#ITMA Asia + CITME 2024

2024-11-14

Successful warp knitting machines and textile show to master the changes of our time

Warp knitting companies in Asia are also facing fundamental changes and challenges considering the tense global economic and geopolitical situation. During ITMA ASIA + CITME in October 2024, KARL MAYER showed how these can be mastered: with innovations that are primarily aimed at greater profitability, flexibility and sustainability.

KARL MAYER Warp Knitting Business Unit draws positive conclusions after ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024

The exhibition was a major crowd puller at the KARL MAYER GROUP stand in the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center. Around 40% of all visitors with specific inquiries came from the warp knitting sector. The number of guests was significantly higher than at the previous ITMA ASIA + CITME, especially on the second and third days of the event, and all major customers were present. Christof Naier, President of the Warp Knitting Business Unit at KARL MAYER, is delighted with the high level of response, but also with the quality of the exchange. “For the most part, we had very in-depth, goal-oriented discussions and conversations about many projects. Our customers are cautious but optimistic about the future,” says Christof Naier.

The visitors were particularly interested in the HKS 2-S presented in the new gauge E 44, its advantages in the production of sun protection clothing and the diverse textile and application show with its potential for more business.

In addition to the ITMA stand, a performance demonstration of selected machines at the in-house show accompanying the trade fair at KARL MAYER (CHINA) was also impressive, with two premieres. New in Asia and an attraction were the Elastomeric RE 4-1 with the 190” working width and E 36 configuration and the DM 6/2-6 EN, a double raschel machine with an excellent price-performance ratio.

Machines for markets with potential

With its efficiency and fine textile products, the HKS 2-S in E 44 brings new drive to the outdoor wear segment. At a maximum speed of 3,200 rpm, the high-performance tricot machine can produce up to 200 kg of fabric per day, extremely reliably and with the highest quality. The E44 articles in the HKS 2-S range are uniquely light, soft and supple, breathable and particularly suitable for use in sun protection clothing, i.e. for outdoor activities. Their UV protection factor more than doubles that of circular knitted fabrics with a comparable fabric weight. This is due to the dense surface structure.

The RE 4-1 is predestined for the extremely efficient production of highly elastic textiles. The machine offers an excellent price-performance ratio and therefore benefits that are particularly evident in the production of fine underwear items for the volume business thanks to the new 190” E36 combination.

With the DM 6/2-6 EN, KARL MAYER has further differentiated its range of double raschel machines and thus better tailored them to market requirements. With a speed of 850 rpm, the new machine works just as fast as its range neighbours, the RD 6/1-12 EN and RD 7/2-12 EN. However, thanks to a special technical focus on the production of lightweight 3D warp knitted fabrics, it is significantly cheaper. This makes the DM 6/2-6 EN a top production machine, especially when it comes to the highly efficient production of spacer fabrics for the luggage and furniture sector.

New textile developments with a focus on growth

KARL MAYER machines are not only extremely productive and reliable, but also open doors to new business with the right textile products, as demonstrated by a highly acclaimed textile innovation show at KARL MAYER's ITMA stand in Shanghai. The most important highlight was certainly a chic sun protection outfit made from an E-44 fabric from HKS 2-S. However, inspiration and ideas for new articles and applications were also provided by the other exhibits, including functional, fashionable sportswear for the growing yoga trend and clothing fabrics with the look of typical cotton fabrics, an E40 warp knitted fabric as an outer fabric for thick down jackets, a comfortable casual wear outfit, lace with a uniquely high approximation to the Leavers Lace standard, a RASCHELTRONIC® article made of silk and stylish spacer fabrics for clothing and shoes.

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.

Innovations for warp preparation at the cutting edge

At ITMA ASIA + CITME in October, KARL MAYER presented solutions for lower production costs and environmental impact and greater efficiency in the warp preparation sector. After the trade fair, the company can draw a positive conclusion, both in terms of the number of visitors and the quality of the discussions.

KARL MAYER Technische Textilien at ITMA ASIA + CITME - a presentation that opens up many opportunities

During ITMA ASIA + CITME 2024, KARL MAYER presented “Master the Change” solutions for numerous areas of the textile industry, including the technical textiles segment. At its stand in the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center, the global player showed how the non-crimp fabrics from its highly productive composite machines can be used to exploit promising sales potential with lightweight construction applications.

Successful at ITMA Asia 2024 - Saurer's technology highlights

At ITMA Asia 2024, Saurer's new products were very popular and in the focus of visitor interest. Investment in new equipment seems to be on the rise and Saurer was positively surprised by the number and quality of visitors as well as the deals closed during the exhibition. Overall, visitors showed great interest in all the Saurer innovations designed to contribute to the future of textile technology and yarn production.

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.