Heytex of Bramsche, Germany, produces technical textiles for use in cargo tarpaulins and shelter tents, advertising banners and flexible storage systems, and for leisure markets. Through the deal, Freudenberg, of Weinheim, Germany, will buy Heytex's facilities in Bramsche, Neugersdorf (also in Germany) and Zhangjiagang in China, including the sales, research and development (R&D) and administration operations for the facilities. In 2023, these parts of the Heytex Group generated sales of around €100 million and employed approximately 400 people.
Following the completion of the deal, which is subject to approval by antitrust authorities, the sites will be integrated into Freudenberg's existing business for coated technical textiles, Mehler Texnologies of Hückelhoven, Germany. Mehler was acquired by Freudenberg through its purchase of London, UK-based technical textiles manufacturer Low & Bonar in May 2020(1).
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Freudenberg Performance Materials and Member of the Executive Council of the Freudenberg Group, Andreas Raps, says: “The acquisition of major parts belonging to the Heytex Group complements our business in coated technical textiles ideally; we are expanding our technology platform, our market exposure and R&D capabilities. This will lead to leveraged innovative solutions for our customers. At the same time, we are gaining access to new, attractive product segments and strengthening our capabilities in the field of coated technical textiles.”
Heytex's sites in Pulaski, Virginia, USA, and Nijverdal, The Netherlands, will continue to operate under the ownership of Bencis Capital Partners, of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The Pulaski site was acquired by Heytex in 2015 through its purchase of Bondcote Corp(2), while the Nijverdal site formed part of its purchase of TenCate Outdoor Fabrics in 2021(3).