The Computerized flat knitting world is in a real transition moment!！
The flat knitting industry is at an inflection point. With the discontinuation of STOLL’s flat knitting machine business and the closure of its Reutlingen and China production sites, Shima Seiki now stands as the sole major non‑Chinese supplier of new, high‑end flat knitting machines.
On one hand, this consolidation creates clarity.
A single, highly advanced ecosystem (hardware, software, WHOLEGARMENT, design systems) can streamline training, spare parts, and programming skills across brands, factories, and educational partners.
Shima’s strong track record in automation, wholegarment technology, and digital design offers stability for long‑term investment at the top of the market.
On the other hand, losing STOLL raises serious concerns.
Reduced competition at the premium level may impact pricing, innovation pace, and customer leverage in negotiations
Decades of accumulated STOLL know‑how, service networks, and a large installed base now face questions about upgrades, spare parts, and talent pipelines, especially in education and R&D environments.
The big open question: will a Chinese machinery maker truly step into the space STOLL is vacating at the “global reference” level, or will the market fragment into a premium Shima Seiki tier and a broad field of more cost‑driven suppliers? Today, Chinese manufacturers already play a significant role in flat knitting, especially on cost‑effective, high‑volume equipment, and are rapidly advancing automation and AI‑enabled capabilities—but it is still too early to say who will become the next globally trusted, full‑ecosystem partner for fashion, technical, and educational users.
For those of you running factories, brands, or labs—
How are you re‑thinking your capital plans in light of STOLL’s exit?
Are you doubling down on Shima, diversifying into emerging Chinese platforms, or waiting to see who rises to the top?
What do you see as the most urgent needs around training, service, and long‑term support for your current STOLL installations?
Let’s discuss this together. – TECO-YING Team
