“We Believe in the Value of Textiles”: Successful Opening of the KARL MAYER TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER

Lutz Wolf, CEO of KARL MAYER, echoed this sentiment, elaborating on the significance and objectives of this investment.

The breadth of these perspectives was on full display in the keynote by Vishnu Prakash Muthusamy, Lead Textile & Material Development Engineer at New Balance Athletics. The expert showcased impressive shoe innovations made possible by warp knitting technologies.

The TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER in Obertshausen is part of something bigger. It is embedded in a global network, with additional centres in China and Japan. Each location has its own focus, is closely connected worldwide, and is simultaneously aligned with regional strengths and needs. They bring together the expertise of approximately 15 highly qualified experts in the fields of materials, processes, machine technology, and textile applications, who are available to partners worldwide.

During guided tours of the spacious, state-of-the-art facilities in Obertshausen, guests at the grand opening saw first-hand what the TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER has to offer.

Across 5,000 square meters, the center offers a globally unique environment for rapid, application-oriented textile development – from the initial idea through prototyping to industrialization. State-of-the-art machinery, in-depth technical expertise, and a profound understanding of the market make the TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER a pivotal innovation platform for the industry.

The TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER is the only facility in the industry to bring together the technology of Warp Knit, Warp Prep, and Technical Textiles under one roof as a fully integrated platform.

Using 14 state-of-the-art machines, customers and partners work together with KARL MAYER experts to develop new solutions, test ideas, and create market-ready prototypes. True to the motto “Driving WARP KNIT Inspiration”, here ideas are not just conceived, but actually brought to life.

In a spacious showroom, visitors can explore – and touch – the full range of textile applications. Its curated display of textile materials and applications provides space for inspiration and fresh thinking – bridging the gap between vision, possibility and feasibility.

 There is much to discover:

• Concept textiles and applications with real market potential

• The latest samples from KARL MAYER’s textile product development range

• Trend collections straight from market scouting

The exhibits are clearly structured into tried-and-tested textile categories: Fashion & Apparel, Sports Textiles, Footwear, Home Textiles and Technical Textiles.

The grand opening placed a special spotlight on future-proof solutions for the workwear sector – from protective clothing to stylish items for the office.

Here, the past becomes a springboard for new ideas: KARL MAYER’s unique design library offers a window onto nearly nine decades of textile innovation.

The INSPIRATION HUB is thus a creative catalyst – a place where accumulated knowledge serves as the foundation for innovation.

The KARL MAYER Academy offers a structured range of training and learning opportunities – from machine training and workshops to hands-on learning programmes. The courses stand for sound expertise, the very highest quality and a clear focus on the demands of day-to-day production. Theory is not just taught here – it is put into practice.