The Freudenberg Group, a global technology company, has today opened a new production facility in Weinheim. The facility will manufacture knitted elastic interlinings for the international fashion industry. “With these Hänsel brand products, we are pleased to have brought an important technology to Weinheim. The step will allow us to continue to develop our strengths in the interlining segment,” said Dr. Ralf Krieger, Member of the Freudenberg Group Board of Management. In August 2014, Freudenberg Performance Materials (FPM) took over the business area of Hänsel Textil GmbH in Iserlohn. Relocating production to Weinheim began in July 2015. Meanwhile, FPM employs some 50 people in the production of knitted interlinings at the company’s headquarter.
“The Hänsel brand will continue to represent ‘Made in Germany’ quality – under the umbrella of Freudenberg as well. With the knitted products manufactured in Weinheim, we can now offer our customers an even more extensive range of interlinings,” emphasized Dr. René Wollert, Chief Financial Officer of Freudenberg Performance Materials. The Business Group already produces nonwoven and weft interlinings. With the addition of the Hänsel production facility, Freudenberg is not only strengthening its Weinheim plant but is also building expertise in a growth market in line with the Group’s “buy-and-build” strategy.
The international fashion industry represents the main market for elastic interlinings. Knits are characterized by their high elasticity and low volume, which increases the comfort of garments. These specialty fabrics provide the necessary stability for items such as women’s outerwear or men’s jackets.
Moving the complex Hänsel machinery to the Weinheim site was a major challenge. “To ensure continuity of production and seamless delivery to our customers, we needed to move the equipment step by step from Iserlohn and rebuild it in Weinheim,” explained Volker Del Monego, leader of the Hänsel Integration Project at Freudenberg Performance Materials. 19 knitting machines have now found a new home in the Weinheim Technology Park.
About Freudenberg Performance Materials
Freudenberg Performance Materials is a leading global manufacturer of innovative technical textiles offering differentiated value propositions to a broad range of markets and applications such as Apparel, Automotive, Building Materials, Hygiene, Medical, Shoe and Leathergoods as well as Specialties. In 2015, the company generates sales of almost €980 million and has more than 25 manufacturing sites in 14 countries and more than 3.800 associates. Freudenberg Performance Materials has many years of experience in technical textiles and applications. The company attaches great importance to social and ecological responsibility. For more information, please visit www.freudenberg-pm.com
About the Freudenberg Group
Freudenberg is a global technology group that strengthens its customers and society long-term through forward-looking innovations. Together with its partners, customers and the world of science, the Freudenberg Group develops leading-edge technologies, and excellent products, solutions and services for more than 30 market segments and for thousands of applications: seals, vibration control components, nonwovens, filters, specialty chemicals, medical products, IT services and the most modern cleaning products.
Innovation strength, strong customer orientation, diversity and team spirit are the cornerstones of our Group. Commitment to excellence, reliability and pro-active, responsible action belong to the company's core values lived for more than 165 years. In 2015, the Freudenberg Group employed over 40,000 people in some 60 countries worldwide and generated sales of more than 7.5 billion Euros (including pro-rata consolidation of 50:50 joint ventures). For more information, please visit www.freudenberg.com.