“Our Goal is to Reposition Mayer & Cie. As A Global Premium Provider”

Mayer & Cie.’s new owner, Xu Hongjie, says they aim to enhance the company’s global competitiveness and strengthen its premium position in the circular knitting segment while preserving its German engineering heritage.

German circular knitting machine manufacturer Mayer & Cie. has undergone a restructuring process following its acquisition by the Chinese company Huixing Machine Co., Ltd. Mayer & Cie.’s new owner, Xu Hongjie, explained his motivations and goals regarding the acquisition. Hongjie stated that during this transformation, they aim to both preserve the company’s deep-rooted engineering expertise and make its organizational structure more agile and competitive. Digitalization, operational streamlining, and strengthening their position in international markets will form the basis of Mayer & Cie.’s roadmap for the coming period.

What convinced you to invest in Mayer & Cie. despite its insolvency?

Xu Hongjie: We do not see this transaction as the acquisition of a distressed company, but as the restart of a more than 120-year engineering tradition. The insolvency marked a financial turning point, not a lack of technological substance. What mattered to us was the technical expertise of the workforce, the quality of the machines, and the brand’s international reputation. We aim to preserve and further develop this foundation.

What are your goals for the next three to five years?

Our goal is to clearly reposition Mayer & Cie. as a global premium provider in the circular knitting segment. To achieve this, we will simplify structures, digitalize processes, and reduce operational complexity. Profitability and trust among customers and partners are to be strengthened sustainably. In the long term, the company should become more agile, resilient, and internationally competitive.

What role will the Albstadt site play in the future?

Albstadt will remain the technological heart of the company. Research and development, the manufacturing of high-quality machines, and the production of key precision components will be anchored there. We are fully committed to “Made in Germany.” Our locations in China and the Czech Republic will complement this setup, but the technological DNA will remain in Albstadt.

How will cooperation between Huixing and Mayer & Cie. be organized?

Both brands will remain strategically independent. Mayer & Cie. will focus on the premium segment with German engineering expertise, while Huixing will address other market segments. We see synergies in the exchange of market knowledge and in selected operational areas—but not in blending the two brand positions.

What does this transaction mean to you personally?

It is a great responsibility. We are not thinking in the short term, but see ourselves as a long-term industrial partner. Our goal is to stabilize and continue developing the brand and, together with the team in Albstadt, open the next chapter.