The Albstadt-based circular knitting machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. has recorded a substantial increase in sales of around 10 per cent for 2016 and produced more than 200 machines during the year, compared to 2015. The ongoing positive trend in business development is also reflected in the company’s recruitment figures: its base in Albstadt alone has welcomed 40 new members of staff, and across the Group there have been 55. In order to ensure this success continues, Mayer & Cie. says it is planning further investments at all three locations in 2017.
“2016 was once again a record year for our company,” said Mayer & Cie. Managing Director Benjamin Mayer. “That is down to our employees, and they deserve our thanks for having made this renewed success possible in the first place.”
Financial year 2016 in review
Over the past year, Mayer & Cie. cracked the 100 mn euro turnover mark; across the whole group 2016 sales amounted to around 105 mn euro and have grown considerably again compared to the previous year. The main reason for the successful conclusion to the year is the very good order situation, the company reports. Several times over the last year the circular knitting machine manufacturer was able to record record-high numbers of incoming orders. Those were primarily from Turkey, India and China, which have all been strong textile markets for many years. Nevertheless, the company believes the demand for premium machines is growing the world over.
“This applies particularly for new developments, including the highperformance machines Relanit 3.2 HS for single jersey fabric and OVJA 1.6 EM HS for patterned mattress material. The D4-2.2 HPI interlock machine, also introduced in 2015, has already become a best-seller,” the company explains.
Clear objectives for 2017
In 2017, the company will make further investments in its three production sites in Albstadt, the Czech Republic and China. The overriding goal is to reduce lead times. “Our customers are now waiting up to ten months for certain machines. That is too long, and it’s something we need to change,” said Director Benjamin Mayer.
In the course of 2016, Mayer & Cie. has already implemented pioneering decisions: With the construction and expansion of the Czech factory and the establishment of further machine production lines in Vsetín, the premium manufacturer is also able to hold its own in the mid-range segment of the market. With new appointments in important strategic roles at the parent company, the firm hopes to tap into new customer segments.
New, modern manufacturing machines have been purchased in production. These will be followed by further acquisitions in Albstadt in 2017, which include a few in-house developments by Mayer & Cie., for example a slitting cutter machine.
