#Knitting & Hosiery

2019-06-05

KARL MAYER’s software startup is setting up subsidiaries in China and Hong Kong

The Managing Directors of the KM.ON GmbH Antonia Gottschalk and Maximilian Kürig (c) 2019 KARL MAYER

KARL MAYER is continuing along its path of digitisation, and is focusing on expansion and globalisation. From June 2019 onwards, KM.ON will be present in key markets with subsidiaries in China and Hong Kong.

KM.ON is expanding towards Asia

This software startup offers a broad portfolio of digital solutions under the KM.ON brand. The company was set up in Frankfurt in 2017 as the KARL MAYER Digital Factory, and now operates under the uniform name of KM.ON GmbH.

In addition to Warp Knitting, Warp Preparation and Technical Textiles, KMO.ON is also one of KARL MAYER's business units and has a corresponding focus. "With this international setup, we are following KARL MAYER's strategy of being close to our customers.

Our local presences enable us to focus our solutions for important sales regions even more specifically on the particular requirements of our customers there," says Antonia Gottschalk, who heads KM.ON GmbH together with Maximilian Kürig.

Both Managing Directors expect that globalisation will also provide impulses for the entire product portfolio. “The adaptation rate of software and digital solutions is enormous here. The heart of digitisation is beating strongly in China. With these new locations, we have our finger firmly on the pulse of a period of great change,” says Maximilian Kürig.

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.

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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.

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BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

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Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.