Ziegler will showcase many novel customised solutions at Techtextil

Achern, March 23, 2011

After a 6-year absence, nonwovens manufacturer J.H. Ziegler GmbH will be exhibiting again at Techtextil from 24 to 26 May 2011.

Ziegler has experienced very strong growth since the last time it was at Techtextil. The turnover has almost tripled, passing the 30 million EUR mark for the first time in 2010. Even recession year 2009 saw further growth, with another 30% in 2010.

The company opened a new plant in 2006 at Bábolna (Hungary), and also increased its capacity at the Achern site with the construction of another nonwovens plant in 2007/2008. The on-going corporate development now requires further capacity extensions: in the third quarter of 2011, Ziegler will be opening another production unit at the Bábolna site to supply the rapidly growing market in Central and Eastern Europe with locally produced goods covering almost the entire range produced at the German site in Achern. This investment will considerably expand the Hungarian site to a capacity comparable to that of the parent plant, producing and customising thermally and mechanically bonded nonwovens made of staple fibres. The logistics department in Achern will also be upgraded at the same time.

In addition, Ziegler's product portfolio was extended by the acquisition of facilities to manufacture natural-and glass-fibre nonwovens in Lambrecht in early 2010. The product range now includes nonwovens made of bast fibres (hemp/flax/kenaf) or glass, with and without synthetic fibres.

State-of-the-art production facilities ensure that even complex nonwovens can be manufactured extremely cost-effectively and flexibly. Lamination, product conversion and CNC-controlled cutting round off the product portfolio.

Ziegler will be showcasing new products for a number of applications at Techtextil, some of which are presented below:

Ziegler is an experienced supplier of comfort products for seats and interior trims, sound absorbers as well as natural- and glass-fibre nonwovens for automotive interiors. It is one of the leading manufacturers of nonwoven-based solutions in this sector.

There are interesting innovations that facilitate handling, allow further weight savings and provide additional benefits for all application fields.

The range has recently been extended with products for exterior applications, such as textile wheel arch liners and underbodies. Thanks to the integration of the new plant producing natural and glass fibres in Lambrecht, Ziegler can now offer a wider program of transport-related solutions.

Products for the building sector include novel materials for thermal and acoustic insulation that are marketed as HACObond®. In addition to traditional insulating applications in the roof area, Ziegler also supplies such materials for heat storage units. The excellent acoustic insulating properties of the new products will be demonstrated with a baffle at booth 3.1 C32.

A new environmentally friendly development is a HACObond® insulating material made of PLA fibres. In addition to its excellent technical properties, this material is completely recyclable and compostable.

For the Hometech sector, Ziegler has an ever expanding range of nonwovens with added value. Examples include nonwovens with climate-regulating properties, e.g. HACOsoft clima® with PCM fibres or HACOsoft® PES/Tencel® for bedding and mattresses. Laminated leather is becoming increasingly popular in the furniture sector, which is why Ziegler has some innovative solutions in its programme. Leather-protecting lamination with HACOflex® reduces wrinkling during use and makes the seat much more comfortable.

Recycling properties are also gaining importance in all sectors. Ziegler is now able to offer novel nonwovens made of glass-fibre/PP-fibre blends from industrial scrap that can be used in fibre-reinforced plastics. Ziegler is also continuously developing technical nonwovens for the strictest requirements as well as solutions tailored to individual customers. Ziegler’s strengths include a comprehensive range of fibres and flexible manufacturing processes for all fibre thicknesses, from fine to coarse.

Last year's initial certification in accordance with DIN EN ISO 13485 demonstrates Ziegler’s commitment to the medical industry with its range of padded bandages and other products for this market.

Thanks to the newly acquired production facilities for natural fibre nonwovens in Lambrecht, Ziegler Natural Nonwovens can now supply products for sprouting fleeces that are completely compostable.