CIXING & STEIGER Break Ground on European R&D Center to Drive Global Knitting Innovation

On May 12 (Beijing Time), the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cixing • STEIGER European R&D Center was successfully held in Switzerland. More than 30 guests attended the ceremony, including Mr. Raphaël Filliez, Vice Mayor of Vionnaz, Switzerland, Mr. Sun Pingfan, Chairman of Cixing Group, Mr. Pierre-Yves Bonvin, General Manager of STEIGER, and representatives of STEIGER employees.

 

The new STEIGER R&D Center will focus on cutting-edge knitting technology applications in fields such as medical textiles, sports and health, smart wearables, robotic electronic skin, and soft robotics, further expanding the boundaries of knitting innovation.

 

This milestone marks another important step in Cixing’s global strategy and technological innovation roadmap, demonstrating the company’s commitment to advancing high-end knitting applications and strengthening its global R&D capabilities.

 

Building a Global Innovation Hub for Advanced Knitting Technology

 

During the ceremony, Mr. Sun Pingfan, Chairman of Cixing Group, emphasized that the establishment of the new R&D center represents a deeper integration of the strengths of both companies — combining China’s dynamic market capabilities with Switzerland’s world-renowned engineering expertise.

 

He noted that the center will serve as one of Cixing’s most important global innovation hubs, accelerating the integration of precision research and industrial transformation while shaping the future standards of intelligent knitting technology.

 

Chairman Sun highlighted three key strategic directions for the new center:

1. Leading Technological Innovation

The new R&D center will integrate Switzerland’s advanced research resources with Cixing’s industrialization strengths to drive breakthroughs in intelligent knitting technologies and cultivate world-class innovation capabilities.

2. Empowering Global Industrial Upgrading

The center will support Cixing’s global manufacturing bases through technology sharing and collaborative innovation, promoting the knitting industry toward digitalization, intelligence, and sustainable development.

3. Creating an International Talent Platform

Cixing will continue to prioritize talent development by creating an open, inclusive, and international research environment that attracts global experts and fosters long-term innovation growth.

 

Strengthening the Long-Term Partnership Between Cixing and STEIGER

 

Mr. Pierre-Yves Bonvin, General Manager of STEIGER, stated that the groundbreaking ceremony is a significant achievement since Cixing acquired STEIGER in 2010.

 

He emphasized that the partnership has been built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared pursuit of excellence. Over the years, Cixing has strengthened its leadership position in the global computerized flat knitting machine industry, while STEIGER has reinforced its leadership in medical knitting applications and advanced technical knitting technologies.

 

He also highlighted that STEIGER’s programming platform, Model+ 2.0, is becoming an industry standard in the flat knitting sector.

 

According to Mr. Bonvin, the new R&D center represents a key step in ensuring STEIGER’s long-term sustainable development and reflects Cixing’s strong commitment to continuous innovation through Swiss expertise and engineering excellence.

 

China and Switzerland Join Hands for the Future of Knitting Technology

 

Switzerland is globally recognized for its precision manufacturing and engineering excellence, while STEIGER, founded in 1949, has long been regarded as an innovation pioneer in the knitting machinery industry and a global leader in medical knitting applications.

 

Since acquiring STEIGER in 2010, Cixing has successfully integrated the strengths of the Chinese market with Swiss precision manufacturing, establishing a collaborative “dual R&D team” model across China and Europe.

 

The groundbreaking of the new R&D center symbolizes not only the foundation of a building, but also Cixing’s long-term commitment to future innovation.

 

Moving forward, Cixing and STEIGER will continue to deepen cooperation in advanced knitting technologies, empowering the global high-end manufacturing industry through continuous innovation and opening a new chapter in Sino-Swiss collaborative development.