Added to this are the effects of world market liberalization, which is certain to add fuel to the already rapid growth of the Chinese textile industry. This market set to play an ever more important role in world markets in terms both of quantity and pricing structures.
As a result, the main scope for growth and success is to be found firstly in the niche markets, and secondly in the manufacture of productively knitted top-quality bulk knit goods. In both these areas of activity, ultra-modern machines offer the flexibility and/or extremely high productivity it takes to meet increasingly stringent demands and so secure a successful future. Needless to say, this type of high-tech machinery calls for suitably qualified operating personnel in order to realize
its full technical potential. Experience has shown that the majority of circular knitting factories are sitting on considerable untapped potential in terms of unutilized technical reserves coupled with insufficient understanding of the available technological possibilities.
The most significant cost factor for any producer of circular knit goods is the cost of the yarn. The fewer faults, resulting standstill periods and primarily also yarn losses are “produced”, the more efficient the deployment of yarn and the better the overall productivity.
Another issue is that of machine output. High-tech circular knitting machines such as those marketed by Mayer & Cie. as the world’s leading supplier are characterized equally by high output and enormous flexibility. But the real issue at stake here is whether their full potential is being realized in day-to-day production. Operating staff are often not equipped with the detailed knowledge required to make the most of a high-tech ultra-modern circular knitting machine across its full performance spectrum.
Knitting factories exist which produce, for instance, a good 25 kg per hour in cotton NE 30/1 using a Relanit 3.2 II with 30” diameter, gauge E 24. How many of the just under 6,000 Relanit
machines in operation around the world today are sleeping on considerable untapped reserves of productivity? The picture is similar if we consider flexibility. The wide variety of possibilities offered today to creative knit goods producers, for instance by a Mayer & Cie. electronic circular knitting machine, call for a degree of up-to-date knowledge which can only be maintained by on-going training.
Technical progress is gathering speed at an ever more headlong pace. This entails an increasing danger that knit goods producers will be constantly running to catch up with technological advances and indeed may be left behind altogether.
This situation represents a drawback in terms of hard cash, as investments in new technology could be recouped far more quickly than is often the case due to lack of know-how on the part of operating staff. Only those who keep pace with the technological progress have a chance of future survival! Putting this realization into practice is becoming increasingly difficult for companies – or to be more precise for their employees.
This applies to every sector of industry, everywhere around the globe. The answer is to adjust the speed at which we train to the pace of technological advance.
But caution is called for: While knowledge is important, the way it is implemented in practice is vital. Practically oriented training consequently represents a challenge to all those who generate technical progress.
Mayer & Cie. was quick to recognize this deficit in the circular knitting industry, and made the decision to set up its own company dedicated to training and other services in the form of MSL Mayer & Cie. Service- und Leasing GmbH. MSL is able to call upon 18 of its own service companies and Service Centers around the world.
These are used as a local base from which customers are offered not only on-site support, but first and foremost also a comprehensive range of training courses. However, the focal point of Mayer & Cie. training activity is the state-of-the-art Training Center at the company headquarters in Albstadt (Germany). Here, hundreds of candidates complete a wide range of different training courses every year. Among those travelling to Albstadt for training are not just Mayer & Cie. customers. The outstanding reputation gained by the Training Center in Albstadt attracts knitting technicians to MSL who work with different makes of machine. The qualified training team offers more than highly competent instruction in technical questions: A great deal of importance is also attached to topics such as current fashion
trends and new fields of application for circular knitted fabrics. In the foreground is always the objective of creating a significant competitive edge for circular knitting factories through a solid foundation of staff expertise.
Because the Center is highly successful in achieving this objective – as vouched for the participant feedback received – every circular knitting factory will quickly recoup the outlay invested in an MSL training course.
Alongside Albstadt, training is performed in the 18 Mayer Service Centers spread over 4 continents. Training events on site in the factory are also possible.
The emphasis is always on providing a practically oriented training experience. This “hands-on” approach is practised both in Albstadt and in the international Service Centers. Theoretical knowledge gained is immediately put into practice on modern training machines. Whether the emphasis is on pattern preparation, modern electronics, fashion or control engineering, the sophisticated MSL training systems and the availability of practice machines provide the best possible conditions for highly effective training.
The reactions of course participants, some of which are quoted here, testify to the success of the concept:
“First of all, I would like to express my thanks for your hospitality and cooperation during my stay at Mayer & Cie. factory. I also would like to Thank Mr. Matthias Scheu and all his collegues at MSL for there complete cooperation and all the arrangements made by him for my successful training.”
Abhay Sidham
”Hola como estas, te escribo para avisarte que llegue a chile sin problemas. Gracias por todo, espero que nos veamos en otra oportunidad.”
José Morral
”First of all I am sending this e-mail to thank you (All Mayer and spescially MSL) for take care of me and teach me a lot of interesting things about machines. ”
Nathan Levi
”Dear Peter, hi, I was happy when have been with you & I very happy that you have been my teacher. ”
Alireza
