#Knitting & Hosiery

2018-01-22

LAMB Knitting Machine Corp. celebrates 150 years of manufacturing knitting machines

In 1867, the LAMB Knitting Machine Manufacturing Company was formed and started the production of flat V-Bed latch needle knitting machines in Chicopee, MA. The first machines of its type, LAMB machines were manufactured under a U.S. Patent issued to Pastor Isaac W. Lamb.

LAMB sold this new and versatile machine not only in the US but also in Europe. In 1893, the company merged with A.G. Spaulding and changed its name to LAMB Manufacturing Company. In addition to manufacturing flat and circular knitting machines, the company also produced bicycle frames, rifles and shotguns.

The company ceased operations for 2 months in 1931 and then was reorganized as LAMB Knitting Machine Corporation, a private corporation, by four employees of the original LAMB company. Starting in 1931, LAMB focused its operation on manufacturing narrow fabric V-Bed knitting machines. These machines were used to produce trimmings for sweaters and other apparel items as well as the fingers on knitted gloves.

(c) 2018 LAMB KNITTING MACHINE CORPORATION

John W. Giokas purchased LAMB in 1956. From 1940 to 2002, he guided the company, incorporating semi-automatic machining into the manufacturing process and expanding the product line into small diameter circular weft and warp knitting machines. The circular machines were used to knit drawstrings, shoelaces and ropes.

The current owners, Andrew & William Giokas (second generation) joined LAMB in the 1970’s. In addition to modernizing the manufacturing process, they have developed the new LAMB knitting machines required to meet the needs of their customers. Gini (Giokas) LaPalme and Amy (Giokas) Lonzcak are other family members who have joined LAMB and are instrumental to this organization. Amy Lonzcak is the third generation to work at LAMB and, while involved in manufacturing, she now focuses in design and prototype knitting. Two other members of the LAMB team have been with the company for over 20 years.

150 years of manufacturing:

A reputation for manufacturing dependable machines, providing timely and effective service to the customer, staying in tune with the needs of the customer, have been the keys to LAMB’s success for 150 years.

LAMB is only one of two companies that still manufacture knitting machines in the U.S., and is one of the few in the world that is focused on knitting machines to produce materials ranging in size from .050” diameter to 4-inches wide. The experience gained through the years in designing and manufacturing these types of machines and the dedication to producing a quality product has resulted in the world-wide reputation LAMB machines have for dependability.

Up to 1970, LAMB machines were primarily used to knit materials for the apparel and home furnishing industries using cotton, polyester and other man-made traditional yarns. Then applications for small diameter circular knits were created that used wire, fiberglass and other new type of fibers. LAMB modified its machines so that these new fibers could be knit productively. Products knit on LAMB machines can be found in automobiles, furnaces, household appliances and in other industrial products.

In the past 10 years, new applications for small diameter circular knits have been created. Small diameter knits are now used not only in medical devices such as catheters but to knit items that are implanted into the body, such as stents and arterial grafts. These knits range in size from 1mm to 18mm and use cylinders with needle densities ranging from 30 to 65 needles per inch. LAMB has coupled its experience in manufacturing small diameter knitting machines and researching new manufacturing techniques to develop the machines required to knit these materials.

Celebrating 150 years: In the 1870’s LAMB also manufactured the TUTTLE Sock Knitter. It was a hand-cranked machine and was used in many homes to knit socks and caps. Several other similar machines manufactured by other companies followed, but none with all the features of the TUTTLE. A limited number of the original TUTTLE machines are still in use today by home knitters and hobbyists. To answer the requests from members of the Circular Sock Knitting Machine Society and in recognition of its 150 years, LAMB has started manufacturing a limited number of the re-designed version of the TUTTLE Sock Knitter - the LAMB LT150.

Proven performance, optimised costs – the new RE 6 EL

Nowadays textile companies increasingly need to produce small production runs and respond to market changes with instantaneous pattern changes in order to operate profitably – meaning they require machines that offer maximum flexibility, reliability and cost efficiency. KARL MAYER understands the challenges of the market and is launching its new RE 6 EL. The Raschel machine offers the core strengths of the classic RSE 6 EL and essentially the same performance parameters, but has been further cost-optimised largely due to local production advantages. This makes the newcomer an efficiency champion in production, especially when it comes to frequent pattern changes.

Terrot introduces T-Frame platform to redefine stability and flexibility in large-diameter circular knitting

Terrot Textilmaschinen GmbH has unveiled the new T-Frame, a universal machine frame platform for large-diameter circular knitting machines. Designed to meet growing demands for flexibility, stability, and operational safety, the T-Frame provides a next-generation foundation for both current and future industrial knitting machines, combining German engineering expertise with a modular, future-ready design approach.

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.

ISKO’s denim language at Bluezone

ISKO returns to Bluezone to showcase its latest advancements in denim innovation, presenting a comprehensive overview of its SS27 collection alongside key creative and technological collaborations. At booth C02, ISKO offers visitors an immersive look into how performance, design, and circular thinking are shaping the future of denim.

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.

Exchange data between textile companies openly, securely and cost-effectively without a central platform – ITA makes it possible

The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University has launched a new demonstrator for an open and secure data space in the textile industry at the Digital Innovation Centre Europe (DICE). For the first time, the demonstrator shows directly and clearly how companies can share their data securely with each other without the need for a central platform. Data exchange is based on shared, freely usable technical foundations.

Kelheim Fibres GmbH informs about the closure of operations

The management of Kelheim Fibres GmbH informs that business operations will be terminated as of 31 March 2026. A continuation of the company beyond this date is not possible. The investor and sales process conducted within the framework of the self-administration did not lead to a positive outcome. The potential strategic investor who most recently entered the process has withdrawn from a potential investment at short notice.