French warp knitting machine engineering company Schinasi International Textile Machines (SITM) claims to have developed the world’s finest weft insertion device for a tricot machine in gauge E36 (36 needles per inch).

The company which is based in Chanteloup les Vignes , a half hour train ride from central Paris, is claiming the machine as a ‘world first’, as until now the finest available gauge for weft insertion tricot machines was 32E.

The 36E weft insertion device was developed specifically for an SITM customer last year and the retrofitted machine has now been running successfully in production at the customer’s factory for around four months. The device was designed and manufactured using high grade parts by SITM’s engineers and retrofitted to a used Karl Mayer HKS MSU 130" weft insertion machine.

 “Using the finest quality knitting elements the machine runs at 800rpm in 36E at 130 inch width,” SITM’s Jordan Schinasi told Knitting Industry.

SITM was created in 1986 in a Paris suburb by the current owner Nessim Schinasi, and has been a partner of German warp knitting machine builder LIBA Maschinenfabrik GmbH for 40 years. SITM represents Liba in sales of new machines in France, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. However, the company’s main activity is the rebuilding of both Liba and Karl Mayer tricot and raschel machines and it claims to be the only such company to specialise in reconditioning machines from both of the leading German builders.

SITM, which has a highly experienced and qualified technical team, fully reconditions and exports around 80 machines per year to a wide range of customers all over the world. The company also holds large stocks of original spare parts and aims to update the machines it sells with the latest technologies, setting it apart from its competitors.

SITM’s list of available used Liba and Karl Mayer's machines is regularly updated in its database and the company encourages interested parties to visit its website on a regular basis to keep up to date with its special offers. The company’s staff is at the disposal of customers for demonstrations, instruction and to solve any technical problems at its new showroom and workshop near Paris.

SITM can provide technical assistance via its own skilled technicians and offer machines according to the customer’s budget. Second hand LIBA and Karl Mayer textile machines are offered which have a maximum age of 10 years old. Machines are rebuilt using original or brand new parts which SITM claims can give their customers production similar to that of new machines. All types of accessories can also be fitted and the company can also help to develop new concept machines from customers own ideas.

"SITM knew, through the years, to direct itself towards the new tendencies that's where come from its know-how and its reputation all around the world," says Jordan Schinasi.

Apart from new and reconditioned machines, SITM also offers a wide range of spare parts, for both Liba and Karl Mayer machines. The company offers mechanical, electrical and electronic parts, as well as knitting elements in gauges E14, E18, E20, E24, E28, E32 and E 36. Stocks in new or second hand parts are regularly replenished which enables SITM to offer fast and efficient delivery to its customers all over the world.