were conducted at the KARL MAYER exhibition stand, with customers from all over the world, but mainly from the host country and from Iran.

The conversations showed a very good mood within the line of business: „The willingness to invest among our existing customers is high“, said Bastian Fritsch, Senior Sales Manager of KARL MAYER’s Business Unit Warp Knitting. He met all his customers, and usually had intensive discussions about specific projects, with legitimate hopes for contract conclusions.

More Jacquard. More functionality. More fashion.

With the addition of another member to its successful RASCHELTRONIC® family, KARL MAYER is opening up new possibilities for creative product development for warp knitting mills and brands. The RJ 4/2 EL offers with two stitch-forming Jacquard bars entirely new design options for functional sportswear and bi-elastic lingerie. Available in gauges E 28 and E 32, this new model helps manufacturers set their collections apart from the competition. The fine E-32 gauges, in particular, impress with their clean surface, a pleasantly soft feel, and an exceptionally elegant look.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.

Footwear innovation enabled by warp knitting technology– insights from New Balance

The future of the athletic shoe is increasingly being shaped on warp knitting machines. For KARL MAYER, the footwear industry is one of the most important growth markets – and one of the sectors where innovative textiles can realize their full potential. In his keynote address at the opening of KARL MAYER’s TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER in Obertshausen in April, Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy, Senior Textile and Materials Engineer at New Balance, explained the opportunities that warp knitting technology opens up for performance, sustainability, and faster development processes, and why textile manufacturers are transitioning from suppliers to development partners.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.