#Knitting & Hosiery

2024-12-12

Digitalized production management for luxury fashion with tradition

The Brazilian luxury knitwear manufacturer Bonneterie knits with love, tradition and innovation and creates sophisticated garments that fit comfortably around the body. It has been on the road to success since it was founded in 1987. Bonneterie products stand for quality, timeless elegance and comfort and are in demand worldwide. A considerable proportion of them are produced on flat knitting machines from STOLL.

Transformation of the production organization at Bonneterie with PPS powered by STOLL and KM.ON

Bonneterie and STOLL have been working together for decades and the two partners also took one of the first steps towards the digitalization of production together: The knitting specialist has been using the Production Planning System (PPS) powered by STOLL and KM.ON for more than five years.

The decision in favor of the PPS was made as part of an expansion and modernization project in which Bonneterie was clearing up inefficient operating processes. Machine operators relied on manual notes for production and yarn management, leading to frequent miscommunication, errors, and increased setup times. With operators managing multiple machines, tracking production was time-consuming and prone to human error. As a result, downtime increased, and productivity decreased.

In order to streamline and digitalise its production processes, the company implemented the PPS alongside their ERP system. The PPS provides real-time insights, enables automation, eliminates the need of manual notes and thus offers real benefits.

„PPS has transformed how we manage production. Our efficiency has improved significantly, and we now have complete control and visibility over the entire process,“ says Kevin Strassburger, Marketing Manager at Bonneterie.

Efficiency Gains

The PPS led to a 20 % increase in efficiency. Operators now manage more machines with ease, and reduced setup time and errors contributed to a significant productivity boost.

Improved Organization

PPS replaced manual inputs, organizing production data in real time. Operators no longer need to walk around as much or take notes; they can view production data directly on their screens, allowing them to better manage timelines and machine assignments. The PPS enables remote access to production data, empowering operators and managers to oversee the entire process from anywhere, anytime.

Streamlined Production

With better timeline management, the system reduced stockpiling and aligned production more closely with demand. The system tracks when machines are running out of tickets, allowing for better workflow management.

Data-driven Control and Planning

PPS offers comprehensive reports on key machine and production data at both micro and macro levels, helping Bonneterie pinpoint inefficiencies and identify stop causes. The reports and access to historical data enhance decision-making and planning. Decisions are not only made more profoundly, but also more quickly and delays are reduced.

Bonneterie experienced remarkable improvements in production efficiency, organization, and overall control. The support and collaboration with STOLL have further empowered Bonneterie to continue delivering high-quality knitwear with precision and confidence.

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.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.