As the autumn closure of Stoll’s flagship manufacturing facility in Reutlingen, Germany looms, new details have emerged regarding the future of one of the global flat knitting industry’s most respected names. Industry sources have confirmed to Knitting Industry that the Karl Mayer Group has received multiple firm offers for its Stoll flat knitting business, from an array of international parties with varied strategic interests in the brand’s future.

With production in Reutlingen continuing at full capacity until October and final shutdown set for November 2025, speculation is intensifying over the next chapter for the 152-year-old company. Stoll has long been recognised for its precision-engineered knitting systems, serving high-end knitwear manufacturers, global sportswear brands, and technical textile producers around the world.

Global players show strategic interest

Sources close to the matter suggest that interest spans from vertically integrated knitwear producers – key users of Stoll technology – to major technical textile brands. Several large-scale machine builders, including rival flat knitting technology firms, are also reportedly exploring acquisition options. Meanwhile, leading global sportswear players, which rely on Stoll’s flat knitting machines for production of sportswear and technical textiles, are also said to be eager to see the brand in safe hands.

“Karl Mayer’s strategic reorientation has set the stage for a significant industry realignment,” a sector analyst told Knitting Industry. “What happens to Stoll will influence not just machine manufacturing, but also technical progress and supply continuity for hundreds of users globally.”

Race against the clock

Despite investor interest, time is short. With production ending in Germany by late autumn, Karl Mayer is said to be working quickly to secure a buyer. Discussions with employee representatives at Reutlingen have been finalised, and a transition team will remain in place to manage spare parts and service. Machine production will continue, for now, at Karl Mayer’s Changzhou site in China.

“The technology is leading in certain applications,” Oliver Mathews, Managing Director of Karl Mayer Stoll Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH, said last month. “There are interested parties with different strategic approaches, but we cannot provide further details due to ongoing negotiations.”

Industry sources suggest that preserving a foothold in Germany – at least for high-tech development and premium models – remains a goal for some bidders. Reports indicate that some stakeholders would prefer the Stoll brand remain under European control, citing the importance of continuity and quality assurance.

Could a strategic rival make a move?

Among the names being speculated as potential acquirers is China’s Cixing, the world’s largest flat knitting machine producer and owner of Swiss brand Steiger. A purchase by Cixing could significantly expand its technological base and global reach. Others point to Japan’s Shima Seiki, Stoll’s long-time rival and current industry leader in terms of innovation. Italy’s Lonati Group, a heavyweight in circular knitting and hosiery machines, has also been mentioned as a possible contender.

Industry insiders suggest that a future structure under new ownership could see limited R&D and production of Stoll’s flagship ADF models remain in Germany, while CMS and other standard models could be produced in Asia to optimise costs and scale. With over 130,000 modern Stoll machines estimated to be in operation globally, the installed base represents a vast opportunity for service, upgrades, and future machine sales.

Legacy of innovation worth preserving

Founded in Reutlingen in 1873 by Heinrich Stoll, the company has played a leading role in the industrialisation of flat knitting, from mechanical systems to today’s digitised, automated knitting platforms. Its Stoll Fashion & Technology Centre has been a longstanding hub of creative development and application know-how.

Stoll is too important to simply disappear. This is not just about machines – it’s about safeguarding knowledge, innovation, and continuity for a global community

Since being acquired by Karl Mayer in 2020, Stoll has faced challenges due to evolving market conditions, intense Asian competition, and consolidation across the industry. Yet its brand equity, engineering legacy, and specialist applications continue to command strong loyalty.

Karl Mayer has confirmed that it will no longer operate in flat knitting and is instead refocusing on its core warp knitting, warp preparation, and technical textile businesses. Innovations from those divisions will be presented at ITMA Asia in Singapore this October.

Meanwhile, the industry watches closely. The sale of Stoll – if successfully concluded – could redefine the flat knitting landscape for years to come. But a resolution is needed soon.

“Stoll is too important to simply disappear,” said one industry executive. “This is not just about machines – it’s about safeguarding knowledge, innovation, and continuity for a global community.”

www.stoll.com