#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.

More Jacquard. More functionality. More fashion.

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.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.

Footwear innovation enabled by warp knitting technology– insights from New Balance

The future of the athletic shoe is increasingly being shaped on warp knitting machines. For KARL MAYER, the footwear industry is one of the most important growth markets – and one of the sectors where innovative textiles can realize their full potential. In his keynote address at the opening of KARL MAYER’s TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER in Obertshausen in April, Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy, Senior Textile and Materials Engineer at New Balance, explained the opportunities that warp knitting technology opens up for performance, sustainability, and faster development processes, and why textile manufacturers are transitioning from suppliers to development partners.

ITM 2026: Mayer & Cie. Global presents itself successfully at international industry trade fair

Mayer & Cie. Global has used ITM 2026 in Istanbul for its first major international appearance since the restart. Together with the Turkish representative Mayer Mümessillik, the company presented its premium circular knitting machines "Made in Germany", explained its future positioning within the group of companies and held talks with customers and representatives from numerous markets. The response to the restart was positive. The clear orientation of the company, the reliable worldwide network of representatives and the resumption of service and spare parts supply were welcomed by customers.

STOLL: Agreement signed for the divestiture of selected assets

In early 2025, KARL MAYER announced its strategic decision to focus on its core business areas of WARP KNITTING, WARP PREPARATION, and TECHNICAL TEXTILES. As part of this move, the flat knitting machine business under the STOLL brand was discontinued and the production site in Reutlingen was closed in October 2025.

Contactless measurement of coating for Technical Textiles with PLEVA AF 310 and AF 120

Textiles used for protection and defense must perform reliably – whether they are protective garments, tents, tarpaulins, covers, or technical carrier materials. Properties such as flame resistance, water repellency, weather resistance, or defined air permeability are often only achieved through precise coating, finishing, or printing processes.

EFI Reggiani and Danitech Group announce strategic multi-year agreement for Mezzera textile finishing machinery

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI), through its subsidiary EFI Reggiani (Reggiani Macchine S.p.A.), together with Danitech Engineering and Solutions Srl (Italy) and Suzhou Danitech Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd (China), announces a multi-year license and manufacturing agreement covering the Mezzera and Jaeggli textile finishing machinery portfolio.

The Woolmark Company showcases Australia's commitment to India's textile industry at Bharat Tex 2026

Reinforcing more than five decades of commitment to India's wool textile and apparel industry, The Woolmark Company, alongside Austrade and the Australian High Commission, marked a strong presence at Bharat Tex 2026, one of the world's largest textile and apparel trade platforms. Through industry engagement, strategic collaborations, technical innovation and knowledge exchange, the participation underscored Australia's continued commitment to supporting the growth and transformation of India's textile ecosystem while highlighting the versatility and value of Australian Merino wool.