#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

2025-10-28

One machine, double output

Compact, powerful, cost-efficient – KARL MAYER launches its HKS 2-SE TWO

The new HKS 2-SE on the booth © 2025 KARL MAYER

KARL MAYER is launching a new two-bar tricot machine for the elastic sector at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025. This newcomer is called HKS 2-SE TWO, stands for double customer benefits, and offers even more advantages than the predecessor model. With this innovation, the leading textile machinery company is once again asserting its top position in the market.

When it comes to manufacturing smooth elastic fabrics on two-bar tricot machines, KARL MAYER products have long been the global market leaders. With a speed of 4,400 rpm, the HKS 2-SE is the fastest warp knitting machine in the world. Thanks to its functional differentiation, the short-stroke machine series with two guide bar beds is also the number one choice when it comes to greater fabric diversity and thus gaining more or new business. The HKS 2-SE PLUS produces new twill stitch fabrics with a high modulus that are setting trends in swimwear, sportswear and lingerie. The HKS 2-S – an all-rounder for elastic and non-elastic fabrics – produces dense articles with an ex-ceptionally high UV protection factor using the extended gauge E 44. These articles are in high de-mand among manufacturers of comfortable sun protection clothing.

KARL MAYER has set itself the challenge of surpassing its own successful line and, just in time for ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025, has developed the HKS 2-SE TWO, a machine with a significant perfor-mance boost. With a working width of 2 x 130″ and a significantly higher speed than comparable machines on the market, this two-in-one model offers unique productivity. In addition, it requires less floor space and energy than two individual machines. Energy efficiency is further enhanced by the fact that each machine has only one main and one beam drive and uses a drive solution for feeding the yarn to the GB 2 that does not require belts. The new unit is more efficient and also re-quires less maintenance.

Customers also benefit from handling advantages during machine operation. Instead of one contin-uous fabric panel, the HKS 2-SE TWO produces two separate panels that are easier to change and require adjustment only on one machine instead of two. The quality of the panels produced is abso-lutely identical and remains unrivalled.

The total cost of ownership is more than halved, and the price is significantly lower compared to the two-times-one machine concept. This makes the HKS 2-SE TWO a guarantee for success.

The HKS 2-SE TWO will be available in the gauges E 32, E 36 and E 40 when it goes on sale. Dur-ing the trade fair in Singapore, an E 36 version will demonstrate its capabilities in the production of a universal article for the fashion & apparel category. The machine will be a highlight at the KARL MAYER booth A 301 in Hall 5 of the Singapore EXPO.

Visitors watching the HKS 2-SE © 2025 KARL MAYER

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.

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.

India becomes growth engine for the warp knitting industry

ITMA ASIA 2025 exceeded all expectations for KARL MAYER – above all thanks to the strong interest from India: around 30% of the qualified discussions were held with partners from this traditional textile country. The response underlines the growing importance of the Indian market, which could become the second largest sales region for KARL MAYER after China. The warp knitting industry in particular is developing dynamically.

India ITME Society pushes trade & technology alliances in Singapore

India ITME Society hosted India Networking Program - Fabricating the Future of Textile Industry- From Heritage to High-Tech” on 29th October 2025 at Singapore an exclusive gathering of Ministry of Textile Officials, Embassy Officials, Entrepreneurs, Technocrats, Industry Organizations and Media Personnel's designed to foster collaboration, exchange ideas and explore opportunities in the Indian Textile & Textile Engineering Sector.

Innovation and customer proximity – KARL MAYER’s clear focus makes an impression

ITMA ASIA in Singapore was a resounding success for KARL MAYER, exceeding all expectations. The company welcomed visitors from 39 countries and held around 570 expert discussions. Most guests came from India, followed by China, Indonesia and Pakistan. The exchange with them was both well-founded and targeted. Conversation topics ranged from investment projects and new technologies to opportunities for cooperation and business expansion.

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.