#Knitting & Hosiery

2019-08-28

More scope – thanks to a modular design

In 2016, KARL MAYER launched its OJ machine series under the brandname of LACE.EXPRESS, which was aimed specifically at the special requirements of the clothing market. At ITMA 2019, this manufacturer presented a complete, self-contained machine platform for the intimate apparel sector, which greatly impressed the visitors.

The LACE.EXPRESS, with its flexible platform concept and width of 134", is now targeting the intimates sector

A special feature of the range is that the models in the series are all compatible with each other. In keeping with the motto, “Create your own production machine”, every machine can be equipped to the technical level of its high-bar neighbours within the platform. Low-bar items can be produced on high-bar machines, without adapting the pattern data. This enables the customer to benefit from maximum flexibility.

Maximum productivity and the ability to adapt to specific requirements

This new machine platform combines the OJ models with different bar configurations in a uniform layout. The range includes the OJ 91/1, OJ 85/1, OJ 65/1, OJ 59/1 and OJ 42/1. All the models are available as B and F versions. The available gauges are E 24 and E 18 and the working width is 134", which are perfect for the intimate apparel sector. This modular platform concept enables the machines to be upgraded into higher bar versions.

For example, an upgrade kit is available for changing an OJ 42/1 into an OJ 91/1 – to expand the range of patterns it can produce. The patterns are also compatible with an increasing number of bars. Customers can change the design from an OJ 42/1 to an OJ 91/1, without having to make any modifications. This unique flexibility is complemented by an exceptionally high production rate. The machines increase output by 100 % for the same investment, compared to their predecessors. Customers are also able to profit from the general benefits of the LACE.EXPRESS series. LEO® reduces the energy consumption of the LACE.EXPRESS machines by 40 %, compared to the previous models. A mobile operator user interface simplifies the setting-up of the string bars and improves the view for monitoring production.

Start of production – with new machines appearing at specific time intervals

As the first model in the new LACE.EXPRESS platform, the OJ 91/1 is available immediately as F and B versions. The first lowbar machines will be available from October onwards.

New business momentum for the Turkish warp knitting industry

Warp knitting companies can look forward to new opportunities for their business development when they visit the KARL MAYER stand at ITM. At the important trade fair in Istanbul, the industry leader will be presenting selected solutions to support customers in a market that is as important as it is difficult. The focus will be on flexibility and speed.

Driving WARP KNIT Inspiration

KARL MAYER sees performance fabrics and next-level textile solutions in particular as potential growth drivers for its customers, as a motor for business development and as real game changers for the entire textile industry. Innovation does not happen by chance. It is the result of close exchange with customers & brands, textile expertise and competence in textile machine engineering. This is why KARL MAYER is investing in progress and collaborative development and opening its TEXTILE INNOVATION CEN-TER (TIC) – a place to be for the entire textile world.

KARL MAYER (China) celebrates its 30th anniversary

On February 6, KARL MAYER (China) celebrated the new year and its 30th anniversary. Employees and the management team at the Changzhou location, as well as representatives from management in Germany, Italy, and Hong Kong, were invited to the festivities. A special highlight was the visit by Lutz Wolf, CEO of KARL MAYER.

KARL MAYER at JEC: Multiaxial reinforced CFRP pultrusion profiles are picking up speed in the mobility sector

KARL MAYER Technical Textiles will be showcasing exciting new application potentials for multiaxial non-crimp fabrics in combination with the pultrusion process at the upcoming JEC in Hall 5, Booth C 46. The advancement of the tried-and-tested pultrusion process enables the cost-efficient production of complex CFRP multi-chamber profiles, which are used in the CETROVO high-speed metro. The world's first carbon-intensive lightweight rail vehicle of this type is designed for speeds of up to 140 km/h.

Huixing acquires insolvent Mayer & Cie.

Insolvency proceedings for the circular knitting and braiding machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. were opened on December 1, 2025. Immediately following the opening of proceedings, the complete cessation of business operations was initiated. Most employees were subsequently given notice effective the end of February 2026. The production of the remaining orders in the circular knitting segment is expected to be completed by the end of the month. As early as December 2025, Mayer & Cie.’s braiding machine division was sold to an Italian investor.

RETECH showcases high-precision godets for high-performance fiber processing at Techtextil 2026

RETECH designs and manufactures godets and draw frames for heated, ambient and cooled processes, enabling precise heat treatment and consistently high yarn quality for a wide range of polymers and applications, with process temperatures of up to 400 °C for high-performance fibers. The company’s key competence lies in exact and stable temperature and speed control, individually adapted to the specific material and process requirements.

BW Converting expands Southeast Asian presence with new agency partnerships in Vietnam and Indonesia

BW Converting is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia through new agency partnerships in Vietnam and Indonesia, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting textile manufacturers across the region. The expansion comes as BW Converting prepares to exhibit at SaigonTex 2026 (April 8–11, Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) and INDO INTERTEX 2026 (April 15–18, Jakarta International Expo, Indonesia).