Leading computerized knitting machine manufacturer SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will participate in the CeBIT 2017 international exhibition for digital business in Hannover, Germany in March. SHIMA SEIKI will show as part of the Japan Pavilion hosted by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Known as a global leader in digitalization, Japan is featured at CeBIT 2017 as official Partner Country of the exhibit. SHIMA SEIKI will be part of the Japan Pavilion's Infrastructure/Factory display in Hall 12.

As the world's foremost event on everything digital, and the world's largest exhibition for B-to-B solutions in cutting-edge technologies, CeBIT offers the opportunity for SHIMA SEIKI to demonstrate its combination of seam-free WHOLEGARMENT knitting technology--wherein a garment can be produced in its entirety on a knitting machine without the need for linking or sewing--and its SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system for supporting recent consumer trends such as increased online shopping activity that have changed supply chain requirements, with growing demand for mass customization and short turnaround.

Demonstrating the latest in WHOLEGARMENT knitting technology will be the compact SWG061N2 WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine that offers great flexibility with the capability to produce a variety of items such as gloves, socks, leggings, hats and mufflers as well as childrenswear and even technical textiles. Its versatility makes the SWG-N2 series ideal for a range of applications from production in large-scale knitting factories to sampling in design studios as well as R&D and educational facilities.

WHOLEGARMENT knitting forms a synergy with the aforementioned SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system that provides revolutionary game-changing flexibility in the knit supply chain. Ultra-realistic simulation capability on APEX3 allows Virtual Sampling to minimize the impact that the sample-making process has on current manufacturing in terms of time and cost. With this new manufacturing model, the production cycle can be shortened to such an extent that on-demand production is possible without being limited to seasonal cycles, effectively meeting head-on the growing demand for mass customization. In addition, virtual samples can be used effectively for on- and off-line retailing in gauging demand prior to production. Combined with on-demand knitting capability a new business model with zero inventory theoretically emerges.