In the quaint town of Aidenbach, nestled in the Passau district, Astrifa GmbH seamlessly blends centuries-old craftsmanship with modern digitalization in the production of its iconic traditional clothing. Specializing in knitted jackets, pullovers, hats, and scarves inspired by traditional costume styles, Astrifa's commitment to preserving heritage is evident, even in its ultra-modern production facilities.
Astrifa, founded in 1948, boasts a workforce of 70 employees who meticulously craft around 700 items weekly from the finest merino wool sourced from England. The company's reliance on STOLL machines, including the latest ADF and CMS series, signifies a harmonious marriage of tradition and technology. The partnership with STOLL, dating back to the company's inception, is attributed to the unwavering comprehensive support provided.
At the heart of Astrifa's innovative production lies CREATE PLUS, a software revolutionizing the programming of STOLL flat knitting machines. Werner Wohlfahrt, the knitting line manager, highlights the software's prowess in combining advanced programming capabilities with user-friendly interfaces. Despite not fully transitioning due to existing machinery, Wohlfahrt utilizes CREATE PLUS extensively on newer machines for pattern creation, emphasizing its success.
In an exclusive interview with Wolfram Geuppert of KARL MAYER STOLL Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH, Wohlfahrt expresses optimism about CREATE PLUS's continuous development. He envisions an ongoing dialogue between the manufacturer and users, paving the way for further advancements in this symbiotic blend of tradition and digital innovation.