At that time an enterprising group of men founded the "Vereinigte Werkstätten", a mechanical workshop. The following year they began to manufacture a small hand operated knitting machine. The business grew and by 1918 machines were being exported throughout the world.

In 1934, Mr. Emil Mayer returned to his native land from America where he had been an engineer.

As the business manager, Mr. Mayer started a new growth era for the Company, and in 1937 the firm was reorganized into its present form of Mayer & Cie and rededicated to the manufacture of the world's finest circular knitting machines.

Dealt a heavy blow in World War II, the firm began to regroup in 1946. Under Mr. Mayer's leadership the Company prospered again and reached new and higher goals.

A new factory was built in Tailfingen and in 1955, Mr. Peter Mayer joined the firm and made many significant contributions to the operation.

Because of the growing demand for the Mayer machines in the Americas, a decision was made to build a new factory in Orangeburg, SC, to be known as Mayer & Cie (USA). Construction began on the plant in May, 1970 and the facility was completed in November of the same year.

With the death of Mr. Emil Mayer on December 26, 1971, the management of the company passed into the hands of his capable sons, Mr. Peter Mayer and Mr. Rainer Mayer.

At the end of 1974 the company merged with the Mac M. Rothkopf Co. and our name became Mayer Rothkopf Industries, Inc.

Two new product lines (being braiders and high pile machines) were added from 1975 until 1979.

On January 1, 1985, we became Mayer Wildman Industries, Inc. This name change was made to more accurately reflect the product lines and ownership.

On January 1, 1990, we became Mayer Industries Inc. Again a change intended to reflect actual ownership.

Today the Orangeburg plant is the worldwide leader in the production of high speed braiding machines.