Interview with Axel Wintermeyer, President Business Unit Warp Knitting, Karl Mayer at ITM 2026 in Istanbul, Kohan Textile Journal had the opportunity to speak with Axel Wintermeyer, President of the Warp Knitting Business Unit at Karl Mayer. In this interview, he discusses Karl Mayer’s long-standing relationship with Türkiye, the latest warp knitting technologies on display, the future of textile innovation, and growth opportunities across the Middle East and Africa.
Kohan Textile Journal:
Could you please introduce Karl Mayer and its main business activities?
Axel Wintermeyer:
Karl Mayer is a family-owned company founded in 1937 in Obertshausen, near Frankfurt, Germany.
Textile machinery is at the core of our business, particularly warp knitting technology. Warp knitting is a versatile fabric formation technology used across a wide range of applications, including home textiles, sportswear, footwear, technical textiles, nets, agricultural textiles, and many other end uses.
Our company is organized into several business units. Warp knitting represents the largest part of our business. We also have a warp preparation division serving the weaving industry, as well as a technical textiles division focused on composite materials, including carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aramid fabric production.
Kohan Textile Journal:
Karl Mayer has maintained a strong presence in Türkiye for many years. How do you evaluate the Turkish market today?
Axel Wintermeyer:
We have been closely aligned with the Turkish textile industry since the 1970s, giving us a very long and successful history in the market.
A few years ago, we established our own after-sales organization in Bursa. Today, we have a training academy, spare parts availability, and technical service capabilities there.
We not only believe in the value of textiles, but we also strongly believe in Türkiye as a high-value textile production and design country.
While current economic conditions are not particularly favorable for investments, for reasons beyond our control, we continue to see Türkiye as one of our most important markets. That is one of the key reasons we participated in ITM both this year and in previous editions.
Read More: The Countdown to ITM 2026 Has Begun: Global Textile Investors Will Meet in Istanbul
Kohan Textile Journal:
What innovations are you presenting at ITM 2026?
Axel Wintermeyer:
At ITM 2026, we are presenting our latest high-speed four-bar tricot machine equipped with an EL device in a wide-width configuration, operating at very high production speeds. This is currently our flagship technology.
In addition to machinery, we are showcasing a wide variety of textile applications produced using warp knitting technology and discussing these developments directly with customers visiting our booth.
Kohan Textile Journal:
How do you foresee the future of the global textile industry?
Axel Wintermeyer:
I believe the medium-term future of the textile industry is very bright.
The industry is currently undergoing significant shifts, with China remaining a dominant force. However, we also see a strong drive toward innovation. Many customers, including those from Türkiye, regularly approach us with ideas for developing new products and applications.
To support this trend, Karl Mayer has established a Textile Innovation Center at our headquarters in Germany. The center provides opportunities for developing new fabrics and exploring innovative textile solutions.
The combination of innovation and new fabric development will continue to drive the textile industry’s growth in the coming years.
Kohan Textile Journal:
What opportunities do you see in the Middle East and Africa?
Axel Wintermeyer:
The Middle East and Africa have enormous potential.
If political and economic conditions become more stable, I believe the region will become a very strong textile market.
Countries surrounding Türkiye, including Egypt, have significant opportunities. I am also optimistic about Syria. Historically, Syria was an important market for us, and I hope it will rebuild and regain its position in the future.
Overall, I believe the entire region is blessed with substantial growth potential.
Kohan Textile Journal:
How important is sustainability for Karl Mayer?
Axel Wintermeyer:
Sustainability can be interpreted in different ways by different people.
For us, sustainability means reducing waste. If you avoid unnecessary waste and use resources efficiently, you are already taking an important step toward sustainable manufacturing.
That is our practical approach to sustainability.
Editor’s Insight
Karl Mayer’s continued investment in Türkiye, despite current market challenges, highlights the company’s long-term confidence in the country’s textile sector. The company’s focus on innovation, product development, and technical support—combined with its belief in the future potential of the Middle East and Africa—demonstrates why Karl Mayer remains one of the most influential technology suppliers in the global warp knitting industry.
