Karl Mayer Acquires Ira L. Griffin

Germany-based Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH has acquired technology and market rights of Charlotte-based Ira L. Griffin Sons, a manufacturer of sizing units, in addition to ball warpers and long chain beamers for the denim sector. Karl Mayer plans to integrate the business into its warp preparation division — which includes a range of warpers, Rotal sizing products and the recently acquired Sucker weaving preparation line — and expects the acquisition to enhance its position as a supplier of complete systems solutions to denim manufacturers.

Karl Mayer’s US subsidiary, Greensboro, N.C.-based Karl Mayer North America, will serve as the primary contact point and will provide customer support for Ira Griffin’s existing customers worldwide. Karl Mayer’s global support network also includes subsidiaries in Europe, China, Hong Kong and Japan; as well as agents around the globe.

According to Tony Hooimeijer, president, Karl Mayer North America, Ira Griffin will continue to work as a contract manufacturer for approximately six months to allow for the transfer of technology and manufacturing to Karl Mayer. In addition, certain Ira Griffin technical service employees and spare parts operations will transfer to Karl Mayer North America over the next few weeks. Hooimeijer added that customers needing technical service and spare parts should continue to contact Ira Griffin in Charlotte until those transfers are complete.

January 29, 2008