#INDIA ITME 2022

2023-01-19

Trade show success in growth market

INDIA ITME Booth - The KARL MAYER GROUP draws a positive conclusion after INDIA ITME 2022 © 2023 KARL MAYER

The KARL MAYER GROUP looks back on a successful participation in the INDIA ITME in December 2022. The global player went to the leading trade fair in one of its most important market regions with great expectations, and was not disappointed. Almost 1,100 discussions with existing customers and new interested parties were logged.

"We have met many of our customers so far. The first day was still quiet but on the second and third day of the fair many, many more customers came to our stand. We are actually very satisfied with the fair," said Kevin Socha, Managing Director of KARL MAYER (H.K.) Ltd. towards the end of the event. The verdict on the quality of the conversations was also positive. The many exchanges mainly concerned specific questions about machines, textiles and applications.

India is an important market for the KARL MAYER GROUP. The company's exhibition took this importance into account.

Visitors with focused interests

Most visitors were interested in a textile and fashion show where everything revolved around the topics of comfort, sustainability and new market potential. There was inspiration not only for knitters but also for weavers. Highlights included terry items that can be produced in a more environmentally friendly way than their woven counterparts using warp knitting technology, smart garments made from comfortable 4 -way stretch with a woven-fabric-like look that can also be produced in a more sustainable, cost-effective and efficient way, and innovative athletic outfits, including leggings made from power jersey with the excellent stretch characteristics provided by a twill stitch, shorts made from a lightweight and breathable mesh knit and plain jersey goods. Many of the warp knitted fabrics are created on high-performance digital generation tricot machines. The models work with cloud-based digital solutions from KM.ON to offer customers greater efficiency in management and designs, among other things.

The ISOWARP exhibited on the KARL MAYER stand was also closely surrounded. The sectional warping machine is manufactured with the high quality of the KARL MAYER GROUP at the company's own production site in Ahmedabad. Customers benefit from the advantages of on-site production and excellent value for money. The ISOWARP manufactures quality beams that enable maximum efficiency in the weaving mill and can be easily operated by personnel with only basic knowledge. At the same time this means low total cost for the investor.

The BMS 52 ki multi gauge E 3,5.2 on show was a magnet for visitors from the flat knitting sector. This attractively priced, high-performance model is predestined for entry into the STOLL world and primarily produces fully fashion and cut & sew articles for the mass market. However, many inquiries were also received about the second STOLL machine at the trade show: the CMS 503 ki multi gauge E 7.2. This representative of the proven CMS series expands STOLL's highly productive Economic range, takes into account the price sensitivity of Indian customers and impresses with its flexibility.

ISOWARP overall operator view © 2023 KARL MAYER

The KARL MAYER Group's Care Solutions offerings were also the subject of numerous discussions. In particular, the regional expansion of the tried-and-tested KARL MAYER WEBSHOP for the Warp Preparation Business Unit was very well received. Customers in India can now order spare parts for their warp preparation machines at the click of a mouse.

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.

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.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.