#Knitting & Hosiery

2022-07-14

Successful STOLL Days in the new TexLab at KARL MAYER North America

The STOLL team is delighted with their successful STOLL Days © 2022 KARL MAYER

STOLL, a Business Unit of the KARL MAYER Group since 2020, is delighted with the success of its first STOLL Days. The event was held at KARL MAYER North America's new TexLab in Greensboro, NC from June 7 to 10, 2022, and had over 100 visitors.

Most of the guests came from the USA and Canada. Many of them stayed for two days, to participate in an extensive event program. Highlights included various machines in action - including models shown for the first time. And seminars and workshops to introduce new textile product designs, new design software, and innovations from various external partners that were included in the program. Also, STOLL showed its latest fashion trend collection "Wonderful" and innovative flat knitted products for other industries.

The STOLL machines on display impressed with their performance. Technology is constantly evolving, explained the representative of a well-known brand who has been working with STOLL machines for 35 years. "What these can do is endless. It's like painting - you can just create new things with a new yarn, a new color or a new concept," he said. "It's inspiring to be here and see all the things that can be knitted with these incredible STOLL machines," affirms Textile Design Manager Regan Marriner of Hemp Black. This Greensboro-based textile manufacturer is committed to social responsibility and environmental protection and operates more than a dozen STOLL machines.

Seeing what STOLL has to offer and getting to know the new TexLab was just one of the guests' intentions in coming to Greensboro. Many visitors also attended the seminars, for example Carrie Yates, Director of Product Development at Cotton Incorporated, who learnt with several colleagues more about STOLL's latest design software. "The seminars had good feedback, and attendees enjoyed meeting our partner exhibitors and seeing how the combination of machine, yarn, and know-how results in new textile products," says Matthews Llewellyn, Sales Director Stoll at KARL MAYER North America.

Networking was also important. There was a variety of partners for this. Representatives from universities and companies of various sizes and industries were present and available for discussions – from large sportswear and shoe brands to consumer electronics and automotive manufacturers, to start-ups and small boutique companies. STOLL exchanged ideas with new companies who wanted to see the machines before making a final decision. Existing customers inquired about new developments.

With the STOLL Days, STOLL as a business unit of the KARL MAYER Group has shown its importance and focus on strong growth of the flat knitting industry in North America. With this event, STOLL has shown its willingness to cooperate with other players such as yarn manufacturers, research institutes and digitalization consultants to create an open platform for the world of flat knitting. In addition, STOLL has once again presented itself as a strong partner. "The event was a signal to our customers that STOLL is here to support them, whether in sales, service or training in the new TexLab," said Matthews Llewellyn.

Most of the visitors expressed the hope that the STOLL Days will be repeated at least once a year.

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.

The new RJ 4/2 EL revolutionizes body mapping and expands creative possibilities – from smart lingerie to sporty athleisure designs

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.

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.

SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

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.