The Textile Microfactory With Mega-Effects For The Future ─ As VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub Cooperates With STOLL And KM.ON
Image By Courtesy of STOLL
Berlin, July 2024 – The registered cooperative VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with STOLL and KM.ON, both brands of the KARL MAYER GROUP, to equip its microfactory currently under construction in Berlin's Bikinihaus.
Utilizing three ADF machines from STOLL and advanced digital solutions from KM.ON, this innovative platform aims to bring together academics, brands, research institutes, start-ups, and SMEs to pioneer new pathways for sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry.
The goal is to create a fashion industry with a positive balance sheet, leveraging the pixel-to-product microfactory to offer innovative hardware and software solutions for the physical, digital, or hybrid implementation and testing of promising concepts, products, and processes.
“We are delighted to be involved in the Fashion Microfactory project. With our machines, which are predestined for efficient customization thanks to their enormous patterning flexibility, and our digital solutions, which significantly shorten lead times, we have been focusing on the topic of made-to-order for a long time and hope to gain new impetus and contacts,” says Michael Händel, Vice President Sales & Service at STOLL.
The Contracts For The Delivery Of The Flat Knitting Machines Were Signed On July 9 At STOLL's Headquarters In Reutlingen.
“The opening of the Microfactory is planned for October. Preparations are in full swing. We are currently fitting out the premises in the Bikinihaus. The aim is not a conventional production facility, but a concept hall, a glass laboratory whose interior design showcases the production technology of the future to clients and end customers,” explains Michael Händel. “The new workflow of virtual design, sales, payment, and just-in-time production is to be brought to life.”
In addition to the interior design, training sessions for staff are being scheduled, programs, including applied R&D activities, are being developed, and pilot projects with manufacturers and studios are being driven forward.
Recently, two outfits from the label SE 1 OG were presented at Fashion Week Berlin.
At the next fashion week, the opening of the Microfactory will be celebrated with the live production of giveaways that guests can configure individually.
Discussions are also underway about continuing collaboration with the Senate at the end of 2025, after co-financing has expired.
“Our VORN Fashion Hub is a long-term initiative backed by political commitment and great public interest,” adds Händel.
About Vorn – The Berlin Fashion Hub
VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub is a registered cooperative dedicated to fostering sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry.
By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders, VORN aims to innovate and implement cutting-edge solutions for a more sustainable future.
About STOLL and KM.ON
STOLL and KM.ON are brands under the KARL MAYER GROUP, renowned for their advanced knitting technology and digital solutions that drive efficiency and customization in textile production.
