Weberei Appenzell (weba) to invest in new weaving machines
09.04.2019

Weberei Appenzell (weba) to invest in new weaving machines

It has almost been the rule for decades:  Eastern Switzerland’s textile industry has customarily been dismantling and relocating its weaving and embroidery machinery to «low-wage countries». Now it comes as all the more positive news that in a trend reversal, weba Weberei Appenzell AG has announced to install brand-new high-capacity weaving machines in Appenzell.

Even at the alba Group, a sophisticated company, rich in tradition and part of the weaving mill enterprise Weberei Appenzell, the so-called «textile and fabrics crisis» had left its mark for years. Giving in to relentless pricing pressure, a large share of the production had to be shifted to its subsidiary in Egypt. After many years of painful adjustments, things have recently started to look up. The source for the new optimism that made the new investment possible, was a forceful focus on innovative niche products, such as finest shirt fabrics made from Merino wool – a world novelty with extraordinary and innovative wearing and natural care comfort. Today, even the most expensive shirt fabrics for the most exclusive custom tailors and couturiers worldwide are increasingly, and in growing quantities, produced in Appenzell.

weba’s four new Picanol looms machines have been manufactured in Belgium (given that there are no Swiss manufacturers left). They can achieve an up to 40% higher performance than their predecessors, while lowering power consumption by approximately 30%. These machines are distinguished by higher precision and can be modified and refitted in less time. «These critical advantages make all the difference, especially at a high-wage production location – which is a reality in Switzerland», stressed Benjamin Fuchs, CEO of alba Group.

Using only the most exquisite raw materials, weba Swiss Identity Design has developed and produced the finest fabrics for high-end shirts and blouses since 1944. weba Weberei Appenzell AG is strongly committed to «Performance Fabrics», and a global market leader in premium-quality textiles that offer additional features from «wrinkle-free» to «natural stretch». All production takes places in company-owned plants in Appenzell and Egypt.