A revolutionary flat knitting technology that allows the production of 'seam-free' knitwear was launched by Shima Seiki 20 years ago. And it was received quite well. In Italy’s Marche region some leading knitwear producers are using Shima Seiki Wholegarment knitting technology to produce top quality seam-free knitwear.

In New Esse Maglieria (NSM), a family owned knitwear manufacturer based in the Montefano town is what Italian knitwear industry calls a ‘sub-worker’or a sub-contractor who manufactures garments for another company, usually a brand or larger manufacturer. Also, there is a new breed of knitwear manufacturer in Italy that start off as sub-workers that are owned by highly skilled technicians, and, NSM is one of them.

Owner/manager Sergio Storani has some big brands under his belt. The company makes Wholegarment knitwear for women, men and children and at present about 90 per cent of its manufacturing capacity is taken up by women’s wear. It manufactures more than 2,000 pieces per week with just 11 employees. They use luxury yarns from leading Italian spinners including wool, silk, cotton and cashmere and blends.

Storani’s factory never stops working and runs 20 hours per day six days a week. He further adds that investing in Wholegarment technology has been profitable and costs reduced by around 30 per cent. Garment prices vary, but another real advantage is fit. He states that they can demand a higher price when they develop Wholegarment styles and sometimes make better profits. It all depends on the season and particular sample. He concludes that people skills, motivated workers and Wholegarment technology is the recipe for success at NSM.