KARL MAYER North America’s second Textiles Innovation Conference attracts 200+

GREENSBORO, N.C. - The second Textiles Innovation Conference held by KARL MAYER North America proved to be a complete success, according to company officials.

The event took place from June 25 to 27 at the headquarters of the KARL MAYER GROUP subsidiary in Greensboro, N.C. The conference boasted an impressive turnout with over 200 attendees, exhibitors and keynote speakers.

While the majority hailed from many states across the USA, the event also attracted a global audience, including participants from Italy, Canada, Mexico and other countries. The conference continued to build momentum as an important platform for the exchange and transfer of know-how between brands, designers and manufacturers from the textile industry. The central theme: the importance of textiles made in the USA, their value and influence on global markets.

"Connecting the U.S.-based textile supply chain to enable brands to compete and win with American-made products, this was the mission for the KARL MAYER STOLL 2024 Textile Innovation Conference. By presenting software to accelerate product development, demonstrating machine enhancements to improve productivity and networking across all levels of manufacturing, we have been able to advance our mission," said Mariano Amezcua, president of KARL MAYER North America.

The conference brought together leading industry brands and esteemed academic institutions to delve into the future of product development and sustainability in textiles. KM.ON, Black Swan, Meta and Supreme Corp. shared a convergence of ideas, challenges and groundbreaking advancements shaping the textile landscape.

NC State's Wilson College of Textiles and Kent State universities highlighted their efforts in developing local talent and enhancing research capabilities to meet industry demand for regional supply chains. The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) and the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) explored research capabilities and technology testing to foster funding opportunities and generate ideas for the future.

The Southern Textile Association (STA) exhibited, and its representatives were able to raise awareness of the 116-year-old organization as well as attract new members. STA President Charles Poston of Kluber Lubrication also gave a presentation highlighting the group's activities, which includes seven conferences a year in various parts of the Carolinas.

Presentations by pioneers, trendsetters

The recipe for success also included a high-profile lecture program. The conference kicked off with a keynote speech from New Balance, a brand that empowers people through sport and craftsmanship. New Balance MADE U.S., their premium collection manufactured domestically, reflects their commitment to quality and community impact.

On day two Kenny Wilsey, sourcing director at Dillard's, shared his expertise to ensure adherence to quality standards and social compliance requirements for private label brands. To complete the speaker series, Allison Hicks, lead knit engineer at Under Armour, inspired attendees with her innovative approach to performance footwear, apparel and accessories.

Important topics at the conference were sustainability and digitalization: Unifi showcased high-performance fibers made from recyclable materials and pre- or post-consumer waste management initiatives. KM.ON, the digital solution company of the KARL MAYER GROUP, displayed artificial intelligence applications for quality control, supply chain optimization, and predictive maintenance for warp knitting and knitwear production.

Jessy Belle Kürig, sales manager at KM.ON, appreciated the many networking opportunities. "I felt very happy to get the chance to present KM.ON by KARL MAYER and to discuss the use of AI in the textile industry, as well as the growing importance of digital twins, she said. "Even more I enjoyed the subsequent conversations," says the sales professional.

The Textile Innovation Conference program was rounded out by an exhibition of selected textile supply chain partners. These business partners supplemented the information about innovation presented in the lectures and performance demonstrations of the latest STOLL flat knitting and KARL MAYER warp knitting machines.

KARL Mayer North America leaders are already organizing next year's Textiles Innovation Conference, tentatively scheduled for June 17-18.

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