Cooperation between the SGL Group and Gruschwitz

In future, Gruschwitz and the SGL Group will develop twisted threads and yarns made from carbon

• The twisted thread and yarn specialist from Germany's Allgäu region has entered into a strategic partnership with the world leader in carbon fibre products
• Focus on new applications and customer-specific solutions

The Gruschwitz Group, which is listed on the open market in the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and the SGL Group – The Carbon Company, which is listed on the M-DAX stock index, have entered into an extensive strategic partnership. The aim of the cooperative agreement signed in Meltingen on 27 November 2013 is to develop new carbon sewing threads and twisted yarn constructions – both as a separate product range and on behalf of those customers with whom customized solutions are jointly developed.

Both partners will contribute their respective expertise: as a materials specialist, the SGL Group masters the entire value chain from raw materials to carbon fibres and carbon fibre composite materials. Gruschwitz, a leading supplier of high-performance yarns, focuses on the distribution of special yarns, technical twisted threads and sewing threads for the automotive and medical industries, among others.

Christian Koppenberg, Global Sales Director at the SGL Group: “We chose Gruschwitz as a partner because the company has extensive expertise in the development and manufacture of technical twisted threads and yarns and has been established for many years as a leading supplier of high-performance yarns in the technical textile sector. Our aim is to harness the special characteristics of carbon fibres, such as high strength, temperature resistance, electrical conductivity, and the expertise of Gruschwitz in order to develop new solutions for our customers, thus opening up new markets.”

For Gruschwitz CEO Ditmar Schultschik, this cooperation with the SGL Group is a continuation of the successful strategy of working together with leading manufacturers of special fibres on unrivalled, top-class solutions. The fact that the SGL Group is such a well-known producer pleases directors Ditmar Schultschik and Klaus Gudat all the more. “Our discussions with the SGL Group were very constructive from the outset. Even though we are the junior partner here, our know-how and innovative strength are much appreciated. We expect that this cooperation will stimulate growth for both sides,” says Schultschik. According to Schultschik, the strategic partnership is part of Gruschwitz's long-established reputation as an “innovative, competent and reliable partner”.

Based on existing cooperative ventures, Gruschwitz expects another, profitable year of growth. “We are going to end 2013 on a high,” says Schultschik confidently. In 2014, a modern logistics centre will be set up at the company's headquarters in Leutkirch. Only last year, an investigation by the Munich Strategy Group (MSG) confirmed that Gruschwitz is one of Germany's 100 strongest and most profitable medium-sized companies.