1990 to 2009
Opportunities and challenges of globalisation
1992
Asia is booming
Mayer & Cie. is represented at all major trade fairs in Japan, China and India.
1995
Acquisition of STP
Acquisition of one of the most important PCB manufacturers: STP, Sindelfingen. 700 employees and 220 million DM turnover will be integrated into the Mayer group.
1997
Inauguration of extension building
Mayer & Cie. invests several million (euros) in an extension building with 7,000 sqm area in Albstadt-Tailfingen. Capacity has become necessary, after 1996 saw the highest order backlog in 25 years.
2000
Goal achieved
Despite strong Asian competition, business is developing as desired: the target of 2,000 machines in the year 2000 is exceeded; order intake amounts to 2,104 machines. In the first year of the new millennium, the 50,000th knitting machine is delivered. An OVJA 1.6 ETR reaches Borgini in Italy.
2007
BASICLine sells well
With the newly developed machines S4 and D4 2.2, MCT succeeds as planned in “serving markets with simpler needs”.
2008
Financial crisis
A global economic crisis follows. The order intake at MCT collapses, reaching just a little over 1,000. In autumn of that year, the company has its back up against the wall. The turnover of 38 million euros is offset by high liabilities. Due to the overcapacity, well over 300 finished, unsold machines are stored in the factory halls. At the end of the year, order intake reaches little more than 800 machines.
Sep. 2009
Foundations for a restart
In September 2009, Mayer & Cie. announced. insolvency with 472 employees under the leadership of the insolvency administrator Dr. Wolfgang Bilgery. His aim is to restructure the company to maintain it permanently. To do so, he must “align the company with a capacity that the market for premium knitting machines justifies now and in the foreseeable future.”