In late July 2025, Mayer & Cie., the Albstadt-based manufacturer known for its braiding machines, delivered its first MR-15 braiding machine equipped with 48 carriers. This machine follows the successful delivery of an MR-11 model with the same number of carriers just before Christmas 2024. The company’s braiding division, which became part of Mayer & Cie. in 2019, has been growing steadily, shifting from a smaller unit to a crucial part of the company’s operations.
“We’re excited to have completed the MR-15 with 48 carriers,” says Patrick Moser, the head of the braiding division. “This achievement demonstrates our commitment to strengthening in-house development for braiding machines.”
Mayer & Cie. Braiding: A Key Division Within the Company
Since 2019, Mayer & Cie. Braiding has operated as an independent division within the larger Mayer & Cie. framework. While the company works with the same processes for both circular knitting machines and braiding machines, the products themselves are quite different. The focus on efficiency remains consistent across both areas.
Although the company shares similar processes for production, the markets for braiding machines are distinct. While Mayer & Cie. sells circular knitting machines through local representatives in around 80 countries, the braiding division handles most of its business directly, with a few exceptions for certain markets like India. The primary markets for braiding machines are China, where more than half of the world’s hydraulic hoses are made, as well as the USA and Italy.
“We operate in a project-driven business,” explains Moser. “The location of these projects is secondary; it’s all about delivering the right solutions.”
Ongoing Innovation and Technological Development
Since Mayer & Cie. moved its braiding operations from the USA to Albstadt, there has been a continuous effort to improve the technology. The company thoroughly reevaluated all processes and components during the move. “Every step and part was examined,” recalls Moser, who led the effort to set up a new production line in Albstadt.
Key advancements include the servo drive, which allows each deck of the braiding machine to be controlled individually. The company also redesigned the soundproof booth and established new supply chains to improve efficiency. At ITMA 2023, Mayer & Cie. introduced the SpeedBooster, which significantly boosts machine speed and productivity.
For Moser, innovation is part of the company’s DNA. “I value the short decision-making paths and fast action at Mayer & Cie.,” says Moser, who has managed the division since 2018.
Expanding Capabilities: 48-Carrier Machines
The MR-15 with 48 carriers represents a significant leap in the company’s braiding machine technology. These machines allow for a broader range of hose inner diameters, now spanning from 50 millimeters (2 inches) to 150 millimeters (6 inches). While the number of spools increases to 48, the volume of material that can be processed before a coil change remains the same.
This innovation gives users the ability to handle larger volumes of material, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.
Moser is optimistic about the future of the braiding division. He sees an increasing demand for interconnected systems and in-line processes, where additional units could be integrated into the braiding line. The division is also considering expanding its portfolio with new machine types to meet evolving customer needs.
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