#Techtextil 2022

2022-06-09

Circular knitting machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. presents itself at trade fair in Frankfurt

The industry events that the Albstadt-based circular knitting machine manufacturer attends throughout the year are usually further away than 200 kilometres. Techtextil, which starts on 21 June in Frankfurt/Main, is the only “home game” for Mayer & Cie. At its booth C63 in hall 11.1, the textile machine professional relies on fabric samples and advice instead of machines despite its geographical proximity.

Jürgen Müller, head of product development knitted fabrics at Mayer & Cie., explains: “Our machine portfolio is very broad; we offer the right circular knitting machine to produce the entire range of modern textiles. Experience has shown that small, fine solutions are at stake, especially in the technical field. Thus, listening and consulting is the central building block at Techtextil.”

Focus on home textiles

Nevertheless, Mayer & Cie. has several focal points: One is in the field of home textiles, especially in the production of high-quality mattress cover fabrics. Until the end of the nineties, they were exclusively woven. When Mayer & Cie. developed the first electronic machine with a diameter of 38 inches and a fineness of E 20 in 1997, the conquest of the mattress market with circular knitted upholstery fabrics began. In just twenty years, the proportion of circular knitted fabrics in this segment has risen from zero to over fifty percent, and Mayer & Cie. has become the leading manufacturer here. The most productive machine in this segment is the OVJA 2.4 EM from Mayer & Cie.: it produces up to 30 kilograms of fabric per hour. Other machines that are suitable for producing elastic, pattern-diverse knitted fabrics are, for example, the OVJA 1.6 E, the OVJA 1.6 EM as well as the OVJA 1.6 EE.

Focus on sportswear

Fashionable, breathable sportswear is in vogue. To set yourself apart from the competition, structures and patterns are a popular means. “Mesh and body mapping are particularly in demand,” says pattern specialist Jürgen Müller. The machine of choice is the MJ 3.2 E. Other possibilities are the MV4-3.2 II and S4-3.2. Both process different synthetic fibres into knitted fabrics in fine gauges. Double Jersey machines for the sports sector are the D4 2.2 II as well as the D4 3.2 II.

Focus on shoe uppers

Circular knitted material as an upper material for leisure and sports shoes is becoming more popular. In particular, it is the high productivity that makes this type of production interesting for shoe production. Mayer & Cie. already has several machines in its extensive portfolio that are suitable for knitting shoe uppers. Established machines from the Mayer & Cie. portfolio that are suitable for this are the OVJA 1.6 ET 3 WT and the OVJA 1.6 E. The latter also knits spacer, which finds a place of use in both shoe upper and sportswear. A relative new addition to the portfolio is the OVJA 1.6 EE – 3WT/2WT.

Mattress cover fabrics are an important field of application of circular knitted fabrics (c) 2022 Mayer&Cie.

Shoe uppers can be produced on circular knitting machines (c) Mayer & Cie.

Focus on consulting and individual solution

Because of this variety of possibilities, Mayer & Cie.’s Jürgen Müller relies on fabric samples instead of machine exhibits – and on the extensive experience in the field of circular knitting.

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.

Mayer & Cie. to shut down after failed search for investor – 270 jobs affected

Mayer & Cie., the long-established German manufacturer of circular knitting and braiding machines, will cease operations after its international search for an investor ended without success. The company, based in Albstadt-Tailfingen, had been undergoing insolvency proceedings in self-administration since its filing on 23 September 2025. As Schwarzwälder Bote reports, the insolvency court has now formally opened the proceedings, triggering the decision to wind down the business in an orderly process.

Mayer & Cie. at ITMA Asia

Mayer & Cie. will participate in ITMA Asia from October 28 to 31, 2025, which takes place in Singapore. Visitors will find the manufacturer of circular knitting machines and braiding machines in Hall 5, Stand D 301. At its booth, the company will be showing a new circular knitting for jacquard fabrics - the OVJA 2.4 EC II - and will provide an overview of its digital and smart solutions. Another focus is on the machines of Mayer & Cie's "Performance Line": circular knitting machines, which are the most efficient solution in their respective classes.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.