Merz Maschinenfabrik
About our company
The leading manufacturer of circular knitting machines for the production of medical compression stockings
125 years of MERZ – tradition and innovation from Hechingen
Since its foundation in 1900, MERZ Maschinenfabrik GmbH has become the leading manufacturer of circular knitting machines for the production of medical compression stockings in compression classes I to III, including custom-made products, as well as anti-embolism stockings, knee bandages, ankle protectors, women's tights with pendulum heels and pendulum toes. Today, the name MERZ stands for the highest precision, quality and reliability worldwide. At the company headquarters in Hechingen, around 70 dedicated employees work in a production and administration area of around 6,400 square metres to ensure that the machines meet the high demands of customers and that service requests are handled quickly and competently.
Currently, more than 3,000 MERZ circular knitting machines are in use in over 30 countries, mostly producing medical compression stockings of the highest quality. Despite its continuous international growth, MERZ has remained loyal to its home town: its connection to Hechingen is evident in its close cooperation with regional partner companies and its active promotion of skilled workers from the region.
Company history
We have been manufacturing knitting machines since 1900 and are a fourth-generation family-owned business.
Circular knitting machines
Our product portfolio consists of 4-feed high-performance circular knitting machines with a reciprocated heel movement for the manufacture of medical compression stockings in compression classes I to III (bespoke orders also possible).
Career
Vocational training at Merz - Your future starts here!
Impressions
Robot-controlled manufacturing
Automatic assembly
Coordinate measuring machine
Measurement software for evaluation
Testing equipment in inspection
Manual control
The knitting unit
The knitting needle in detail
Complex components
Company history
In 1900, Carl Merz formed MERZ as a mechanical workshop in Hechingen.
Its initial business focused on service and repairs for SINGER sewing machines and bicycles. Shortly after formation, the company then started constructing its first circular looms and knitting machines.
After the end of the Second World War, the company started making double-cylinder circular knitting machines for hosiery production. The first MERZ double-cylinder circular knitting machines were delivered in 1948. In the early 1950s,
the company began development on circular knitting machines for manufacturing nylon hosiery, and these machines started shipping from 1955 onwards.
In the ’60s, MERZ moved to premises on Haigerlocher Straße, which is now the site of the company’s Head Office. The company has been making circular knitting machines for ladies sheer tights ever since: these systems consist of
all electronic, 4-feed reciprocating machines.
From the 1970s, the company has also been focusing increasingly on the development and construction of circular knitting machines for making medical stockings – and is now a global market leader in this segment.
How time flies...
1900
MERZ was founded in Hechingen as a mechanical workshop by Mr. Carl Merz - service + repair works on SINGER sewing machines and bicycles Production of circular loop wheel machines
1948
Construction and first export orders of double-cylinder circular knitting machines for the production of socks
1955
Series production of circular knitting machines for „nylon stockings“
1962
Company & production moved to a new facility in Hechingen (210 employees)
1970
Development and manufacturing of circular knitting machines for the production of medical stockings
2000
MERZ celebrates its 100th anniversary
2003
MBS – Merz Body Seamless machine – in corporation with Mayer & Cie, Tailfingen
2009
MERZ owned by two brothers Hans-Ulrich & Siegfried Carl Keck
2011
ITMA Barcelona presentation of CC4 II latest knitting technology for the production of medical compression stockings
2014
World's leading manufacturer of knitting technology for compression stockings
2015
ITMA Milan presentation of CC4 II-8 sustainability combined with knitting technology beyond graduated compression *HEALTH or DESIGN – no need to compromise* CC4 II-8 with terry application and new cylinder Ø 7 inch
2025
125 Years
1900-2025