Mayer & Cie. is returning to the circular knitting machinery market after completing a transaction that secured the future of the historic German brand. Operations are now restarting under the newly established entity Mayer & Cie. Global, led by new owner Xu Hongjie, with activity centred once again at the company’s headquarters in Albstadt.
The company said the Mayer & Cie. Global restart is built on a sharper market orientation and a stronger emphasis on responsiveness, while maintaining the engineering qualities the brand is known for. Management’s stated priorities include aligning product development and service more closely with customer requirements and delivering solutions with greater speed and efficiency without compromising reliability.
Xu Hongjie, speaking on behalf of his family, said the completion of the process marks a new beginning for the business. “We are very pleased that the process has now been successfully completed,” says Xu Hongjie on behalf of his family. “We are convinced of the unique value of the brand, the quality of the machines, and are deeply impressed by the technical expertise of the new team.” He added that he is proud to be joining the team.
Xu is part of the owner family of Huixing Machinery Co., Ltd., based in Shishi, a company that manufactures knitting machinery and develops intelligent software linked to those systems. Mayer & Cie. said the new owner brings more than a decade of hands-on experience from within the family business, and is bringing a faster execution culture to the relaunch. Xu has described his approach as “Listen, execute, improve and do it fast,” positioning quick reaction to customer needs as a core principle.
Keeping the centre of gravity in Germany
Despite new ownership links to China, Mayer & Cie. said the brand will remain operationally independent, with development and manufacturing staying in Germany. Xu described the company as having “a strong heartbeat in Albstadt,” underscoring that R&D, production and key administrative functions will continue to run from the headquarters. The business will continue to target the premium segment, offering a portfolio spanning single jersey and double jersey machines for apparel, underwear and home textile applications.
A restart plan focused on profitability and leadership
Mayer & Cie. said the near-term objective is to restore profitability as quickly as possible, while the medium-term ambition is to regain a leading global position in textile machinery. A key part of that strategy is a stronger focus on the end product customers create: the fabric. The company argues that fabric performance ultimately defines the value proposition of the machine itself.
Axel Brünner, the long-standing head of product management, said the company’s design philosophy starts with customer outcomes. “Mayer & Cie. machines serve the outcome our customers achieve with them”, says Axel Brünner, long-standing head of product management at Mayer & Cie. The company added that core attributes such as precision, durability and build quality will remain unchanged.
The new leadership says it intends to blend established German operating discipline with a more agile, action-oriented mindset. “We focus on taking action”, says Xu Hongjie, “to respond to customer needs fast.” The company also signalled internal changes aimed at reducing complexity, shortening decision paths and increasing openness in communication.
Cost structure is another priority. Management said it will work to streamline costs through global sourcing and by leveraging scale advantages via collaboration with Huixing.
Trade fairs to signal market return
Mayer & Cie. is preparing a renewed presence on the industry calendar. Its next exhibiting appearance will be ITM 2026 in Istanbul, where it will show at least two current machines through its representative, Mayer Mümessillik. The company said customers will also be able to review the full premium-focused portfolio at the event, running from 9 to 13 June 2026.
The company is also planning to present at ITMA Asia in November, while early planning is underway for ITMA Hannover 2027. Although not exhibiting at Techtextil Frankfurt, Xu Hongjie and Oliver Bühler, head of technical product solutions and product development for knitted fabrics, are expected to attend for two days to meet the market and gather customer feedback.
A familiar team, newly assembled
The company said the Mayer & Cie. Global restart will be executed by a team of around 50 employees, particularly across design, product management and sales. While the group has been newly hired for the relaunch, it consists entirely of familiar names from the former Mayer & Cie. organisation an approach intended to preserve continuity and retain deep technical expertise as the brand re-enters the market.
