#Knitting & Hosiery

2024-10-10

Meeting of adidas, Tianhai Lace and KARL MAYER (CHINA) with multilateral benefits

The KARL MAYER GROUP supports its customers by providing solutions with added value in its business areas. In order to develop the innovations, it relies on close exchange along the supply chain. In mid-September, KARL MAYER (CHINA) welcomed its top customer for Lace and Raschel machines, Tianhai Lace, and the world-famous adidas brand in Changzhou.

The team of Adidas; Tianhai Lace and KARL MAYER at the meeting © 2024 KARL MAYER

New future chances through networking and partnerships

The meeting was aimed at dialogue across sectors of the supply chain. The purpose was to get to know each other even better and to discuss further opportunities for cooperation.

„A deep understanding of the requirements of our customers and end users helps us to focus our development work even more on the burning issues and work out solutions for them,” says Kong Zhen, General Manager of KARL MAYER (CHINA). Tianhai Lace welcomed the opportunity to involve its important supplier from the mechanical engineering sector to meet the major sports brand. adidas took the opportunity to get to know the manufacturer of the warp knitting machines which produce the component they are working on. Bob Wong, Sales Director of Tianhai Lace, had initiated the meeting.

Impressive modernity and attitude towards the customer

The KARL MAYER GROUP and Tianhai Lace have been working together since the 1990s. The influential lace manufacturer has invested in more than 200 KARL MAYER machines, mainly in Lace and Raschel machines, but also in some Tricot machines. It is one of the most successful and largest customers of KARL MAYER (CHINA), and also a VIP customer of the group.

The visit by Tianhai Lace and adidas was accordingly well prepared. In addition to Kong Zhen, the Product Owners of warp knitting machine groups, the responsible of the TexLab Liu Guantong as well as Rainer Müller, Vice President sales of Warp knitting Business Unit and his regional counterpart Xu ZiWei were on hand to look after the guests. A sales team headed by Bob Wong travelled from Tianhai Lace. The visitors from adidas including Materials Operations team led by Jacky Fu, Director Materials Operations North Asia, and a core team from the Creation Centre Shanghai (CCS).

The get-together began with a tour of the premesis, a company presentation and a preview of the new showroom as a highlight. The creative and competence centre will be officially opened on 13 October during an in-house show alongside ITMA ASIA + CITME. The guests were impressed by the modernity of the location, the variety of KARL MAYER warp knitting machine range, their wide spectrum of applications and, above all, the innovative strength of the KARL MAYER GROUP. “We feel very impressive on your mindset how you explore opportunities about the future technology,” explains Jacky Fu in conversation with Kong Zhen.

The group from adidas was also particularly interested in the opportunities offered by the compa-ny's own training centre. “Both CCS and Materials Operations team were impressed by the Karl Mayer Academy coz we think that it is a valuable chance to deep dive the textile world. Mini ma-chines and digital simulations are a good method to get on-site experience,” says Jacky Fu.

Conversation with benefits for all

The excursion into the world of the KARL MAYER GROUP was followed by a joint discussion on trends and development priorities in the warp knitting industry. The possibilities for strengthening the position of knitwear in the sportswear sector were also discussed. The hosts were particularly interested in the end users' comments on the requirements placed on the textiles. Tianhai Lace learnt more about its partner from the mechanical engineering sector. “We learnt a lot about KARL MAYER and warp knitting,” concluded Bob Wong. And adidas team also appreciated the exchange.

“I believe everyone got a certain takeaway, including the experience of the diverse and close relationship that KARL MAYER maintains with its customers. Your Academy in particular is impressive. KARL MAYER not only sells high-end machines, but also provides excellent services and support in developing new and more business,” Jacky Fu expressed his appreciation to Kong Zhen. In order to deepen the cooperation, adidas has proposed a follow-up visit to the adidas headquarters considering both companies were originated in Germany. “Talking to the advanced creation team may help you to understand the brand’s focus and request,” says Jacky Fu.

To hear the real pain points at development stage, he also recommends building and maintaining relationships with adidas' material development team through regular workshops.

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.

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.

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.