Stretch-woven functional fabrics and smart textile technologies provider Schoeller Textil AG, Switzerland, has acquired Switzerland-based functional knitted fabrics manufacturer Christian Eschler AG.

The merger is expected to broaden the offerings available to joint customers. Eschler's knitting expertise is expected to provide important synergies for innovations developed within Schoeller's recently established venture, Schoeller Medical AG.

The Eschler brand will continue to be offered as an independent brand. Schoeller will base its sports apparel sales group in Eschler's Bühler, Switzerland, headquarters. Former Managing Director Matthias Eschler will continue to lead activities at the Eschler Textil GmbH plant in Balingen, Germany, overseeing an expansion of Eschler's Technical Textiles division as well as the manufacture of high-tech knit fabrics to be offered under the Schoeller brand for commercial and professional sports apparel.

Eschler's technology and innovation development team has moved to Schoeller's Sevelen, Switzerland, facility, which also will house a state-of-the-art automated washing system for stretch wovens and knits. Other developments will be carried out in Schoeller's Gams, Switzerland, laboratory for chemical analysis and microbiological studies.

July/August 2012