KARL MAYER opens Textile Innovation Centre to support practical textile development
KARL MAYER is opening its new Textile Innovation Centre (TIC), underlining its long-term commitment to textile development and close cooperation with the industry. The centre brings together the company’s core strengths in warp knitting, technical textiles and warp preparation, creating a dedicated space for applied textile work and market-oriented solutions.
According to Lutz Wolf, CEO of KARL MAYER, the new centre reflects a clear strategic focus. “With our Textile Innovation Centre, we are placing textiles firmly at the centre of our activities and recognising them as a key driver of growth for our customers,” he says. “We are investing in quality, expertise and partnership-based development so that customers can stay competitive and explore new business opportunities through advanced textile applications.”
Located at the company’s headquarters in Obertshausen, Germany, the TIC is designed as a working environment rather than a traditional showroom. It aims to support the entire development process, from early ideas to near-market prototypes, while encouraging exchange across the textile value chain.
A place for collaboration and applied development
The TIC has been created as an open meeting point for customers, fibre producers, brands and partners. Visitors can explore current textile developments, examine samples and discuss concrete project ideas with KARL MAYER specialists. A spacious showroom and an open sample archive allow users to compare materials, structures and end uses in a practical setting.
Direct access to expertise is a central element of the concept. Customers can work closely with textile, machine and application experts, gaining support on material selection, process design and production feasibility. This hands-on approach is intended to shorten development cycles and reduce the gap between concept and implementation.
The centre also supports brands and fibre manufacturers that are increasingly involved earlier in product development. By providing access to machinery and technical know-how, the TIC enables these players to test ideas, assess performance and refine designs before moving to series production.
From concept to prototype
One of the key goals of the TIC is to accompany projects from the first idea through to a market-ready solution. Using the latest KARL MAYER machines, visitors can develop and produce functional samples that reflect real production conditions. This applies to a wide range of objectives, including new fabric constructions, product launches and sustainability-focused developments.
The focus remains firmly on practical outcomes. Textile applications developed at the TIC are intended to address concrete market needs, whether in apparel, technical textiles or industrial uses.
A hub for exchange and learning
With nearly 5,000 square metres of space, the Textile Innovation Centre is one of the largest facilities of its kind. Karl Josef Mayer, representative of the Mayer family and patron of the TIC, describes the vision behind it as a renewed focus on textile knowledge and skills. The aim is to preserve expertise, build technical understanding and encourage cross-disciplinary thinking within the industry.
The TIC is also home to the KARL MAYER Academy, which will now be fully integrated into the centre. The academy offers training courses for customer technicians, brand employees, service staff and students in textile-related fields. These programmes combine theory with practical machine experience, reflecting the realities of modern textile production.
As an open platform, the centre brings together participants from across the value chain, from fibre to finished product. This exchange is expected to support more coordinated development efforts and stronger professional networks.
Opening week in April 2026
To mark the opening of the Textile Innovation Centre, KARL MAYER is inviting customers, partners and the international trade press to Obertshausen from 21 to 24 April 2026. The opening week will take place alongside Techtextil Frankfurt and will feature guided tours, expert talks, textile applications and networking opportunities.
With the TIC, KARL MAYER is creating a dedicated space for applied textile work, shared learning and close cooperation. The centre reflects a practical approach to textile development, focused on real projects, strong partnerships and long-term industry needs.
