Flat Knitting Asset Transfer: STOLL Production Line Officially Acquired by Ningbo Cixing

The flat knitting machine industry is witnessing a landmark capacity shift. On June 17, 2026, KARL MAYER Group formally signed an agreement to divest selected assets of its STOLL flat knitting business to Ningbo Cixing Co., Ltd. The asset package primarily covers the production line and related equipment in Reutlingen, Germany.

Strategic Contraction and Asset Divestiture

In early 2025, KARL MAYER publicly announced its strategic focus on three core areas: warp knitting, warp preparation, and technical textiles. This effectively placed the century-old STOLL flat knitting brand outside the core business map. From a group perspective, this is a reallocation of resources—technical textiles and warp knitting have shown robust growth in automotive, medical, and composite applications, with margins and market growth rates outperforming traditional flat knitting.

For buyers, the signal is clear: the technological iteration and capacity supply for traditional flat knitting machines are shifting from European legacy manufacturers to Chinese industry leaders. As the dominant player in domestic computerized flat knitting machines, Ningbo Cixing can directly acquire STOLL's processing techniques, precision assembly standards, and some patent technologies through this acquisition.

Industrial Impact: Technology Downshift and Competitive Reshaping

The actual impact of this asset transfer goes beyond a mere production line change. More importantly, Chinese flat knitting manufacturers will plug the gap in stability, knitting precision, and complex pattern control for high-end models. STOLL's Reutlingen plant has long served European high-end knitwear brands and luxury suppliers; its quality control system and R&D experience will directly enhance Cixing's existing product lines.

From a global competition perspective, the flat knitting market is accelerating from "German-Japanese dominance" to "Chinese dominance." Shima Seiki still holds a technical stronghold in ultra-fine gauge and fully formed knitting, but Cixing's advantages in scale cost and localized service, combined with STOLL's technological legacy, will form a strong penetration into the mid-to-high-end market. For domestic small and medium-sized knitting enterprises, this means the procurement cost of high-end flat knitting machines may drop by 15% to 20% in the next two to three years, while after-sales service response times will significantly improve.

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - Monitor the new generation of high-end machines released by Cixing post-acquisition; pricing may be 10%-15% lower than comparable original STOLL models, but verify the supply stability of core components such as yarn guides and needle selectors. - For factories currently using older STOLL models, proactively establish contact with Cixing's after-sales team to ensure continuity of spare parts supply and software upgrades, avoiding downtime due to supply chain transitions.

For Foreign Trade Companies - European clients may experience a transition period in accepting "Made in China" high-end flat knitting machines. Provide detailed third-party performance comparison reports in quotations and emphasize local technical support response times. - Monitor potential EU adjustments to origin rules. If Cixing retains some key components in Germany, products may still be labeled "Made in Germany" or "German-Chinese Co-manufactured," helping maintain brand premiums in the European high-end market.