Strong Indian interest signals a structural shift in the country’s textile machinery demand.
KARL MAYER closed ITMA ASIA 2025 with results surpassing expectations, driven above all by an extraordinary surge in engagement from India, which accounted for roughly 30% of all qualified discussions at the fair. The response reinforces India’s rising strategic importance — with the potential to become the second-largest market after China.
India’s warp knitting industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, shifting from staple to filament fibres and from weaving to knitting. Over the past 15 years, KARL MAYER has installed around 1,500 machines in India and now commands 60–70% market share, according to A.T.E. Enterprises. Demand is being driven by Tirupur’s booming athleisure segment, as manufacturers move from basic mesh and mosquito net fabrics toward semi-stretch and elastic warp-knitted textiles.
“We’re seeing a transition from rigid fabrics to semi-stretch and elastic fabrics, especially in Tirupur, moving from mosquito nets to athleisure wear. This gives a greater focus on warp knitting.” Mark Smith, Deputy Vice President of Sales, Business Unit Warp Knitting at KARL MAYER
Major exporters — including TechnoSport, Trident and Shahi Exports — showed active interest, while an official delegation led by Shri Rohit Kansal of the Ministry of Textiles underscored warp knitting’s role in India’s textile future.
The shift reflects India’s push into higher-value apparel categories, where warp knitting enables faster production, functional performance, and greater design flexibility. Home textile hubs such as Ludhiana and Panipat are also exploring warp knitting to diversify into apparel. Supporting this transition, KARL MAYER showcased two new machines — the HKS 2-SE TWO for elastic fabrics and the HKS 4-M EL ECO targeting price-sensitive fashion markets — along with digital Care Solutions and strong interest in its Surat training academy.
As Indian manufacturers upgrade capabilities, the country is positioned to become a global centre for warp-knitted athleisure and performance fabrics. Continued investment in training, machinery, and digital services will determine how quickly India can scale this next-generation segment — and how firmly KARL MAYER can cement its lead in one of the world’s most dynamic textile markets.
