"AI Weaver" machines produce gloves at Dongyang Snowflake Show Knitting Co. [Photo/Tide News]
The knitting industry in Dongyang county-level city of Jinhua, Zhejiang province, is undergoing a remarkable transformation, shifting from traditional workshops to digital smart factories.
Over 300 intelligent knitting machines at Dongyang Snowflake Show Knitting Co operate at speeds of 1.5 meters per second, weaving yarn into exquisitely patterned gloves every four minutes. Real-time data on order status, equipment condition, and material inventory are displayed on screens, allowing management to oversee the entire production process with ease.
This digitization effort is a response to the challenges facing Dongyang's traditional knitting industry. Rising labor costs, product homogeneity, and low added value had hindered the industry's growth.
However, with strong government support and a focus on digital transformation, the industry is integrating technological innovations at every stage. In 2024, the industry's exports reached 5.47 billion yuan ($780.63 million), an 8.81 percent increase.
In the production line, the "AI Weaver" machines excel at advanced knitting techniques, producing colorful, patterned gloves with efficiency. The transition from manual to digital processes has dramatically boosted productivity, with a single machine now capable of producing 150 pairs of gloves per day — nearly double the output of traditional machines.
"Now, a single worker can manage 25 machines, with an annual output of over 10 million pairs of gloves. High-end products can sell for over 300 yuan per pair," said Chen Wei, the company's general manager.
Chen highlighted that the gloves woven by the "AI Weaver" are free of thread residue and can be packed immediately after coming off the production line, increasing efficiency by another 20 percent.
Dongyang companies like Haonan Knitting Garment Co have embraced the "machine replacement" trend, investing heavily in system upgrades. Thanks to these improvements, the company's production capacity has increased by 50 percent, delivery times have halved, and energy consumption has also decreased significantly.
Dongyang has also been promoting "Dongyang Knit" globally, expanding into international markets and fostering strategic brand collaborations. From local traditions to global recognition, Dongyang's knitting industry is weaving a brighter, more innovative future.
