#Knitting & Hosiery

2024-12-12

Digitalized production management for luxury fashion with tradition

The Brazilian luxury knitwear manufacturer Bonneterie knits with love, tradition and innovation and creates sophisticated garments that fit comfortably around the body. It has been on the road to success since it was founded in 1987. Bonneterie products stand for quality, timeless elegance and comfort and are in demand worldwide. A considerable proportion of them are produced on flat knitting machines from STOLL.

Transformation of the production organization at Bonneterie with PPS powered by STOLL and KM.ON

Bonneterie and STOLL have been working together for decades and the two partners also took one of the first steps towards the digitalization of production together: The knitting specialist has been using the Production Planning System (PPS) powered by STOLL and KM.ON for more than five years.

The decision in favor of the PPS was made as part of an expansion and modernization project in which Bonneterie was clearing up inefficient operating processes. Machine operators relied on manual notes for production and yarn management, leading to frequent miscommunication, errors, and increased setup times. With operators managing multiple machines, tracking production was time-consuming and prone to human error. As a result, downtime increased, and productivity decreased.

In order to streamline and digitalise its production processes, the company implemented the PPS alongside their ERP system. The PPS provides real-time insights, enables automation, eliminates the need of manual notes and thus offers real benefits.

„PPS has transformed how we manage production. Our efficiency has improved significantly, and we now have complete control and visibility over the entire process,“ says Kevin Strassburger, Marketing Manager at Bonneterie.

Efficiency Gains

The PPS led to a 20 % increase in efficiency. Operators now manage more machines with ease, and reduced setup time and errors contributed to a significant productivity boost.

Improved Organization

PPS replaced manual inputs, organizing production data in real time. Operators no longer need to walk around as much or take notes; they can view production data directly on their screens, allowing them to better manage timelines and machine assignments. The PPS enables remote access to production data, empowering operators and managers to oversee the entire process from anywhere, anytime.

Streamlined Production

With better timeline management, the system reduced stockpiling and aligned production more closely with demand. The system tracks when machines are running out of tickets, allowing for better workflow management.

Data-driven Control and Planning

PPS offers comprehensive reports on key machine and production data at both micro and macro levels, helping Bonneterie pinpoint inefficiencies and identify stop causes. The reports and access to historical data enhance decision-making and planning. Decisions are not only made more profoundly, but also more quickly and delays are reduced.

Bonneterie experienced remarkable improvements in production efficiency, organization, and overall control. The support and collaboration with STOLL have further empowered Bonneterie to continue delivering high-quality knitwear with precision and confidence.

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.

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.

DOMOTEX Southeast Asia 2026 - Building the Gateway to ASEAN's fast-growing flooring market

From 11–13 November 2026, the inaugural DOMOTEX Southeast Asia will take place at BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre) in Bangkok, Thailand. Jointly organized by GLOBUS Events Limited and Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd., with Worldex G.E.C. Co., Ltd. as the local partner, the exhibition marks the expansion of the internationally recognized DOMOTEX brand into Southeast Asia. As the newest addition to the global DOMOTEX portfolio, the exhibition has been developed specifically to serve the rapidly evolving ASEAN market, creating a dedicated business event for the flooring and interior finishing industry.

Execs help steer Cascale’s consumer goods agenda in Athens

The 2026 Cascale Annual Meeting, taking place September 15–17 in Athens, Greece, will convene leaders from across the global consumer goods value chain to tackle one of the industry’s defining questions: how to accelerate meaningful, system-wide transformation. Guiding those conversations as this year’s co-chairs are Sean Cady, vice president, global sustainability, responsibility, trade, and government affairs at VF Corporation, and Dr. Delman Lee, vice chair at TAL Apparel Limited.