#Knitting & Hosiery

2025-05-15

SHIMA SEIKI announces partnership with Lonati

Leading computerized flat knitting innovator SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, is collaborating with Lonati S.p.A. of Brescia, Italy, to promote digitalization and sustainable product development within the sock industry. This partnership creates a strong synergy by combining SHIMA SEIKI’s APEXFiz® design software and Lonati’s ORION programming software, with the shared goal of helping the industry reduce its reliance on traditional physical sample creation processes.

SHIMA SEIKI and LONATI workflow © 2025 SHIMA SEIKI

In the sock sector, it has been common practice to produce physical samples for design evaluation and production decisions. However, this method poses significant challenges, including wasted resources, labor intensity, high sampling and material costs, and long lead times that delay market launches. To address these inefficiencies, 3D Virtual Sampling has gained traction as a highly effective alternative, enabling design consideration without the need for physical samples. This approach facilitates rapid and efficient prototyping, helping companies lower costs, shorten development timelines, and reduce environmental impact. Furthermore, it enhances competitiveness by supporting the creation of products that are better aligned with market needs.

SHIMA SEIKI’s APEXFiz® software, already widely adopted and highly regarded within the sock industry, offers advanced 3D virtual sampling capabilities for knitted products. Designers using APEXFiz® can visualize sock designs in real time and receive immediate feedback, streamlining the development process. To further specialize in this sector, SHIMA SEIKI is also preparing to launch APEXFiz® Design-Sox, a dedicated sock design tool, in the near future.

On the technical side, Lonati’s ORION software, part of the UNLIMITEX® suite, provides comprehensive 3D verification of data throughout the programming-to-manufacturing workflow. This enables early detection and resolution of potential issues, ensuring higher production efficiency. Both APEXFiz® Design-Sox and ORION are scheduled for release in June 2025.

By integrating SHIMA SEIKI’s design strengths with Lonati’s programming expertise, the collaboration streamlines virtual sampling workflows from concept to production. This integrated digital process empowers companies to significantly reduce time-to-market while maintaining high product quality. The innovative workflow developed through the SHIMA SEIKI and Lonati partnership is poised to transform the sock industry, driving new business opportunities and offering a decisive competitive advantage.

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.

Shima Seiki showcases WHOLEGARMENT® and 3D knitting solutions for technical textiles at Techtextil 2026

Leading textile technology solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will be participating in the Techtextil 2026 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany next month. On display will be WHOLEGARMENT® and other advanced three-dimensional knitting applications across a wide range of industries besides fashion apparel that are not typically associated with knitting, such as technical textiles using industrial materials and advanced three-dimensional knitting.

SHIMA SEIKI to exhibit at GMMSA Expo India

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Indian sales representative Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services, Ltd., will participate in the upcoming Garments Machinery Manufacturers & Suppliers Association (GMMSA) Expo India 2026 exhibition to be held in Ludhiana, India next month. Through its lineup at GMMSA, SHIMA SEIKI aims to further strengthen its presence within the Indian market with an exhibit that caters to diverse needs, consisting of seam-free WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology as well as a brand-new shaping machine with high productivity and excellent cost performance.

“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

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.