#Knitting & Hosiery

2022-07-28

Opening of the new STOLL customer center, July 25, 2022 in Reutlingen-Betzingen, with important representatives from government and administration

Already at the opening, the new customer center proved to be extremely suitable for its purpose of being a place of meeting and exchange © 2022 KARL MAYER

STOLL, a Business Unit of the KARL MAYER Group, opened a new customer center in Reutlingen-Betzingen, thus completing its move to the new location in the west of Reutlingen. The first part of the production was relocated from the city center back in 1987. This was followed in 2004 by the remaining part of the production, and in 2020 by the move into a new development center.

For the time being, the ceremonial opening of the new building took place in a closer regional setting. Among the guests were Finance and Economic Mayor Roland Wintzen and Economics Minister Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, as well as members of the STOLL family, the architect and general contractor of the project, and the neighbors. The inauguration for customers, other business partners and the workforce is planned for 2023. It is to crown the celebrations of the 150th anniversary.

The doors of the new building are already open for exchanges with interested industry players. "The new customer center is intended to be an inspiring meeting place for partners in the textile value chain. Through exchange and joint projects, we want to drive relevant innovations related to flat knitting," said Andreas Schellhammer, Head of the STOLL Business Unit during his welcoming speech.

Cooperation within the textile industry is nothing new for STOLL. What is new, however, are the possibilities offered by the modern customer center. Workshops, a showroom with the latest STOLL trend collection and an extensive sample archive invite you to experiment, research and inform yourself. State-of-the-art equipment is available for training courses to impart knowledge. There is also a well-equipped machine park with up to 30 flat knitting machines, finishing technology and digital tools. Experts in machine and software development and in the field of textile applications provide technical support. The know-how and machine technology are also available to existing and entry-level customers for implementing their own ideas through to the finished textile solution. The offer is part of the KARL MAYER Group's new TexLab format, which will be worldwide in the future. "Customers can get an idea of STOLL's innovative strength here. The building is extremely impressive, from the outside and even more so when you enter," explained Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut.

With its customer-centric orientation and representative architecture, the new meeting point in Reutlingen-Betzingen has overarching significance. "The customer center is the innovation hub for flat knitting topics in the KARL MAYER Group and thus makes a fundamental contribution to innovation leadership," said Andreas Schellhammer.

The new STOLL customer center © 2022 KARL MAYER

In addition to purpose and appearance, the issue of sustainability was also important in the construction of the customer center. The building with its approximately 5000m² of floor space is fully insulated, a heat pump system takes care of a large part of the air conditioning and LED lighting provides light at the workplaces for up to 100 employees.

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.

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 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).

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.

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.

Première Vision Paris expands innovation focus across fashion and beauty

From September 1–3, 2026, Première Vision Paris will bring together more than 900 exhibitors from across the global fashion value chain. This year's edition places a strong emphasis on Innovation-Tech, highlighting technologies and materials that are reshaping product development, manufacturing and sustainability.

ICAC International Seminar in Taipei to explore strategic synergies across the textile supply chain

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) — together with the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF), under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan — will bring international cotton and textile leaders together in Taipei on September 10 for the ICAC International Seminar 2026.

Expansive innovations converge in Shanghai as Yarn Expo Autumn 2026 opens doors next week

With just days to go, industry enthusiasm is building for the opening of Yarn Expo Autumn, Asia’s premier yarn and fibre trade fair, running from 25 – 27 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2, buyers will find nearly 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, spread across seven specialised zones that range from cutting-edge man-made and regenerated fibres to time-honoured cashmere and silk. Beyond the extensive sourcing options, a fringe programme of trend showcases, presentations and product launches rounds out the three¬day event with design, innovation and market intelligence.