THERMOTEX expands

The Schutterwald-based company THERMOTEX NAGEL GmbH provides textile labelling and identification in laundries, old people's homes, hospitals, fire brigades or in the clothing industry. They have been successful in this field for over 30 years and are even known as the market leader in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. In addition, they are internationally active in more than 60 countries. In order to be prepared for a successful future, the Schutterwälder are investing this year in an extensive conversion, which will create significantly more office and production space. With the conversion, THERMOTEX is further securing the Schutterwald location and setting the course for broader, international business.

Factory 2 in Schutterwald

In 2016, THERMOTEX celebrated the inauguration of a second plant in Schutterwald. This year, further space has been created in Plant 2. Among other things, the Embleme Centre is receiving both personnel and technical support. Thanks to a steady growth in turnover in this area, THERMOTEX is investing over half a million euros here in a new, modern production machine. Mr Helmut Czichon, Managing Director of THERMOTEX alongside Dietmar Nagel, explains: "Our multicolour emblem is produced here using digital printing and transfer processes. A  multicoloured emblem on carrier foil, which is transferred from the foil to the desired textile with a transfer press. Its versatility makes it one of our most popular emblems!" Back in 2017, THERMOTEX invested in the future of the Embleme Centre by buying shares in the neighbouring company o&h Druckvisionen GmbH. They also invested in a screen printing machine and an automatic colour mixing system.

In addition to the Emblem Centre, the forward-looking area of RFID and identification technology is receiving support. Compared to classic textile labelling, where the item of laundry is recognised visually or by barcode, RFID technology brings with it an incomparable transparency. Since RFID technology gives each textile a transponder, in combination with a reading antenna and appropriate software, it is possible to determine exactly what kind of item it is, where the textile is located and how often it has been washed. This information is interesting for laundries that rent out work clothes, for example.

Canteen in Factory 2

Since spring 2019, more than ten craftsman companies from the Ortenau region have been busy expanding an additional 1,200 sqm of work space. In addition to large, bright production areas, modernly furnished offices are being created with everything the heart desires: bright LED daylight lamps, air conditioning and a spacious lounge with kitchen. And of course, the table football is not to be missed. THERMOTEX is investing around 1.4 million euros for the entire conversion with extension and renovation work. "We attach great importance to making our employees feel comfortable. That's why our workplaces are ergonomically designed and work-friendly," explains Dietmar Nagel. 150 employees are now part of the THERMOTEX workforce with an additional 50 employees on the extended workbench at o&h and other suppliers from the region.

Production hall

Only about 280 metres separate Plant 1 and Plant 2. Several bicycles are available so that employees can get from A to B quickly. Among them are also 2 cargo bikes in case more luggage is transported. "The main thing is to leave the car behind!" emphasises Dietmar Nagel. Because THERMOTEX attaches great importance to environmental protection. For example, bees were given a new home in their own flower meadow. In addition, the trainees lent a hand to build an insect hotel next to the flower meadow. Furthermore, the starting signal for the latest environmental project has just been given. THERMOTEX is planting an entire forest in cooperation with "Treedom", where 100 trees will find their place at the start of the project.

The Schutterwälder are constantly developing in all areas of the company. The sales, workshop and hotline departments are to receive support from new colleagues, which is why, for example, qualified mechatronics engineers or field sales staff are sought after. THERMOTEX also takes on several apprentices every year. These include apprenticeships as industrial clerk, IT specialist, mechatronics technician and warehouse logistics specialist. You can find current job advertisements here:

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