Lee®’s Vintage Modern Collection Offers New Spring 2020 Apparel, Now Available in Expanded Retail Locations

Lee Vintage Modern Union-All

GREENSBORO, N.C. — March 3, 2020 —  Lee®, the iconic American apparel brand known for its innovative apparel solutions, today announced new Spring 2020 offerings for its Vintage Modern Collection, which includes women’s jeans inspired by the brand’s historic archives. In time for festival season, Lee’s Vintage Modern is now available online with new retail partners, including Nordstrom and Madewell.

“Lee’s Vintage Modern Collection is much loved by consumers and influencers, bringing to life the brand’s storied history while creating a fresh approach to the legendary details and quality product Lee is known for,” said Betty Madden, vice president, Global Design, Lee.

Lee’s new offerings include:

  • Lee’s Vintage Modern Flare: The Lee High Rise Flare Jean isn’t just a ’70s throwback; it’s the real deal. Rekindled from patterns in Lee’s archives, this high rise creates a beautifully trim waistline and is followed by a snug-yet-comfortable fit in the seat and thighs, thanks to a touch of that famous 1960s Lee stretch. The wash is inspired straight from a pair of archived Lee bell bottoms.
  • Lee’s Vintage Modern Union-All: First created by Lee in 1913, the brand has reimagined the iconic jumpsuit to transform it into a short-all version. Same fit. More leg.
  • Lee’s Vintage Modern Cut-Off Short: Back in the day, you wore your Lee jeans until you turned them into shorts. It was practical, sustainable, and in the late ’70s, cut-offs were undeniably sexy. Today’s Lee cut-off short includes gorgeous spade pockets with Lee’s trademark compound curve, genuine hardware and the legendary Lee leather patch.

As part of Lee’s commitment to detail, each piece harnesses signature icons that have been in use for more than 50 years, including the twitch logo patch, hip pocket label, and Lee’s spade pocket with S-curve stitching. Officially introduced in 1946, the signature curves of the spade shape and define, creating a natural boost for your backside.

“Lee’s Vintage Modern Collection has experienced triple digit year-over-year growth, exemplifying the realization of our new global creative vision,” said Joe Bugni, vice president, Global Female, Lee. “Moving forward, we anticipate more product offerings that showcase legendary Lee brand details in styles that are on-trend and rooted in our brand’s history. That is a perfect combination for consumers,” Bugni continued.

In addition to this collection, with the recent launch of Lee Reissue, Lee MVP, and Shape Illusions, Lee continues to push boundaries.  Combining timeless styles from its illustrious archives, the most innovative technologies and a legacy of inclusivity — Lee is a brand for everybody.

Posted March 2, 2020

Source:  Lee®, a Kontoor Brands brand

Women in Textiles Summit Helps Attendees Build Industry Relationships and Leadership Skills

ROSEVILL, Minn. — February 28, 2020 — The second annual Women in Textiles Summit, held February 19–21, almost doubled in attendance and gave attendees ample opportunities to build new business alliances while learning about emerging trends in the industry. The event, sponsored by Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), was held in Nashville, Tenn.

“This event was born through the remarkable stories of women in industry, who seemingly did not have that seat at the table like their male counterparts—sometimes hindering the opportunity for building complex industry relationships,” said Linden Wicklund, IFAI director of events and member programs. “Through this conference, we are learning more and more about these women’s remarkable stories, while providing a forum for growth and leadership. After only two years, we are so thrilled to see the impact on attendees and the shared inspiration among multiple generations of women in textiles.”

“The Women in Textiles Summit was informative and invigorating,” said Kathy Schaefer, chair of IFAI’s board and operating officer at Glawe Awning and Tent Co., Fairborn, Ohio. “By networking with many in the group, I was able to learn important trends in the industry as well as receive creative input on how to increase my staff. IFAI developed this conference to support and encourage professional industry women. The interaction and education were unlike any conference I have attended. It was very worthwhile, and I am looking forward to next year.”

Jane Johnson, government relations manager at Unifi, Inc., Greensboro, N.C., emceed the event with an infectious smile and the utmost professionalism—sprinkled with humor and Southern charm. One of the themes that emerged was the importance of mentorship, particularly among women, a topic thoroughly covered during a panel session and stressed by four speakers during the business sessions.

In the rousing Day 1 closing session, “Power, Presence and Impact for Women,” Karen Hinds, author, founder and CEO of Workplace Success Group, encouraged the group to build strategic alliances, position themselves for opportunities and claim their voice. This can be achieved by “finding your tribe.” “All of you need more than one mentor in your life,” she said. “Figure out your Achilles heel, then find mentors who will ‘get into your stuff’ and help guide you to improving yourself.”

Hinds noted that women also need advocates, but they can’t be chosen. “They pick you out, based on what they’re seeing from you,” she said. “Think of all the excellent work you’re doing as honey, spreading it all around. And people will see that and start buzzing along and advocating for you.

In the keynote address on Day 2, Carly Patterson, the 2004 Olympic gymnast, said that after winning the gold medal at age 16, she wondered what was next for her. She shared her inspiring story of resilience, heartbreak and more after stepping on the highest podium at such a young age.

Showing a photo of herself at age 4 at a cousin’s gymnastics birthday party, Patterson said that event was the spark that would change her life and lead her to the pinnacle of success. “We need to embrace the spark and let it ignite creativity in our lives,” she said. “Be on the lookout for the spark.” Patterson said she applied the same drive and determination that took her to a gold medal to becoming a recording artist, entrepreneur and mother.

Among industry representatives sharing their insights and wisdom from the stage were:
Courtney Cruzan, vice president of sourcing and product development at Atlanta-based fabric innovator brrr°, who discussed “Lab Coats and Lipstick: Staying Close to R&D, Harnessing Your Network and Mentoring Future Leaders.”
Rachal McCarthy, president of NTI Global, a family-owned and operated industrial plastics and textile manufacturer, Dallas, Texas, who presented, “Stop Saying Please.” She urged attendees to show confidence by communicating in a firm yet approachable manner. “Try to internalize that saying ‘please’ to yourself gives you less standing,” she said. “In a business session, it is not necessary. I’m not saying don’t be polite. But you don’t have to ask yourself permission to own your own success.”
Stephanie Rodgers, director of advanced product development at Apex Mills, Inwood, N.Y., covered, “The ‘T’ in S.T.E.M,” defining the “T” as “textiles” instead of “technology.” She said that many emerging functional fabrics are being developed by women empowered by cross-disciplinary approaches to manufacturing, noting that several of these inventors and creators were mentored by each other.
Samantha Marion, textile development manager, and Laura Martin, purchasing manager, both from Top Value Fabrics, Carmel, Ind., gave an interactive discussion about the “Imposter Syndrome” and explored tools to combat feelings of inadequacy that can weigh down the success of talented women.
An informative panel discussion moderated by MMI Textiles owner and president Amy Bircher featured diverse industry leaders covering the topic, “The Next Generation: Attract, Mentor and Develop Future Leaders.” The panel included Katherine Annett-Hitchcock, associate professor, Department of Textile and Apparel Technology and Management, N.C. State Wilson College of Textiles, Raleigh, N.C.; Anna Gluck, vice president of human resources, Seaman Corp., Wooster, Ohio; Marcia Ayala, president of Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, Inc., Yorkville, Ill.; and Apurba Banerjee, principal engineer at Milwaukee Tool, Brookfield, Wis. Each offered glimpses into their backgrounds and discussed the importance of mentorship and what it has meant to their careers.

“Surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than yourself or have skills you don’t have is important as a leader,” Bircher said to kick off the discussion. Bircher is also first vice chairman/chairman-elect of IFAI’s board.

Other interactive events included roundtable discussions, a networking walk to kick of the first education day, a morning yoga session, a competitive trivia game and a pub and grub crawl through downtown Nashville.

“I attended the IFAI Women’s Summit last year at the encouragement of my two male partners,” said Nichole Holroyd, co-owner and administrative director at Spiritus Systems Co. Inc., Aberdeen, N.C. “It was so motivational for me last year that we sent all of our female management staff this year. I hoped they could take in the stories, listen to other’s experiences and be just as inspired as I was. As a business owner, the IFAI Women’s Summit helps me realize that we are not alone in this world as women in business. The networking and friendships that are made or just renewed at the event is something I truly cherish and has helped our business in ways that are not quantifiable.”

Save the Date for Women in Textiles Summit 2021
Conduct business while making connections at the Women in Textiles Summit 2021. Mark your calendar today! The 2021 Summit will be held Mar. 3–5, 2021, at the Château Élan Winery & Resort in Braselton, Ga. The Summit gathers some of the brightest leaders in the textiles industry to share, grow and network. Relax and unwind with wine tasting and onsite spa!

Posted March 3, 2020

Source: IFAI

SPESA To Host 2020 Advancements In Manufacturing Technologies Conference This April In Detroit

RALEIGH, N.C. — February 26, 2020 — The Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) will host its 10th Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference on Tuesday, April 7, in Detroit, bringing together both suppliers and manufacturers to discuss current and emerging innovation in the sewn products industry.

This is the first time SPESA will host an event in Detroit, a city with a rich history in American manufacturing. Coined the automotive capital of the world in the early 20th century because of its home to pioneers like Ford, Dodge, and Chrysler, Detroit has recently made way for new manufacturing initiatives in fashion and design. Notable brands like Carhartt, Shinola, and Tracy Reese are at the forefront of this charge, exploring new opportunities to combine traditional skills in sewing with industry innovations like automation and on-demand manufacturing.

“Detroit is a market that has been on our minds for a while now,” said SPESA’s President Michael McDonald. “It is a region that felt the full effects of offshoring and the economic crisis, but has demonstrated remarkable resilience in recent years. Because of its history, the city and its surrounding areas have the infrastructure to support a fully operating supply chain. Stakeholders, from automotive to apparel, are recognizing this and turning to Detroit as a new manufacturing hub.”

The Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference provides a unique platform for speakers and attendees to engage in an open dialogue and learn about new ideas, solutions, and technologies available for the sewn products industry. Beyond that, attendees will have an opportunity to address the current challenges facing their specific operations and identify solutions that support their business objectives. This year’s conference will continue to focus on the always-in-demand themes of automation and on-demand manufacturing, while also exploring what’s on the horizon for the new American factory and what the sewn products industry is doing beyond just traditional apparel.

“This is the 10th Advancements Conference for SPESA, signifying a very important milestone,” said SPESA Board Chairwoman Nina McCormack. “The sewn products industry has seen some remarkable change over the past several years — from new accomplishments in automation, to software offerings, and on-demand manufacturing. This Conference brings together leaders in the industry to highlight how these changes and innovations are impacting the work we do every day.”

The conference will be held at the historic Dearborn Inn, just ten minutes from downtown Detroit. Built in 1931, the hotel sits on the former grounds of the Ford Motor Company. A discounted room rate will be available for conference attendees until Monday, March 16 or until space runs out. Reservations can be completed here.

Registration for the conference is open now. A discounted early bird rate of $195 will be available until March 13, 2020, after which registration will be $235 per attendee. Registration includes a full day of education, breakfast, lunch, and an evening networking reception.

Posted March 3, 2020

Source: SPESA

Eltex of Sweden: A Close Eye On Quality With The Eye Compat II

The Eltex Eye Compact II yarn monitoring system for carpet tufting.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — March 3, 2020 — Eltex of Sweden AB, a member of TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association, reports solid success with its Eye Compact II yarn monitoring system for carpet tufting machines, since its launch at ITMA 2019 in Barcelona last June.

“We have a very healthy order book for this new monitoring system because it meets a real need for the carpet tufting industry,” said Brian Hicks, Eltex CEO. “We have already installed a number in the USA and are currently fulfilling orders for companies in Australia, Canada, Thailand and the UK.”

The sensor units of the Eye Compact II, he explains, have been successfully miniaturised to approximately a third of the size of those with the established Compact system, allowing them to be mounted on the very latest high speed tufting machines that are graphics driven, with limited space at the puller rollers.

Early stage prevention

Unlike the sensor systems that are employed at later positions on tufting machines — in order to detect faults in the formed fabric — Eye Compact II technology is about prevention at an earlier stage, through the detection of missing yarns.

“There are a number of reasons why yarns can go missing, the most obvious being a bobbin simply running empty,” says Eltex Sales and Marketer Peter Wiberg. “They can also be broken as they’re fed through the creels or pulled out of position, so they are not successfully picked up by the needles.”

Critically, the sensors need to be installed after the last puller roller and before the tufting needles, because otherwise the roller could still be feeding yarns that will not been successfully taken by the needles. This is only possible with the extremely slim Eye Compact II units, which can also be positioned either above or below the rollers.

Guarantee

“Missing yarns can often go undetected by the operator, with anywhere up to eighteen hundred being fed at high speed into the tufting machine at one time,” says Wiberg. “Our system provides a 100 per cent guarantee that all of the yarns that should be in the tufted construction are being correctly fed into the primary backing. This both mitigates against expensive repairs at a later stage and also allows single operators to control multiple machines simultaneously.”

Another benefit is that the sensors can be arranged more closely together, with each of them monitoring 16 yarn positions, and their robustness ensures that once fitted, there is little the technicians or operators need to do.

Automatic

The Eye Compact II system easily learns pattern changes and displays the number of yarns involved to the operator for confirmation, and different parameters for different yarns groups can also even be set if required.

“This new sensor technology operates at a critical stage in high-end carpet production, where everything comes together in the entire manufacturing process,” Brian Hicks concludes. “The yarns and the carpet backing have already been produced and both are wasted if a fault is only identified later during the tufting stage, when it is also necessary to stop the machine. By eliminating both production waste and machine downtime, manufacturers can significantly boost both their profitability and sustainable footprint.

“All of these benefits along with the ability of a single operator to control multiple machines, mean that the new Eye Compact II provides a very quick return on investment.”

With its research and development work primarily carried out at its headquarters in Osby, Sweden, and North American sales and service operated from its subsidiary in South Carolina, the manufacturing plant of Eltex has been located at Templemore in Ireland since 1976, providing significant advantages in terms of high flexibility and logistical services to customers on both sides of the Atlantic.

“The Eltex Eye Compact II perfectly illustrates how Sweden’s long tradition and history of textile production are being combined with a good climate for innovation,” says TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “The solid contribution to overall sustainable textile manufacturing that are being made by such incremental technology improvements around the world are often not fully recognized, but they are certainly appreciated by satisfied customers.”

Posted March 3, 2020

Source: Eltex of Sweden

Simian Chooses Kornit Atlas for Scaling of Direct-to-Garment Apparel Decoration

DUESSELDORF, Germany — March 3, 2020 — Kornit Digital, a provider of digital textile printing technology, announces Netherlands-based Simian, an online total print provider to more than half a million businesses and end-consumers, is implementing the Kornit Atlas digital direct-to-garment (DTG) system to increase its capacity for delivering sustainable, retail-ready decorated apparel on demand. Simian is the parent company of online print providing sites Reclameland, Drukland, and Flyerzone.

Having established itself as a total print solutions provider for signage, banners, posters, flags, and other digitally printed textiles, Simian first entered the decorated apparel market by implementing two entry-level, single-pallet DTG systems. Kornit Atlas, which can imprint more than a thousand garments per day with a single operator, will enable them to increase capacity to accommodate ongoing growth in this line of business.

Offering lower total cost of ownership than other DTG systems, Atlas meets the retail quality, wash and light fastness, and sustainability standards of the world’s largest apparel brands. Simian will use the system for nontoxic decoration of baby apparel and accessories, in addition to t-shirts, polos, sweaters, vests, and tote bags.

“A two-time Bronze FD Gazelle winner, Simian prints every item it sells without outsourcing, and as the only printing company in Belgium and the Netherlands serving customers in the evenings and on Sundays, we set the standard for on-demand production,” says Wouter Haan, founder and owner of Simian. “We’re also the only online printing company in this region innovating within its own production facility, and we’ve continued to expand that facility to handle new and exciting technologies so we can continue to lead. Based on our experiences with digital thus far, we see great opportunities for textile print production, so investing in Kornit is investing in our future.”

Haan noted that Simian’s facility can accommodate additional DTG systems as necessary.

“Simian prides itself on being the premier online print provider to the Benelux region, and their focus on round-the-clock on-demand fulfillment makes them a natural partner for Kornit, which offers a scalability no other DTG supplier can match,” said Omer Kulka, Kornit’s executive vice president of marketing and product strategy. “We are proud to welcome Simian to the Kornit customer family, and look forward to supporting their growth in the years to come.”

Posted March 3, 2020

Source: Kornit

Avery Dennison Completes Acquisition Of Smartrac’s RFID Transponder Business

GLENDALE, Calif. — March 2, 2020 —  Avery Dennison Corp. today announced it completed the acquisition of Smartrac’s Transponder business, for the purchase price of 225 million euros, subject to customary adjustments.

Smartrac is a innovator in the development and manufacture of RFID inlays. It has strong research and development capabilities and a proven track record for developing and commercializing effective, high-value and high-quality RFID products. Smartrac is now an Avery Dennison company.

Posted March 2, 2020

Source: Avery Dennison Corp.

Design Collective By Cintas Creates High Fashion On The High Seas With Virgin Voyages Apparel Collection

CHICAGO — March 2, 2020 —  Richard’s Branson’s new cruise line Virgin Voyages is scheduled to set sail in April 2020. Today Design Collective™ by Cintas Corporation announced that it will execute a modern apparel collection designed by British fashion designer Gareth Pugh for the crew. Virgin Voyages led a collaboration with Design Collective by Cintas to bring Gareth’s fashion-forward designs to life with apparel pieces that mirror the vivacity which is synonymous with the Virgin brand.

“We’re honored for the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Virgin Voyages and Gareth to bring together modern and luxurious designs to Virgin Voyages,” said Todd McKeown, president and COO of Design Collective by Cintas. “Richard Branson puts his employees first, so it was critical for every crew member to feel confident and comfortable in the apparel, so they can be a critical part of the total passenger experience. We used our extensive experience in designing and manufacturing for the cruise industry and worked with Gareth Pugh and the Virgin Voyages team to develop this game changing program.”

The core collection includes sustainable fabrics and garments designed for a range of job functions, climates and body types. The program breaks with cruise stereotypes by removing epaulettes — shoulder stripes designating rank for officers — ties and waistcoats. It features a distinct combination of structure and fluidity and includes a wide range of looks from slick razor-sharp tailoring to relaxed pillow-case tunic shirts referencing the early days of British punk, and more.

“We really wanted to shake up the industry and redefine cruise fashion. Working with fashion Designer Gareth Pugh helped us create a fantastic wardrobe collection for our crew reflecting a modern sailing holiday experience,” said Dee Cooper, senior vice president, Design and Customer Experience at Virgin Voyages. “We decided to partner with Design Collective by Cintas to make sure the garments would really deliver on all levels. Their knowledge of fabrics and application made the designs functional for the cruise environment, and they helped create an Epic Sea Change for all.”

Virgin Voyages currently has four ships on order, and will launch its first adults-only vessel, Scarlet Lady, in Spring 2020.

Posted March 2, 2020

Source: Cintas Corp.

Ruyi Group Amicably Negotiates With Israeli Men’s Clothing Manufacturer Bagir To Resolve Mutual Concerns

JINING, China — February 28, 2020 —  Israeli men’s clothing manufacturer Bagir Group plans to sue Ruyi Group because Ruyi has not delivered a remaining payment of about $10 million.

The Bagir Group, an Israel-based menswear group founded in 1961, produces 3 million garments a year. On November 23, 2017, Ruyi Group announced its intention to acquire 54 percent of Bagir Group Ltd. for $16.5 million to become Bagir’s controlling shareholder. Ruyi Group was then undertaking global expansion and acquiring well-known fashion brands to build a Chinese version of global fashion industry group. The acquisition of Bagir is to transfer part of the processing and manufacturing capacity and improve the global layout.

Bagir Group has stated that Ruyi Group’s acquisition provided Bagir with important business opportunities to expand Bagir’s suit pants production in Ethiopia and establish the production of jacket products. Stimulated by the acquisition news, Bagir Group’s stock rose sharply.

Speaking of the postponed deal, Ruyi Group spokesman Chris Chen explained that the acquisition plan was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018 but had to be postponed to May 2019, as the Chinese government was taking more time to review the deal. Since 2019, the textile and apparel industry has faced great uncertainty under the impact of the Sino-US trade war. Simultaneously, the operation of Bagir Group in recent years has not improved as promised before the acquisition, and its Ethiopian factory has not attained the production goal by 2018. Ruyi Group and Bagir Group had negotiated to delay the settlement day.

Chris Chen said, “Ruyi Group is conducting friendly negotiations with Bagir to properly resolve the acquisition issue and ensure that both parties’ benefits are fully protected.”

Since 2010, Ruyi Group has successively acquired international brands such as Japan’s Renown Group, British fashion brand Aquascutum, French luxury fashion brand SMCP Group and Hong Kong’s Trinity Group. These acquisitions have demonstrated Ruyi’s determination to enter the fashion field from manufacturing. Even though the acquisition of Bagir has encountered some setbacks, Ruyi still firmly believes in the transformation to the high-end fashion industry. The follow-up issues are still under negotiation.

Posted March 2, 2020

Source: Ruyi Group

Picanol To Exhibit At Egypt’s AFRO STITCH & TEX

YPRES, Belgium — March 2, 2020 — Picanol will be present at AFRO STITCH & TEX from March 5-8, 2020, at the booth of its agent for the region, Nobeltex (Booth B1, Hall 5). This trade fair is dedicated to textile processing technologies and this is the tenth time that the event will be held in Egypt. AFRO STITCH & TEX will feature two complementary trade fairs: the first one relates to garment processing technologies (this runs from February 27 to March 1), while the second trade fair will focus on textile processing technologies, one of which will be weaving (this will run from March 5-8). Egypt is home to the only fully vertically integrated textiles industry in the Middle East, with the entire production process – from the cultivation of cotton to the production of yarns, fabrics, and ready-made garments – being carried out on a domestic level. The textile sector plays a central role in the Egyptian economy.

Picanol is a worldwide manufacturer of airjet and rapier weaving machines, and it is active in all of the different segments of the textile industry: i.e. apparel, home, and technical textiles. Its current product program includes the all-new OmniPlus-i airjet machine, which was launched last year. This machine features a brand-new insertion system and it sets a new benchmark in airjet weaving by combining the highest levels of performance with best-in-class air consumption and power consumption. The OptiMax-i and the GTMax-i 3.0 cover a complete range of applications and they are generally recognized as being the most versatile and best-performing rapier machines on the market. With the TERRYplus Summum and TerryMax-i machines, Picanol is the only premium weaving machine manufacturer able to offer both airjet and rapier technology for the weaving of terry fabrics. Customers can count on a highly professional service team, with local presence in all textile segments and a high-performing aftermarket team that supplies spare parts within the shortest lead-times.

“The positive and fruitful relationship between Picanol and the Egyptian market is long-standing and it will certainly continue into the future in line with our ’Let’s grow together’ slogan! We are looking forward to meeting our Egyptian customers, as well as customers from other African countries, in order to share information regarding the latest technology offered by Picanol,” explained Bruno Caffieri (Picanol Area Sales Manager).

Posted March 2, 2020

Source: Picanol

Automotive Textile Manufacturer TESCA Announces The Acquisition Of Willy SCHMITZ And Its Respective Business Units In Monchengladbach And Oberndorf, Germany


PARIS/MONCHENGLADBACH, Germany — March 2, 2020 — TESCA and Willy SCHMITZ announce that they have closed a transaction whereby TESCA is acquiring the business of Willy SCHMITZ and its operations, located in Germany.
 TESCA, headquartered in Paris, is a major supplier of automotive fabrics, value added textile parts and seating components. TESCA employs 3,500 people and operates 22 facilities globally.

Willy SCHMITZ, headquartered in Monchengladbach, Germany, is a major supplier of fabrics to the German automotive manufacturers, but also to other industries, including via its affiliated company OGUS. Willy SCHMITZ employs 150 people and operates in two facilities in Germany. “The TESCA and Willy SCHMITZ businesses are very complementary in terms of customer interface and geography”, said Carl de Freitas, TESCA CEO. “Merging our activities will provide a broader more efficient platform to support our customers globally.”

“TESCA global footprint is an ideal asset to enable Willy SCHMITZ to support the needs of our historic customers with our products beyond their traditional markets”, said Markus Schmitz, owner and President of Willy SCHMITZ.
 Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The TESCA Group, whose textile origins date back to 1836, is a world leader in the creation, design and manufacture of automotive textiles, materials and seat components. Owned by private investors, the Group has 3,500 employees in 22 locations and 16 countries, in Europe, North Africa, Russia, Asia, Latin and North America.

The group holds a significant number of patents for the design and manufacture of seat components such as headrests, armrests, seat upholstery, padding, and smart materials.
In 2019, it generated sales of about 250 million euros.

Willy SCHMITZ is a textile company founded in 1897, its activity is spread over two sites in Germany, one in Monchengladbach and the other in Oberndorf.

It now has 150 employees with a turnover of around 35 million euros.

Willy Schmitz is an essential textile supplier of the German car manufacturers, like VW, Mercedes, BMW, Audi or Volvo and the company is present at iconic manufacturers such as Porsche and Aston Martin.

Posted March 2, 2020

Source: TESCA Group

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