#Knitting & Hosiery

2026-01-29

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at GMMSA Expo India

APEXFiz® subscription-based design software © 2026 SHIMA SEIKI

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.

N.SVR®183

SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting its WHOLEGARMENT ® knitting technology whereby an item can be produced in one entire piece on the machine without linking or sewing. Its N.SVR®183 WHOLEGARMENT ® knitting machine produces WHOLEGARMENT ® knitwear using every other needle. N.SVR®183 is equipped with the R2CARRIAGE® system and a compact, lightweight carriage for high productivity. Shown in 14 gauge at the GMMSA Expo, N.SVR®183 is an ideal machine for flexible, entry-level WHOLEGARMENT ® production of 7-gauge items, with the versatility to respond to fluctuating market demand.

N.SSR®132

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 is shown for the first time in India, after being well-received by Indian delegates at the ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 exhibition in Singapore last October. It features high productivity with a compact, lightweight carriage and maximum knitting speed of 1.2 meters per second, as well as proven SHIMA SEIKI technology such as the R2CARRIAGE® system, the 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 sized garments 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. The N.SSR®132 will be shown in 14 gauge.

SDS®-ONE APEX4 and APEXFiz®

SDS®-ONE APEX4 3D design system and APEXFiz® subscription-based design software support the creative side of fashion from planning and design to realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. Moreover, users can take advantage of this capability not only on the design side but also on the production side. Suppliers can make proposals by leveraging their own expertise in knitting and materials, allowing accelerated product development. When a design is approved for production, knitting data which is automatically generated can be converted easily into machine data, digitally bridging the gap between design studio and factory. SDS®-ONE APEX4 and APEXFiz® help to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the fashion supply chain. The product planning capability of APEXFiz® is enhanced by several web services which will also be demonstrated along with SDS®-ONE APEX4 and APEXFiz®.

Shima Seiki showcases WHOLEGARMENT® and 3D knitting solutions for technical textiles at Techtextil 2026

Leading textile technology solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will be participating in the Techtextil 2026 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany next month. On display will be WHOLEGARMENT® and other advanced three-dimensional knitting applications across a wide range of industries besides fashion apparel that are not typically associated with knitting, such as technical textiles using industrial materials and advanced three-dimensional knitting.

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.

KARL MAYER strengthens partnerships in the composites industry at JEC World 2026

KARL MAYER further strengthened its role as a reliable and competent partner to the composites industry at JEC World 2026. The global market leader in textile machinery manufacturing used the trade show to meet key customers, establish numerous new contacts, and engage in in-depth technical discussions.

Driving WARP KNIT Inspiration

KARL MAYER sees performance fabrics and next-level textile solutions in particular as potential growth drivers for its customers, as a motor for business development and as real game changers for the entire textile industry. Innovation does not happen by chance. It is the result of close exchange with customers & brands, textile expertise and competence in textile machine engineering. This is why KARL MAYER is investing in progress and collaborative development and opening its TEXTILE INNOVATION CEN-TER (TIC) – a place to be for the entire textile world.

KARL MAYER (China) celebrates its 30th anniversary

On February 6, KARL MAYER (China) celebrated the new year and its 30th anniversary. Employees and the management team at the Changzhou location, as well as representatives from management in Germany, Italy, and Hong Kong, were invited to the festivities. A special highlight was the visit by Lutz Wolf, CEO of KARL MAYER.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.