#Knitting & Hosiery

2020-07-01

Transaction completed - STOLL was transferred to KARL MAYER on 01.07.2020

With the so-called closing, the merger of the two world market leaders, KARL MAYER and STOLL, was officially completed on 1st July 2020. The relevant agreements were signed on 26th February 2020, thus, setting the course for the formation of a trans-technology global player, who changes the world of its customers and of the textile sector.

KARL MAYER is now the leading provider of solutions for the two most important stitch-forming processes, flat knitting and warp knitting. The company’s entire expertise in the fields of warp knitting, flat knitting as well as technical textiles, warp preparation for weaving and digital solutions is now housed under one roof.

When it comes to the manufacture of products for warp knitting, warp preparation for weaving and the areas of technical textiles, KARL MAYER is innovative market leader with more than 2,300 employees worldwide. STOLL, the international sector leader with roughly 1,000 employees, stands for progressive tools and services for tomorrow’s knitting.

STOLL will continue its activities within the KARL MAYER Group as autonomous business unit. The brand will be carried on independently, and represents KARL MAYER‘s expertise in the field of flat knitting technology. KARL MAYER also relies on STOLL‘s proven management. The previous CEO, Andreas Schellhammer, will become President of the STOLL business unit within the KARL MAYER Group.

„With STOLL‘s excellent know-how and committed staff, we can build on a good basis for further joint developments. STOLL and KARL MAYER complement each other perfectly in terms of technology, they consistently rely on the proximity to their markets, and they are the innovation leaders in their sectors. The merger offers the basis for new machine-based solutions, textile products and digital offerings, which will make a major contribution to strengthening our customers in their business environment“, says Arno Gärtner.

In the area of machine development, it is possible to use completely new technological principles but also optimizations of details, for example concerning the operation. For the development of new textiles, the customers can rely on broad, cross-sector expertise. They can benefit from the Group’s entire textile-technological know-how in the fields of warp knitting and flat knitting with an even increased application-oriented focus. The customers‘ contact persons will remain the same.

One of the main aims in production is to increase the added value for more know-how protection, flexibility and rapid delivery. Components from own production will be used groupwide, if possible, and the manufacture of the STOLL machines in China will be integrated into KARL MAYER’s location in Changzhou. With a surface area of 90,000 m² and modern factory halls, the Chinese plant offers the perfect conditions for continuing STOLL‘s high-quality production. The integration project runs smoothly, despite highest complexity and corona pandemic. „The teams from STOLL and KARL MAYER are full on schedule. They cooperate closely and extremely dedicated, they complement each other’s strengths, and successfully live the merger“, explains Andreas Schellhammer.

Moreover, via their familiar contact partners, the Chinese customers can rely on the resources and organization of KARL MAYER (CHINA) in the fields of service and spare parts. The spare parts are manufactured in-house, they are stored in larger quantities, and dispatched directly from China to China. This ensures shortest delivery times.

In terms of digitalisation, the know-how merger raises expectations for innovation leaps with advantages for the customers and effects on the entire textile industry. KARL MAYER‘s KM.ON is a highly agile software start-up, that uses the potential of cloud-based concepts and of artificial intelligence for completely new digital solutions. STOLL offers many years of experience in the software section. Together it will be possible to accelerate digital product developments enormously.

ITM 2026: KARL MAYER presents new perspectives

KARL MAYER will once again showcase itself as a strong partner to the Turkish textile industry at ITM in Istanbul from June 9 to 13. At Booth 303 A in Hall 3 of the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center, the industry leader will exhibit solutions for warp knitting, warp preparation, and technical textiles – tailored to a challenging economic environment.

Techtextil 2026: KARL MAYER impresses as an innovative sector partner

KARL MAYER looks back with satisfaction on its participation in Techtextil 2026. From April 21 to 24, the international industry leader used the trade show in Frankfurt to meet with numerous key customers at its booth and, at the same time, establish many new contacts. Most visitors came from Germany, followed by major markets such as Poland, the United Kingdom, Turkey, France, and Portugal.

“We Believe in the Value of Textiles”: Successful Opening of the KARL MAYER TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER

KARL MAYER inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) with a four-day opening week from April 21 to 24. The highlight of the week was the grand opening on Thursday, which drew a strong turnout from the international textile industry: around 220 customers, brands, and partners from across the textile value chain came to the company’s headquarters in Obertshausen for a first-hand look at the new high-tech development environment and lively exchange with industry peers.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

SHIMA SEIKI to show complete knitting and cutting workflow at ITM 2026

Leading computerized flat knitting technology provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Turkish representative TETAS IC VE DIS TICARET A.S., will participate in the ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye this month with a full product lineup. In addition to flat knitting machines and design software, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the full range of SHIMA SEIKI textile machinery with its automatic cutting machine exhibit, all geared toward the fashion apparel market as well as non-apparel related businesses.

Mayer & Cie. Global is getting ready for ITM 2026

ITM 2026 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Mayer & Cie. Global. For the first time, the company will present itself to the international textile machinery industry in its new setup: combining proven circular knitting technology engineered in Germany with a clear commitment to its Albstadt headquarters and an internationally shaped, agile management approach.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

YKK invests USD 150 million in new manufacturing facility in India

YKK Corporation has announced plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in India, reinforcing its long-term commitment to one of the world's fastest-growing textile and apparel production hubs. The new factory will be built at Origins by Mahindra in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and will become the third manufacturing site of YKK India Private Limited. The facility is expected to be completed by February 2028 and represents an investment of approximately USD 150 million, covering land, buildings, machinery and equipment.