Schoeller Textil & Eschler join forces for strong future

06 Jun '12

4 min read

Two of the strongest and most innovative textile and technology companies in the “stretch woven and knits” segments are joining forces: Schoeller Textil AG from Sevelen (St. Gallen) and the Eschler Group from Bühler (Appenzell Ausserrhoden). Under the banner of Swiss quality, global presence and wide ranging know-how, they are moving into the future together.

The cooperation of the two traditional Swiss companies – under the management of Schoeller Textil AG – makes it possible to place the product range on an even broader footing in the market. The synergy of woven and knitted fabrics is exploited to create a range that is the only one of its kind in the textile sector.

The range of innovative Schoeller textiles and technologies is complemented by high quality and highly functional Eschler knitted fabrics in order to meet the future requirements of joint customers even more precisely, more individually and more creatively.

Franz Albers, President of the Board of Administration of Schoeller Textil AG, comments, “I am particularly pleased about this collaboration. It is the coming together of two companies, each of which is among the world-wide market leaders in its own segment and ideally complements one another.” Hansjörg Rettenmund, President of the Board of Administration of the Eschler group, expresses similar delight.

“This cooperation of two strong partners at this particular point in time is a far-sighted business move which will secure the future and which represents a logical consequence in terms of market positioning,” says Rettenmund.

Eschler and Schoeller have been cooperating in production for many years. Peter Eschler says of this partnership, “Another common feature of Eschler and Schoeller is that both these traditional companies are in family ownership and foster comparable values and cultures. The Eschler family is proud to be represented in this merger, both at the operative level and as shareholders.”

In November 2011, Eschler announced that an innovation centre was to be built in Bühler in the course of restructuring measures. This plan will now be implemented in Schoeller's research and development department in Sevelen and in the Schoeller laboratory for chemical analysis and microbiological studies in Gams. “The power of this concentrated expertise opens up entirely new dimensions for further exciting developments,” declares Hans-Jürgen Hübner, Administration Board Member of Schoeller Textil AG.

Schoeller Textil AG is taking over Eschler Textil GmbH in Balingen, Germany and the sales organization for commercial and professional sportswear which will remain in Bühler employing 45 people. The former Managing Director, Matthias Eschler, will remain in charge of the plant in Germany and will further expand the Technical Textiles segment.

In addition to these Technical Textiles, the production plant in Balingen will also manufacture the high-tech knit fabrics for commercial and professional sportswear for Schoeller. Within the new association with Schoeller, the well-known Eschler brand will retain its independence.

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