Mattes & Ammann, the family-run manufacturer of knitted goods, which is located in the Swabian Alb region, in Germany, produces more than 56 million square metres of textile fabrics for technical applications made on its circular and warp knitting machines every year.

The company’s fine knitted fabrics for well-known car manufacturers are the trademarks of this traditional Swabian company. In addition, the company offers many technical applications ranging from seat covers in cars, aeroplanes, boats and German ICE trains, flags for international sporting events, lining materials for trade fair stands, as well as filters and materials for protective clothing.

Another important branch of production at Mattes & Ammann consists of knitwear for the home textiles industry, in particular, 100% cotton and mixed-fibre mattress upholstery fabrics for leading manufacturers in Europe, the USA and Australia.

Increasing demand

According to the company’s Sales Director Werner Moser, there is currently an increasing demand for technical knitted textiles worldwide, especially due to the possibility of 3D forming. At the moment, Mr Moser explains, the company is focusing on automotive, aircraft, train, furniture/bedding, and hygiene market segments.

Last year, the company has extended its co-operation with a European fibre manufacturer Trevira to expand its product offering into the mattress sector. “Last year we developed a mattress cover based on Trevira CS, especially designed for the maritime applications, for example, in mattresses for cruise ships and hotels. This market is increasing as well, because the flammability of the mattresses gains more importance,” said Mr Moser.

The new range currently includes three qualities in various weights ranging from 230 – 365 g/m², with the result that the cover can be adapted to the different structure and the desired weight of the mattress. A variety of looks offers further possible choices, highlighting the wide range of fabric constructions. Every newly developed article bears the trademark approval for Trevira CS.

Ecological production

Sustainable economic well-being combined with ecological production processes and a family-like corporate environment are the foundation of the Mattes & Ammann philosophy. In addition to the focus on internal culture and health, as well as third-party certifications for quality, environmental management, health and safety and socially responsible working conditions, Mattes & Ammann was the first textile company in the EU to be awarded the Oeko-Tex Sustainable Textile Production (STeP) certificate in July 2013.

“Ecology and environmental protection are very important for Mattes & Ammann. We implement many green processes and products,” said Mr Moser. This year the company released the 22^nd environmental report and developed products based on natural fibres like linen, nettle and Ramie. “We also developed cradle to cradle products made out of biodegradable polymers, for example, Infinito,” commented Mr Moser.

Mattes & Ammann is able to communicate its achievements in environmental protection and social responsibility credibly and transparently with a large number of third-party certificates, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, EMAS, OHSAS 18001, SCC and SA 8000.

Current focus

The company is currently focusing its R&D activities on developing functional knitted textiles, “which can be used for sensors in the world of digitalisation,” Mr Moser explained. “Quality products offering a high performance for the customer are necessary and we expect an increasing demand in this area.”

www.mattesammann.de