#Knitting & Hosiery

2025-12-11

SHIMA SEIKI returns to ShanghaiTex

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong and Chinese market subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will exhibit at the ShanghaiTex 2025 exhibition (Booth No.: Hall N3, Booth A20) held in Shanghai, China this month. This marks the return of SHIMA SEIKI to ShanghaiTex after a 14-year hiatus, its last exhibit at the show having been in 2011.

The exhibit will emphasize the company’s continuing global leadership in computerized flat knitting by presenting its unique capability to provide solutions to a wide range of customers with diverse needs through uncompromising Made-In-Japan quality and technology. To this end, Shima Seiki will have on display an all-new line-up of shaped knitting machines, ranging from flagship machine technology to entry-level shaping. Details follow.

SES®-R NEW

SHIMA SEIKI’s legendary SES® series was the world’s first short-bed full-fashioning machine that could produce shaped pieces for one garment at a time and supported multi-variety, small-lot, quick-response production. First introduced in the 1980's to a market filled with long-bed machines knitting square fabrics for cut-and-sewn products, it was a machine that challenged the status quo. Now the current status quo established by the SES® series is once again being challenged with the new SES®-R. SHIMA SEIKI's next-generation shaping machine has been “Reborn” with an all-new spring-type moveable sinker system that features switchable sinker stroke and pause function for increased capability in knitting dimensional sinker patterns. Auto yarn carriers and loop presser beds mounted above both front and back needle beds enhance performance in both inverse plating and inlay knitting. Shown at ITMA Milan in 2023 as a prototype, the production version of the flagship SES®-R is shown at ShanghaiTex in 14 gauge, with a 52-inch (132 cm) knitting width to support knitted items in larger sizes.

SES®-R Standard NEW

SHIMA SEIKI’s SES®-R flagship shaping machine also comes in a more basic version called Standard. As with the SES®-R, SES®-R Standard features an all-new spring-type moveable sinker system for increased capability in knitting dimensional sinker patterns. Capable of high value-added knitting of quality knitwear, SES®-R Standard can be fitted with optional features for increased capability to support continuously changing demand in a fluctuating market. SES®-R Standard makes its debut at ShanghaiTex in 14 gauge, with a 52-inch (132 cm) knitting width to support knitted items in larger sizes.

N.SSR®132 NEW

SHIMA SEIKI’s global standard in shaped knitting, the N.SSR® series, now includes an even more cost-effective choice. The new N.SSR®132 maintains high productivity with a compact, lightweight carriage and maximum knitting speed of 1.2 meters per second, as well as quick carriage returns with the R2CARRIAGE® system. N.SSR®132 carries over proven SHIMA SEIKI technology such as our renowned Digital Stitch Control System (DSCS®), spring-type moveable sinker system, stitch presser, yarn gripper and cutter, and takedown comb. New features include a 52-inch (132 cm) knitting width for supporting larger sizes and optional sub-rollers, offering the flexibility required for responding to various customer and market needs. Realizing excellent cost performance while ensuring Made-in-Japan quality, safety, reliability and user-friendliness, N.SSR®132 sets a new standard for a new era in computerized flat knitting machines.

N.SVR®122 Prototype

The N.SVR®122 computerized flat knitting machine is considered the benchmark in computerized shaping technology and offers the latest features which in themselves have become industry standards. These include spring-type moveable sinkers, takedown rollers, Rapid Response R2CARRIAGE®, DSCS® Digital Stitch Control System, stitch presser and takedown comb. Made-in-Japan quality, reliability, productivity, user-friendliness and cost-performance combine to satisfy the high expectations of the world's fashion industry. N.SVR®122 is shown in 22-gauge version at ShanghaiTex as a prototype to demonstrate efficient production of high-quality ultrafine gauge fabrics.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at GMMSA Expo India

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Indian sales representative Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services, Ltd., will participate in the upcoming Garments Machinery Manufacturers & Suppliers Association (GMMSA) Expo India 2026 exhibition to be held in Ludhiana, India next month. Through its lineup at GMMSA, SHIMA SEIKI aims to further strengthen its presence within the Indian market with an exhibit that caters to diverse needs, consisting of seam-free WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology as well as a brand-new shaping machine with high productivity and excellent cost performance.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Intertextile Shanghai

Leading digital textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong and Chinese market subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will exhibit at the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition 2025 show in Shanghai, China next month. It will exhibit once again as part of the Digital Solutions Zone which allows visitors various opportunities to partake in the digital revolution that is currently making waves in the apparel industry.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at Preview in Seoul

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Korean subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI KOREA INC., will participate in the 26th edition of Preview in Seoul exhibition in Seoul, Republic of Korea this month, with a lineup of knitting machines and design systems. SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting two SWG®091N2 WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines in different gauges.

KARL MAYER at JEC: Multiaxial reinforced CFRP pultrusion profiles are picking up speed in the mobility sector

KARL MAYER Technical Textiles will be showcasing exciting new application potentials for multiaxial non-crimp fabrics in combination with the pultrusion process at the upcoming JEC in Hall 5, Booth C 46. The advancement of the tried-and-tested pultrusion process enables the cost-efficient production of complex CFRP multi-chamber profiles, which are used in the CETROVO high-speed metro. The world's first carbon-intensive lightweight rail vehicle of this type is designed for speeds of up to 140 km/h.

Huixing acquires insolvent Mayer & Cie.

Insolvency proceedings for the circular knitting and braiding machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. were opened on December 1, 2025. Immediately following the opening of proceedings, the complete cessation of business operations was initiated. Most employees were subsequently given notice effective the end of February 2026. The production of the remaining orders in the circular knitting segment is expected to be completed by the end of the month. As early as December 2025, Mayer & Cie.’s braiding machine division was sold to an Italian investor.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.

Texprocess 2026: market overview for strategic future investments

At Texprocess 2026, 200 exhibitors from 28 countries will be represented. In a challenging market environment, the leading trade fair is a constant and reflects progress in textile processing – driven by automation, digitalisation and AI. In addition, international start-ups present their ideas and meet partners from industry and research. Techtextil takes place in parallel with an optimised hall layout.