#ITM 2026

2026-05-28

Customer insight week Türkiye

KARL MAYER strengthens customer partnerships in Türkiye

Türkiye has been one of KARL MAYER’s most important markets for decades. The first KARL MAYER warp knitting machine was delivered to Bursa as early as 1951. It was installed by Karl Mayer himself and marked the beginning of a long and successful partnership.

This fruitful partnership is based on trust, active listening, learning from one another, and driving innovation together – cornerstones that KARL MAYER built upon with a „Get-together Week“ in early May. The industry leader used this initiative to engage intensively with its customers in the run-up to ITM, discussing current and future developments, innovations, as well as shared goals and visions.

„For us, Türkiye is much more than just a market – it is a central part of our future, which we would like to build together with you. Our customers‘ success is our benchmark. We think and develop from the textile to the machine – with a clear focus on innovation power, solutions that enable new applications, and speed,“ Lutz Wolf, CEO of KARL MAYER, told the participants.

Top management representatives and specialized experts from Germany and Türkiye, together with regional partner Erko, visited numerous customers and also hosted management meetings and technical events at the KARL MAYER location in Bursa.

A particular highlight was the in-house event „Let‘s talk Warp Knit.“ Around 40 customers attended and were able to learn about current topics and gain new perspectives for their work through sessions tailored to different levels of expertise – ranging from technical presentations and in-depth workshops to concise micro-training sessions.

The content was tailored to the customers’ current needs: Among other things, the latest developments in tricot machines were presented, along with a preview of the ITM trade show and textile innovations specifically designed for the Türkiye market. In addition, the focus was on KARL MAYER‘s service offerings and the opportunities provided by the new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER at the company‘s headquarters in Obertshausen.

The interactive formats, in particular, which allowed ample time for questions, were very well received and simultaneously provided valuable insights for the company‘s strategic development and the formulation of concrete goals.

For KARL MAYER, this deep understanding of the market serves as the foundation for developing solutions for new applications and market-relevant innovations that deliver value to its customers. The intensive dialogue highlighted potential particularly in the area of design fabrics for fashion & apparel. Above all, flexibly configurable jacquard patterns and lace are gaining in importance. At the same time, demand for apparel with crepe-like textured surfaces remains strong.

In line with this, KARL MAYER will be showcasing the HKS 4-M EL ECO – a highly efficient production machine – at ITM. From June 9 to 13, 2026, the global player will be at Booth 3/303 A at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Istanbul.

Speeches at the workshop © 2026 KARL MAYER

The new RDJ 7/3 defines the design footprint of modern athletic shoes

Stylish, functional, and efficient to produce – spacer fabrics are the all-arounders among textile materials. These versatile fabrics are particularly in demand in the sports and casual footwear sector, as they combine comfort, breathability, and design freedom. At the same time, this industry is trend-driven, dynamic, and price-sensitive like few others. Innovations are therefore a decisive factor for success. With the RDJ 7/3, KARL MAYER offers a solution specifically tailored to these requirements. The particular strength of the new double raschel machine: its exceptional flexibility, thanks to its three jacquard bars.

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.

ITM 2028 opens exhibitor registration following successful 2026 edition

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ITM 2026: Mayer & Cie. Global presents itself successfully at international industry trade fair

Mayer & Cie. Global has used ITM 2026 in Istanbul for its first major international appearance since the restart. Together with the Turkish representative Mayer Mümessillik, the company presented its premium circular knitting machines "Made in Germany", explained its future positioning within the group of companies and held talks with customers and representatives from numerous markets. The response to the restart was positive. The clear orientation of the company, the reliable worldwide network of representatives and the resumption of service and spare parts supply were welcomed by customers.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

Ministry of Industry Delegation visits NatureWorks’ second global manufacturing site at Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex

NatureWorks Asia Pacific Limited welcomed a high-level delegation led by Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, to its manufacturing site at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex (NBC). The visit follows the successful inauguration of the site on April 29, 2026, and highlights the role of public-private collaboration in advancing Thailand’s sustainable industrial development and bioeconomy ambitions.

Indorama Ventures advances circularity tthrough PETValue Philippines' “Zero Waste to Landfill Partnership” with Republic Cement

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, is advancing the circular economy through a new Zero Waste to Landfill initiative at its recycling site PETValue Philippines, further demonstrating how collaboration across industries can maximize resource efficiency and reduce waste.

Networking Day 2026: Industry stakeholders unite around textile recycling

In 2026, the Industry Research Group (IRG) Polymer Recycling once again brought together some of the key stakeholders in textile recycling for its annual Networking Day. This year, the event took place at EREMA’s premises in Ansfelden, Austria. It brought together key players from across the textile recycling value chain for a day of structured exchange and in-depth discussions.