#Knitting & Hosiery

2016-11-18

Innovations of today for the generations of tomorrow

KARL MAYER’s booth at the ITMA ASIA + CITME 2016 (c) 2016 Karl Mayer

KARL MAYER was once again exhibiting at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2016 as a world market leader with a profound sense of responsibility. This manufacturer always considers future generations in all its activities. We care about your future – this is KARL MAYER’s commitment to promoting the concepts of sustainability and digitisation when dealing with its customers and throughout its entire operations.

KARL MAYER is upbeat following the ITMA ASIA + CITME 2016 Show, held 21.–25.10.2016 This world market leader was demonstrating how it is focusing on the challenges of our times by holding two presentations simultaneously to mark ITMA ASIA + CITME 2016. The first was on its impressive stand at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Shanghai, and the second was at an in-house show held at KARL MAYER (China) in Wujin, Changzhou. Both of these presentations were extremely successful. The company’s representatives had more than 600 meaningful conversations at the trade fair. Most of the interested visitors (about 56%) came from China, but also from India, Taiwan, Korea, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Turkey. “For us, ITMA ASIA + CITME 2016 was an international fair providing many important impulses for our future business,” concluded Arno Gärtner, the Managing Director. During the in-house show in Wujin, Changzhou, he and his team were able to welcome roughly 340 visitors – a record number for one of the company’s own in-house events. The nationalities of the visitors here were similar to those at the NECC. As well as the neighbouring Asian countries, there was considerable interest from Turkey. Some customers even travelled from as far afield as the USA and eastern Europe. Committed to topical issues KARL MAYER’s presentations at the NECC and in Wujin, Changzhou, both focused on the future. For example, features such as technical solutions concentrating on sustainability, such as the LEO® Low Energy Option for warp knitting machines and the materials-conserving HSB-PW Size Box for warp preparation, as well as textile applications having ecological implications in the field of multiaxial technology attracted a great deal of attention at the show. “Our developments and concepts for conserving resources and protecting the environment were very well received by our visitors in Shanghai,” explained Arno Gärtner. “What is more, many visitors were enthusiastic about trying out our new digital communication systems. Since ITMA 2015, we have been going in a new direction, thanks to smart phones and tablets. We have been incredibly successful here.” The latest digital innovations include the KARL MAYER CONNECT and KARL MAYER CHECK PARTS apps and the SPARE PARTS WEBSHOP.

They complement the 360° service provided by KARL MAYER, and guarantee efficient communication with the company’s own technical support staff. They also ensure that the machines operate more economically. The new KAMCOS® 2 automation platform is the basis for this innovative link between network communication and the machine technology, and also for solutions for integrating systems. KARL MAYER’s media presentation at the NECC also focused on digital technology: large displays showing striking images attracted the attention of the visitors from some distance away, and sent out the message: “Innovation is at home here”. The products on show were demonstrating their high level of innovation, in terms of both their technology and appearance. In the tricot machine sector, KARL MAYER was presenting two HKS models of the next generation in Shanghai. Their modern design clearly sets them apart from other machines on the market. The visitors were full of enthusiasm for the new design. “Our customers can see that the design is a real competitive advantage, and are eagerly awaiting the rollout of more models like this,” said Jan Rundshagen, the CSO of KARL MAYER’s agent, ILLIES. The new OJ 59/1 B for the lace sector was on display at the in-house show in Wujin, Changzhou. With its unique level of productivity, it is revolutionising the production of lace. This first representative of the new LACE.EXPRESS series created quite a stir at the fair.Some new developments in shoe fabric production and an innovative warp preparation machine for warp knitting rounded off the presentation at the in-house show at KARL MAYER (China).

RDJ 6/2 in E 32: Finesse in Motion

The appearance of sports and casual shoes is as diverse as their applications, ranging from sporty to stylish and from functional to fashionably practical. In particular, spacer fabrics produced on highly flexible KARL MAYER double needle bar raschel machines with Jacquard technology are in high demand for manufacturing these trendy shoes. These efficient production machines enable attractive designs with integrated multifunctional zones on one or both fabric surfaces, such as breathable mesh structures. Flexible in size and positioning, these features enhance both aesthetics and wearing comfort.

3D designs with a wow factor made on HKS 4-M EL ECO: When crepe, ruffles, and sheer fabrics redefine fashion

Seersucker, flip-flap items, Fırfır, or crepe materials: structured fabrics have long been more than just a passing trend. They lend timeless looks depth, dynamism, and an exciting tactile dimension. Whether classic striped patterns or modern solid-color interpretations, these versatile pieces pair perfectly with casual and business-casual outfits and effortlessly create a modern look.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Première Vision Paris

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at Première Vision Paris in Paris, France next month. The company will exhibit in the "Smart Creation" area, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technologies that integrate sustainability and innovation. The knitting expert will be demonstrating solutions that optimize product development workflows and enhance sustainability through proposals in Digital Product Creation (DPC).

The new RJ 4/2 EL revolutionizes body mapping and expands creative possibilities – from smart lingerie to sporty athleisure designs

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.

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

Heberlein reinforces its commitment to the Chinese market

Heberlein, globally recognised as a leading provider of air interlacing and air texturing jets for synthetic filament yarns, is consolidating its success in the Chinese market with its APh- and APe-series for DTY applications. Particularly in the field of Air Covering, Heberlein technologies combine excellent quality with significant savings in compressed-air consumption. A new service hub in Shengze City underlines the company’s long-term commitment in the Chinese market.

RE&UP’s Next-Gen Cotton fibers power Zalando private label t-shirt collection crafted from innovative recycled textiles

RE&UP Recycling Technologies’ Next-Gen Cotton powers a new collection from Zalando’s private labels, marking a step forward in bringing textile-to-textile recycled fibers into commercial fashion production. Launching on Zalando in August, the collection comprises five t-shirts across YOURTURN by Zalando and Even&Odd by Zalando, made from a circular-knit fabric blending 80% organic cotton with 20% RE&UP Next-Gen Cotton — textile-to-textile recycled fiber produced from textile waste. This is the first time RE&UP's recycled fibers feature in Zalando's private label assortment.

Heimtextil Trends 27/28: ‘Home-Maxxing’ between performance and respite

Sleep better, recover faster, live more efficiently: the desire for optimisation has long since reached our homes. Under the title ‘Home-Maxxing – The Performance of Everyday Living’, Heimtextil Trends 27/28 show how our relationship with efficiency-driven thinking and technology is influencing the design of spaces and textiles. The more sleep, wellness, routines, materials and spaces are optimised, the stronger the desire for a home that does not demand even more of us.