On June 17, 2026, KARL MAYER AG officially announced the signing of an asset sale agreement with Ningbo Cixing Co., Ltd., transferring selected assets of the STOLL brand to the Chinese flat knitting machine leader. This transaction was not sudden; as early as early 2025, KARL MAYER had announced a strategic refocus on warp knitting, warp preparation, and technical textiles, deciding to discontinue the STOLL flat knitting business and close its production site in Reutlingen, Germany.
Background
KARL MAYER's exit reflects the structural pressures faced by the global flat knitting market in recent years. Overcapacity, intensified price competition, and rising demands from downstream apparel brands for rapid response capabilities have squeezed profit margins for traditional high-end German flat knitting brands. While STOLL retains advantages in technical heritage and brand reputation, its high manufacturing costs and relatively slow market responsiveness have eroded its competitiveness, especially in Asian markets.
Ningbo Cixing, a leading Chinese flat knitting machine manufacturer, has long focused on R&D and production of computerized flat knitting machines, holding a significant domestic market share and steadily expanding overseas. By acquiring STOLL assets, Cixing gains not only a portfolio of patents, equipment, and customer resources but also a crucial upgrade in brand and technology positioning in the high-end segment. This move signals a transition for Chinese flat knitting enterprises from 'scale leadership' to a 'technology-plus-brand' dual-driven strategy.
Industry Impact
From an industry structure perspective, this asset transfer will accelerate consolidation in the global flat knitting market. Previously, the high-end segment was largely controlled by STOLL and Shima Seiki, while mid-to-low-end markets were dominated by Chinese players like Cixing and Feihu. With STOLL's assets integrated, Cixing can directly compete with Shima Seiki in the high-end segment while leveraging STOLL's existing European customer network to boost its penetration in Europe.
For downstream knitwear buyers, this means more options in high-end flat knitting equipment and related services. If Cixing successfully integrates STOLL's technology and channels, it could offer more cost-effective solutions, lowering the entry barrier for high-end machines. Meanwhile, existing STOLL customers may face a transition period of service uncertainty and should monitor Cixing's plans for maintaining and upgrading the European after-sales service system.
For the domestic flat knitting supply chain, this event sends a clear signal: the era of pure low-cost competition is ending, with technology accumulation and brand value becoming core competitive factors. Cixing's acquisition of technical assets via M&A is a typical technology catch-up path, but integration effectiveness will take time to verify—including cultural integration, technology absorption, and maintaining STOLL brand trust among high-end clients.