Freudenberg Group is to expand its know-how in the field of interlinings, in line with its Buy and Build strategy. The Freudenberg Nonwovens Business Group is acquiring the Hänsel brand interlinings business from Hänsel Textil, Iserlohn, Germany.

Hänsel is a high-quality and innovative interlinings specialist for the fashion industry. The transaction involves the acquisition of the brand and all the patents, as well as the purchase of production plants for knits and the relevant distribution companies in Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Sri Lanka and Germany.

“With the Hänsel brand, Freudenberg is developing its strengths in interlinings,” explained Dr Mohsen Sohi, Freudenberg Group Board of Management. “As a leading global manufacturer of highly-developed textiles, with Hänsel, we will be able to offer additional sophisticated interlining solutions.”

Quality and innovation

Hänsel offers special interlinings for the manufacturers of ladies and men’s outer garments, childrenswear and sports clothing.

Products include genuine horse hair canvas, multi-zone interlinings or extremely light wovens and knits. The company also supplies textiles with special characteristics for the most extreme applications such as garment dyes, enzyme washes or coatings with a low melting point for particular protection in the processing of the outer materials.

“The Hänsel brand stands for quality and innovation,” commented Bruce Olson, Management Board of Freudenberg Nonwovens. “With the textile interlinings used throughout the fashion industry, we are extending our comprehensive portfolio and our know-how in the field of knitted fabrics in a future-oriented manner.”

Strong partner

Until now, Rudolf Loewen has been responsible for the interlinings business area at Hänsel Textil. He will remain responsible for this area in the future and will bring his know-how to the business with special knits, ensuring continuity.

“In Freudenberg we have found a strong partner for the Hänsel brand, who also knows the market and the products,” explained Loewen. “Freudenberg is a guarantee for the long-term alignment of our business.”

Made in Germany

The Hänsel brand stands for Made in Germany quality and is said to meet all the international standards in the apparel industry. Hänsel interlinings are the only interlinings completely manufactured in Germany, according to the manufacturer.

The complete production process takes place at the site in Iserlohn – from weaving, knitting and colouring to equipment (stenter frames, napping machines, steamers etc.), coating, design and tape cutting.

Freudenberg Nonwovens

Freudenberg Nonwovens is one of the world's largest producers of nonwovens, with 21 manufacturing and processing sites in 13 countries.

The company manufactures interlinings for the apparel industry and develops nonwovens for the markets that include energy, automotive interiors, hygiene, medical, building interiors, geotextiles and specialties. Freudenberg Nonwovens markets innovative products such as Lutradur ECO, Vilene, Soundtex and Evolon.

www.freudenberg-nw.com