#Knitting & Hosiery

2025-03-05

Controlling the service life

If the machinery is becoming outdated, investments in targeted upgrade offers are an interesting alternative to cost-intensive new purchases for many manufacturers, especially in difficult economic times. KARL MAYER therefore offers an electrical retrofit for its customers in the technical textiles sector. The retrofit solution brings the control and drive technology of older multiaxial and warp knitting machines with weft insertion up to the current standard, thus minimising production risks.

Maximum production reliability thanks to the electrical retrofit for KARL MAYER multiaxial and warp knitting machines with weft insertion with a long running time © 2025 KARL MAYER

“The machines are often in operation for several shifts, seven days a week. After years of use, the mechanics are usually still in good condition, but the electrics are outdated after regular generational changes. If this leads to breakdowns, the result is high costs and long downtimes. This can be avoided with our electrical retrofit,” explains Falk Preibisch from the Care Solutions Team at KARL MAYER Technische Textilien.

Short conversion times

Anyone ordering an electrical retrofit will receive a new control cabinet with a user interface and control technology from the latest generation of KARL MAYER machines. In addition, everything required for dismantling the old motors and for the new cabling is supplied. The conversion work takes around two weeks on warp knitting machines with weft insertion and around three weeks on multiaxial warp knitting machines and requires the deployment of one or two service technicians - an effort that is well worth it.

Standardised operation, improved serviceability, reliable spare parts supply

The electronics upgrade offers the customer the familiar, modern user interface of the new KARL MAYER machines and therefore maximum ergonomics, intuitive functionality and a standardised user interface. The operating personnel always know their way around immediately, regardless of the year of manufacture of the machine. The electric retrofit also scores highly when it comes to service and maintenance. The service specialists at KARL MAYER Technical Textiles, who are familiar with the modern machines, know what needs to be done and, unlike for the old systems, spare parts are guaranteed to be available in the long term. Another advantage is that the machine can be networked through targeted retrofitting.

Successful solution

The offer to modernise at minimal cost and downtime, without the environmentally harmful disposal of old machines, is generally recommended for machines built in 2000 or later.

“The electrical retrofit is now selling very well,” says Falk Preibisch, satisfied with the demand.

Since its introduction in 2016, the electronics upgrade has already been ordered around 55 times, mostly for machines that have been in operation for between 15 and 25 years.

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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.

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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.

"Dynamic markets do not only create uncertainty – they also create opportunities."

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Ready for the future: PI Cottex chooses Brückner again for reliable quality and efficiency

PI Cottex, based in Ludhiana in the Indian state of Punjab, has developed into a leading manufacturer of high-quality knitted fabrics in recent years. Thanks to consistent vertical integration, modern pro-duction technologies and a clear focus on quality, the company supplies renowned national and inter-national clothing brands. In this interview, the team at PI Cottex talks to Brückner about its market strategy, future growth plans and its long-standing partnership with the German premium machinery manufacturer.

Hong Kong strengthens position as Asia's leading sustainable fashion hub

Hong Kong's position as one of Asia's most prominent sustainable fashion hubs has been further strengthened, with the HKTDC ESG Index 2026 released by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) for the fashion industry rising to 65.5 in 2026, up 2.3 percentage points from 2025. The increase reflects growing industry confidence in Hong Kong as a premier platform for sustainable fashion development and ESG-related business opportunities.