#Knitting & Hosiery

2023-07-27

The KARL MAYER GROUP receives a business delegation from Jinjiang

China is an important market for the KARL MAYER GROUP. The global player has maintained close business relations with this high-consumption country in East Asia for a long time. Only on July 24, a delegation from Jinjiang, the brand capital of China, visited the group's headquarters in Obertshausen.

Representatives of the regional authorities and successful companies in the textile and apparel industry were received. This industry, rich in tradition, makes the largest contribution to the city's budget. The companies represented in the tour group alone generate around 50% of Jinjiang's gross domestic product. Among the guests from the business world were warp knitting, knitting and weaving companies, but also leather goods and shoe manufacturers as well as brands from the sports sector such as 361° or Anta and from the clothing sector, for example LILANZ or Septwolves for menswear.

There was a correspondingly high level of interest in the program of visits: immediately after the reception, there was a small but excellent insight into the world of applications for the products of KARL MAYER GROUP machines. The innovative solutions for sports shoes were a particular highlight. In addition, the hosts, headed by CEO Arno Gärtner, exchanged ideas with the visitors about cooperation opportunities. The KARL MAYER GROUP has always been committed to being close to its customers. If the market demands it, the company is looking forward to being able to build on Jinjiang's locational advantages, says Arno Gärtner.

This is not an unrealistic scenario. In the Chinese textile industry, warp knitting is a comparatively young technology, having been established about 30 years ago, but it has great potential, explained Wenxin Ke, Chairman of Huayu Weaving Co., Ltd. Especially in terms of sustainability, warp knitting offers advantages over weaving in many applications, as became clear during the discussion. Furthermore, technological pioneering solutions have made China great. Their promotion has always been on the agenda of the Chinese government. A look at the KARL MAYER GROUP's development center showed the delegation what best-in-class technology can look like.

The informative and cordial get-together ended with a return invitation to Jinjiang and many new impressions and impulses on both sides.

The heart of the technical textiles and nonwovens world will beat in Istanbul

Only 1 day remains until HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwovens Exhibition opens its doors. Bringing together manufacturers, technology developers, investors, and industry professionals from around the world, HIGHTEX 2026 is preparing to showcase the innovations shaping the future of the industry. As the countdown to this major event continues, Istanbul is once again getting ready to become the meeting point of the global technical textiles industry.

Grasim Industries announces fresh investment of ₹3094 Crore to expand Lyocell capacity

Grasim Industries Limited, the flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group and a global leader in cellulosic fibres, today announced an investment of ₹3,094 crore, for Phase II Lyocell capacity of 110K TPA at Harihar, Karnataka. This expansion will consist of 2 lines of 55K TPA (150 Tons per day) each. The first line is expected to be commissioned by 2028, and the second line is expected to be commissioned by 2030.

The future of textiles, the power of trade, and the summit of technology come together at ITM 2026

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious organizations in the textile technologies sector, opens its doors to visitors between June 9-13. Expected to break records in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers, as well as the technological vision it presents, ITM 2026 will transform into a global trade hub with machine sales, and new business collaborations.

ATCO Hygienics, Uzbekistan, orders baby diaper production line from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from ATCO Hygienics to supply a new baby diaper production line for its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The order is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026. Commissioning of the production line is scheduled for the end of 2026.

TM WEFT, 270" – More width, more design freedom for the fashion world

KARL MAYER is expanding its successful TM WEFT series with an innovative model that opens up new possibilities, particularly in the fashion & apparel sectors. With a working width of 270", this new machine with weft-insertion not only offers significantly higher output than its narrower counterparts but is also specifically tailored to the demands of dynamic clothing market – particularly in China and Türkiye. A well-thought-out upgrade also ensures even greater design versatility.

“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.

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.