Mayer & Cie., the long-established German manufacturer of circular knitting and braiding machines, has filed for insolvency under self-administration at the Hechingen District Court. The application was submitted on 23 September 2025, with the company emphasising that business operations will continue during the restructuring process.

Founded in 1905 and owner-managed in the fourth generation, Mayer & Cie. recently celebrated its 120th anniversary. The company employs around 280 people at its Albstadt headquarters, with salaries secured for three months through the German insolvency benefit scheme. Almost all of its machines are exported and remain highly regarded by textile manufacturers worldwide.

The company has been hit by a series of external pressures. Trade tensions between the USA and China, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and high inflation in Turkey – one of its key export markets – have all contributed to falling demand. At the same time, state-subsidised manufacturers from China have entered the global market with low-priced machinery. These combined factors led to a near 50% slump in sales last year, while costs continued to rise.

Under self-administration, Mayer & Cie. will retain control of its restructuring, supported by insolvency and restructuring expert Martin Mucha of law firm Grub Brugger, who joins as general representative. Attorney Ilkin Bananyarli of PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH has been appointed as provisional administrator by the local court to safeguard creditors’ interests.

“On Thursday, together with the management, I informed the workforce about the insolvency application,” explained Mucha. “At the same time, the necessary steps were taken to maintain business operations. We intend to continue business operations as usual and will concentrate with all our commitment on maintaining the company’s core competencies.”

Mayer & Cie. has been a key name in circular knitting for more than a century, building a reputation for precision engineering and technological innovation. The restructuring process aims to secure its long-term position in a challenging global textile machinery market.

www.mayercie.de