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Trigema invests in sustainable textile production with Brückner's innovative relaxation dryer.
18th March 2025
Knitting Industry
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Leonberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
For over 100 years, Trigema W. Grupp KG has been producing high-quality sports and leisurewear in Burladingen in the Swabian Alb. The family-run company is a strong advocate for Germany as a production location, social and economic responsibility, top quality, and state-of-the-art technology.
Since 2024, Trigema has been managed by Wolfgang and Bonita Grupp in the fourth generation. From yarn to finished product, Trigema handles all production stages in-house, including knitting, washing, dyeing, finishing, printing, and garment manufacturing. Around 1,200 employees produce approximately 20,000 clothing items daily from ten tons of raw material.
Classic products such as single jersey shirts, piqué polo shirts, and sweatshirts still account for 70% of production, though consumer preferences have shifted towards organic and sustainable textiles. To meet this demand, Trigema sources organic cotton from certified European suppliers and offers an Organic & Recycled collection. The company also prioritises resource conservation, sustainability, and efficiency by selecting energy- and water-efficient knitting, dyeing, and finishing machines exclusively from German or European manufacturers.
Simone Nuccio, Production Manager at Trigema, has extensive experience in the textile industry, having trained as a knitting machine mechanic at Trigema 13 years ago before gaining expertise in textile finishing and earning a master craftsman's diploma. Since 2017, he has been responsible for overseeing production and machinery procurement.
When it was time to purchase a new relaxation dryer in 2024, Nuccio was involved from the outset. "To produce sustainably in the long term and bring a competitive product to market, our machines must be energy-efficient, powerful, and sustainable," he explains. The POWER-DRY relaxation dryer from Brückner was chosen for its pioneering hybrid heating system, energy-efficient air-through suction zone, and compact design.
Brückner, based in Leonberg near Stuttgart, has been a global leader in textile finishing machines and process technology innovation for over 75 years. The family-run company produces its machines exclusively in Germany, focusing on sustainability, quality, and strong customer relationships. Energy-efficient machines and future-oriented technologies are at the core of Brückner's development work, with hybrid heating concepts available across its range.
The new Trigema dryer, delivered at the end of 2024, features gas burners with one compartment also equipped for electric heating. This setup allows for flexible operation, enabling Trigema to switch between gas, electric, or a combination of both. Additionally, the first dryer compartment functions as an air-through zone, using warm exhaust air to pre-dry fabrics without extra energy. Compared to traditional systems, this innovation can reduce energy consumption by up to 35% and lower production costs. Brückner has also shortened dryer compartments by one-third while maintaining high output and productivity. A typical four-compartment dryer, previously 12 metres long, now requires only 8 metres of space. Space-saving sliding doors and horizontally arranged lint screens further enhance efficiency and ease of maintenance.
Wolfgang Grupp Jr, who took over Trigema’s management alongside his sister Bonita Grupp in 2024, is highly satisfied with the new relaxation dryer. "The line is easy to operate, the shrinkage values are optimal, and the dryer performs reliably. We are well-equipped and prepared for the future," he states.
Despite the many challenges facing Germany’s textile industry, Trigema remains committed to investing in its business, products, employees, and future. These values align with those of Brückner, reinforcing the philosophy of "Made in Germany" as a unifying force in sustainable textile production.
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