LONATI S.p.A. – Hosiery and Sock Knitting Machine Manufacturer in Italy

LONATI S.p.A. is an Italian textile machinery manufacturer specializing in circular knitting machines for socks, hosiery, tights and related knitted products. Founded in 1946 by Francesco Lonati, the company is headquartered in Brescia, Lombardy, Italy.

With a long history in hosiery machinery engineering, LONATI develops single-cylinder and double-cylinder knitting machines, electronic patterning technologies, specialized hosiery production equipment and digital solutions for the global sock manufacturing industry.

Its machinery portfolio serves manufacturers producing men's socks, women's socks, children's socks, fine hosiery, pantyhose, leggings and selected medical compression hosiery products.

Company History

The history of LONATI began in 1946, when Francesco Lonati established a business manufacturing circular knitting machines for men's and children's socks.

As demand for hosiery increased, the company expanded its machinery portfolio.

In 1952, LONATI began manufacturing machines for women's hosiery at a new factory in Brescia.

The business subsequently developed its international activities and introduced new technologies for industrial hosiery manufacturing.

Today, LONATI combines its historical engineering expertise with computerized machinery, digital programming systems and international technical services.

Circular Hosiery Knitting Machinery

Circular hosiery knitting machines are LONATI's principal specialization.

Unlike general-purpose large-diameter circular knitting machines used to manufacture fabric rolls, hosiery machines are designed for producing individual tubular knitted articles.

LONATI's machinery supports different sock constructions, yarn types, gauges and patterning requirements.

Its portfolio includes equipment for everyday socks, fashion hosiery, athletic socks, fine stockings and specialized hosiery applications.

Single-Cylinder Sock Knitting Machines

LONATI manufactures single-cylinder circular knitting machines for industrial sock production.

These machines are designed for a variety of knitted structures, including plain knit, terry and patterned socks.

The company's GE series includes equipment for men's socks and other hosiery applications.

Machine configurations vary according to cylinder diameter, needle count, yarn feeding arrangement and patterning capabilities.

GE Series

The GE series represents an important part of LONATI's single-cylinder sock knitting machinery portfolio.

Models include GE715S, GE716S, GE615S, GE616S and GE516S.

The company describes these machines as versatile systems for manufacturing different sock styles.

Depending on the model, the machines support five or six pattern colors per course, plain or terry knitting, reciprocated heel and toe formation and three-dimensional effects.

Electronic needle selection and machine control functions support the production of complex sock designs.

Sock Heel and Toe Formation

Heel and toe formation is an important part of hosiery machine engineering.

LONATI offers machinery with reciprocating knitting functions for shaped heels and toes.

Selected machines provide adjustable heel and toe configurations.

These capabilities support manufacturers producing socks in different sizes and designs.

Terry Sock Production

Terry knitting is used to create looped structures within selected areas of a sock.

LONATI's single-cylinder machinery includes configurations for terry and half-terry products.

These structures can be used in sports socks, casual socks and other hosiery applications.

The appropriate configuration depends on the required knitted construction.

Patterned Socks

LONATI machines support different patterning technologies.

Selected models provide electronic needle selection and multicolor knitting capabilities.

These features are relevant to manufacturers producing fashion socks and customized designs.

The company combines mechanical knitting functions with electronic pattern programming.

Double-Cylinder Sock Knitting Machines

Double-cylinder machinery is another principal product category.

LONATI develops machines for producing rib, plain knit, Links and Links Jacquard sock constructions.

Its DC88X series includes different models for men's, women's and children's socks.

Double-cylinder systems are relevant to manufacturers requiring particular fabric structures and patterning possibilities.

DC88X Series

The DC88X series includes advanced double-cylinder hosiery knitting machines.

Selected models incorporate electronic needle selection, brushless motors and automatic size adjustment.

The company offers different configurations for rib and Links knitted structures.

Some machines also support Links Jacquard patterning.

The appropriate model depends on the required sock design, machine gauge and production specifications.

Links and Links Jacquard

Links knitting technology allows manufacturers to produce specialized knitted structures.

LONATI's double-cylinder machines include configurations for Links and Links Jacquard designs.

Electronic needle selection supports different patterning arrangements.

These technologies are used in selected fashion and functional sock applications.

Women's Hosiery Machinery

LONATI manufactures specialized machines for women's hosiery.

Its LBE series includes equipment for producing fine stockings, pantyhose, tights and leggings.

The company offers different configurations for plain knit, mesh, terry and elastomeric yarn applications.

These machines incorporate electronic and pneumatic control systems.

LBE Series

The LBE machinery portfolio includes models such as LBE10P7, LBE22P7, LBE41TVE and LBE4TS.

These machines are designed for different women's hosiery applications.

Selected models support covered elastane plating, pneumatic yarn selection and electronically controlled size adjustment.

Available capabilities depend on the individual machine.

Pantyhose and Tights

LONATI supplies machinery for manufacturing pantyhose and tights.

Its product range includes machines designed for fine knitted structures and stretch yarn applications.

The company offers equipment with different yarn feeding and stitch control configurations.

Machine selection depends on the intended garment and production requirements.

Leggings Production

Selected LONATI hosiery machines support leggings production.

The company's product information identifies configurations for plain knit and terry structures.

Specialized equipment can incorporate elastomeric yarn feeding and other functions.

Manufacturers should verify the capabilities of individual models.

Medical Compression Hosiery

LONATI also develops machinery for selected medical compression hosiery applications.

Its technical brochures identify models including LB40ME, LB45ME, LB50ME, LB55ME and LB60ME.

These machines address specialized hosiery manufacturing requirements.

The suitability of a particular machine depends on the intended product and required technical specifications.

Elastomeric Yarn Processing

Elastomeric yarns are widely used in hosiery production.

LONATI machinery includes configurations for covered elastane and other stretch yarn applications.

Selected machines can be equipped with specialized yarn feeding devices.

Correct yarn handling is important for producing consistent knitted structures.

Electronic Needle Selection

Electronic needle selection is a significant feature of LONATI's machinery technology.

The company uses electronic systems to control knitting operations and pattern formation.

Selected machines incorporate single-magnet needle selection and electronic actuators.

These technologies support flexible production of different hosiery structures.

Machine Automation

LONATI develops automated functions for its hosiery knitting equipment.

Its machinery portfolio includes electronically controlled stitch cams, brushless motors, yarn selection systems and automatic size adjustments.

Selected machines incorporate automatic turning devices and other handling features.

These technologies are intended to support efficient industrial production.

ORION Digital Programming

ORION is LONATI's advanced software for programming next-generation hosiery knitting machines.

The software provides a visual programming environment with realistic three-dimensional simulation.

It is designed to replace the earlier Digraph 3+ programming environment for supported machinery.

ORION allows users to preview knitted structures and identify potential programming issues before physical production.

3D Virtual Simulation

ORION includes real-time 3D visualization of hosiery designs.

The software helps technicians evaluate knitting structures and pattern details before manufacturing.

This approach can reduce reliance on physical sampling during product development.

The company emphasizes greater efficiency in design, programming and prototyping.

UNLIMITEX Digital Suite

UNLIMITEX is LONATI's integrated digital platform for hosiery manufacturing.

The suite includes ORION and ARCADIA.

ORION focuses on programming and virtual product development.

ARCADIA is intended for machine-room monitoring, production management and operational optimization.

Together, these technologies support the digitalization of hosiery production.

ARCADIA Production Management

ARCADIA is part of the UNLIMITEX digital suite.

The system is designed to monitor and optimize the operation of compatible hosiery machines.

Its functions address machine-room management and production performance.

The platform forms part of LONATI's broader digital manufacturing strategy.

Collaboration with SHIMA SEIKI

LONATI has announced cooperation with Japanese knitting technology company SHIMA SEIKI.

The collaboration focuses on compatibility between LONATI's ORION programming software and SHIMA SEIKI's APEXFiz digital design environment.

The companies aim to support virtual product development and reduce dependence on physical samples.

This initiative reflects LONATI's focus on integrating textile machinery engineering with digital design technologies.

LonaKnit Brand

LonaKnit is a brand developed and produced by Lonati Zhejiang.

It forms part of the wider LONATI Group offering.

The brand addresses different customer requirements and market segments within the hosiery machinery industry.

LONATI presents the two brands as complementary rather than identical product lines.

Research and Development

Research and development are central to LONATI's industrial activities.

The company emphasizes improvements in machinery engineering, electronic control, digital programming and production efficiency.

Its development work combines mechanical knitting technology with software and automation.

LONATI continues to introduce new machinery and digital solutions for the hosiery industry.

Training and Lonati Academy

LONATI provides specialized technical training through Lonati Academy.

Its training activities cover machine mechanics, programming and electronics.

Courses are intended for operators and technicians working with hosiery knitting machinery.

The company offers practical demonstrations and exercises designed to improve technical understanding and machine operation.

Technical Assistance

LONATI provides technical assistance for its machinery.

Customers can contact the company through its official website for service inquiries.

The group describes installation, training, technical support and continuing software updates among its customer services.

Support arrangements depend on the machinery and commercial agreement.

Spare Parts

LONATI provides spare parts support for its machinery.

The company operates dedicated service and spare parts channels.

Customers can request information about compatible replacement components.

Correct machine identification is important when ordering spare parts.

International Markets

LONATI serves hosiery manufacturers in international markets.

The company maintains relationships with customers and agents in different countries.

Its participation in major textile machinery exhibitions supports international commercial activities.

LONATI presents its products to manufacturers seeking specialized hosiery production technologies.

Turkish Textile Industry

Türkiye is an important hosiery manufacturing market.

LONATI participated in ITM 2026 in Istanbul, presenting its technology to textile industry professionals.

Its machinery is relevant to Turkish manufacturers of men's, women's and children's socks.

The company also serves customers requiring specialized hosiery production and digital programming technologies.

Manufacturing Location

LONATI S.p.A. is headquartered at Via Francesco Lonati 3, 25124 Brescia, Italy.

The company provides its telephone number and contact forms through its official website.

Its industrial activities are focused on hosiery knitting machinery and related technologies.

International Hosiery Machinery Manufacturer

LONATI S.p.A. is an established Italian manufacturer of circular knitting machines for socks, stockings, pantyhose, tights and specialized hosiery applications.

Founded in 1946, the company combines decades of machinery engineering with electronic needle selection, automated knitting systems, digital programming and international technical support.

Its principal product categories include single-cylinder sock knitting machines, double-cylinder hosiery machines, women's hosiery machinery and specialized compression hosiery equipment.

LONATI is relevant to international buyers researching Italian sock knitting machine manufacturers, hosiery machinery suppliers, single-cylinder sock machines, double-cylinder knitting equipment, pantyhose production machines and computerized hosiery knitting technologies.

Through its machinery portfolio, ORION programming software, UNLIMITEX digital suite and specialized training services, LONATI supports the continued development of the global hosiery manufacturing industry.