Karl Mayer opens new modern development centre at its site in Japan

Karl Mayer, as part of its restructuring programme set up a new modern development centre for developing double-bar raschel machines and for researching into new innovations for the textile sector at its site in Fukui, Japan. A large number of visitors attended the opening ceremony of Nippon Mayer’s Development Centre.

Nippon Mayer demonstrated what it has to offer at an in-house show, which was held from 1-3 March 2017. This customer event is one of a series of celebrations, which will be held to mark the 80th anniversary of the Karl Mayer Group, and the occasion was used to officially open the recently completed Development Centre. This event, together with the inauguration ceremony, tour of the company, machine show and workshops, was extremely well attended, according to the manufacturer.

Armin Alber, President of Nippon Mayer said that they were able to welcome more than 400 visitors. They did not expect such a high level of interest. The group was made up of many customers from Japan and included a large delegation from Korea and even Europe. They were representatives of brand-name manufacturers from the sportswear and lace sectors, institutes and universities, as well as textile retailers, managing directors and owners of textile companies, who have not yet got into the business of warp knitting.

A selection of double-bar raschel machines formed the focal point of the technical presentation. The specialist machines for producing seamless articles are ideal for manufacturing sportswear and clothing, and can produce a wide range of different patterns.

The HKS 4-M EL generated a great deal of interest as it was operating, the company reports. In full view of the visitors, this high-speed tricot machine was producing a multi-coloured garment piece featuring various designs with non-stop changeover facility. It was reaching a speed of 2,100 min-1.

The DS OPTO, which was also being demonstrated next to the tricot machine, also attracted the attention of the observers. This direct warping machine produces patterned sectional warp beams (SWBs), which enables the HKS 4-M EL to achieve its full performance potential, the manufacturer explains. The DS OPTO operates in sectional warping mode when producing coloured SWBs at a high level of efficiency, as well as when processing short warps for developing new products. This hybrid machine can also be used just as easily for direct warping at high speed.

The building covers an area of 63 x 31m. The modern building has space for developing textiles and demonstrating machines, and for the training courses held by the Karl Mayer Academy. A small specialist production centre is also located there.

The Senior Director, Hirokazu Takayama said that the visitors were all impressed by the modern set-up and innovative strengths of Karl Mayer’s Japanese subsidiary. The building and equipment in their Development Centre and assembly hall impressed their guests and reinforced their confidence in their Japanese location.