#Knitting & Hosiery

2017-06-13

Smart production for industry transformation

Delegation at YiwuTex 2017: Support from Associations and Industry Enterprises

Unveiled 13th of June at Yiwu International Expo Centre, Zhejiang Province, PR China, the 18th China Yiwu International Exhibition on Textile Machinery (YiwuTex 2017) covers an exhibition area of over 13,200 sqm and attracted more than 160 textile machinery exhibitors to showcase their latest machinery and technology on knitting, hosiery, sewing, garment and digital printing.

The 3-day show (until 15 Jun) received enthusiastic responses from industry buyers and attracted about 20 associations and over 50 corporate delegations to visit.

New Technologies Lead Way to High-End Smart Production

With special focus on intelligent production, smart management and high-end technology, YiwuTex 2017 features 3 theme zones: "Functional Knitting Machinery Zone", "Smart Apparel Machinery Zone" and "Digital Printing Machinery Zone". Advanced technologies and equipment are showcased with the aim to help industry players with their transition from traditional production to high-end smart production.

Participating famous knitting and hosiery machinery exhibitors include: Lonati (Italy), Santoni (Italy), Chemtex (Hong Kong), Best Yield (Hong Kong), BTSR (Italy), Groz-Beckert (Germany), Busi Giovanni (Italy), Merz (Germany), Kern Liebers, L.G.L. (Italy), Memmingger-Iro, Jilong and Wuyang, etc.

Star exhibitors of automatic sewing and garment machinery include: Topcut Bullmer (Germany), JACK, Brother, Yamato (Japan), KANSAI (Japan), MEGASEW (Taiwan), Kingtex (Taiwan), Auri-tech, Euratex, OSHIMA, SHING RAY, Baoyu, Shing Ling, PEGASUS, SIRUBR, HORSE, MAQI, CHINKI and BRUCE, etc.

Concurrent Events Explore Trends and Opportunities

The latest development trends of the knitting industry are covered in a series of on-site symposiums, in which solutions are shared to bring industry players more insights. Seminar topics include: “The Commonly-used Compression Stockings in China and the Newest Pressure Testing Standard”, "High-end Customized Single Needle Socks Machine Made in Italy", "DRYARN®, the Unique Fibre for Every Sport" and "Running of the Smart Production Line" (which will be held on 14 Jun). The well praised Knitwear Display Zone will also continue to showcase the latest knitting techniques, fabric technologies and printing patterns, offering buyers a rewarding experience to understand the applications of the above-mentioned items.

Enthusiastic Responses from Industry Buyers

As always, YiwuTex 2017 has gained wide support from professional buyers in the textile industry. About 20 industry associations have confirmed to attend, including Zhejiang Seamless Weaving Industry Association, China Textile Commerce Association Undergarment Committee, Dongyang Knitting Industry Association, Dongyang Garment Industry Association, and Haining Socks Association, etc. Over 50 leading knitting, hosiery and garment enterprises have also formed groups to visit YiwuTex 2017, visiting companies include: Zhejiang Mengna Socks & Hosiery Corp., Zhejiang Bonas Hoses Industry Co., Ltd, Naining Nai'er Sock Industry Co., Ltd., Heng Yuan Xiang Socks Co., Ltd, and Zhejiang Manzi Knitting Co., Ltd., etc.

There are two days to go before the event ends, buyers could grasp the last chance to register on-site for show visit and sourcing opportunities. Find more information on official website www.YiwuTex.com

STOLL: Agreement signed for the divestiture of selected assets

In early 2025, KARL MAYER announced its strategic decision to focus on its core business areas of WARP KNITTING, WARP PREPARATION, and TECHNICAL TEXTILES. As part of this move, the flat knitting machine business under the STOLL brand was discontinued and the production site in Reutlingen was closed in October 2025.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

Mongolia: Workshop on Italian textile technologies kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The workshop dedicated to Italian textile technologies will kick off in Ulaanbaatar from 21 to 23 June 2026. Focused on the most advanced innovative solutions for the textile industry, the initiative will bring together 13 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, confirming the growing interest in strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries and highlighting Mongolia’s strategic importance for Italian textile machinery producers.

The textile industry in transition

Recycling, traceability, eco-design and digitalisation are among the key future challenges facing the European textile industry. The Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity, involving 21 partners from twelve countries, is investigating the skills required to address these challenges. As the German industry partner, the Industry Association for Finishing – Yarns – Fabrics – Technical Textiles (IVGT) is bringing the industry’s perspective to the project.