#ITM 2026

2026-05-28

Customer insight week Türkiye

KARL MAYER strengthens customer partnerships in Türkiye

Türkiye has been one of KARL MAYER’s most important markets for decades. The first KARL MAYER warp knitting machine was delivered to Bursa as early as 1951. It was installed by Karl Mayer himself and marked the beginning of a long and successful partnership.

This fruitful partnership is based on trust, active listening, learning from one another, and driving innovation together – cornerstones that KARL MAYER built upon with a „Get-together Week“ in early May. The industry leader used this initiative to engage intensively with its customers in the run-up to ITM, discussing current and future developments, innovations, as well as shared goals and visions.

„For us, Türkiye is much more than just a market – it is a central part of our future, which we would like to build together with you. Our customers‘ success is our benchmark. We think and develop from the textile to the machine – with a clear focus on innovation power, solutions that enable new applications, and speed,“ Lutz Wolf, CEO of KARL MAYER, told the participants.

Top management representatives and specialized experts from Germany and Türkiye, together with regional partner Erko, visited numerous customers and also hosted management meetings and technical events at the KARL MAYER location in Bursa.

A particular highlight was the in-house event „Let‘s talk Warp Knit.“ Around 40 customers attended and were able to learn about current topics and gain new perspectives for their work through sessions tailored to different levels of expertise – ranging from technical presentations and in-depth workshops to concise micro-training sessions.

The content was tailored to the customers’ current needs: Among other things, the latest developments in tricot machines were presented, along with a preview of the ITM trade show and textile innovations specifically designed for the Türkiye market. In addition, the focus was on KARL MAYER‘s service offerings and the opportunities provided by the new TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER at the company‘s headquarters in Obertshausen.

The interactive formats, in particular, which allowed ample time for questions, were very well received and simultaneously provided valuable insights for the company‘s strategic development and the formulation of concrete goals.

For KARL MAYER, this deep understanding of the market serves as the foundation for developing solutions for new applications and market-relevant innovations that deliver value to its customers. The intensive dialogue highlighted potential particularly in the area of design fabrics for fashion & apparel. Above all, flexibly configurable jacquard patterns and lace are gaining in importance. At the same time, demand for apparel with crepe-like textured surfaces remains strong.

In line with this, KARL MAYER will be showcasing the HKS 4-M EL ECO – a highly efficient production machine – at ITM. From June 9 to 13, 2026, the global player will be at Booth 3/303 A at the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Istanbul.

Speeches at the workshop © 2026 KARL MAYER

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.

ITM 2028 opens exhibitor registration following successful 2026 edition

Following the successful conclusion of ITM 2026, preparations for the next edition of the International Textile Machinery Exhibition are already underway. The organisers have officially opened exhibitor registration for ITM 2028, which will take place from June 13–17, 2028, at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul.

ITM 2026: Mayer & Cie. Global presents itself successfully at international industry trade fair

Mayer & Cie. Global has used ITM 2026 in Istanbul for its first major international appearance since the restart. Together with the Turkish representative Mayer Mümessillik, the company presented its premium circular knitting machines "Made in Germany", explained its future positioning within the group of companies and held talks with customers and representatives from numerous markets. The response to the restart was positive. The clear orientation of the company, the reliable worldwide network of representatives and the resumption of service and spare parts supply were welcomed by customers.

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.

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.