Willy Schmitz is a premium textile manufacturer mainly for the automotive industry. Their focus are refined fabrics made from wool or wool blends. Also, textiles based on (recyclable) synthetic fibers are an essential part of their product portfolio. With the copany’s full integrated production Willy Schmitz designa and producea tailormade solutions, from the dyeing of the yarn to fully finished and laminated cut parts.
Since 2020 Willy Schmitz is part of the Tesca Group and are therefore also part of a global production network.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Willy Schmitz: We are mainly supplying woven fabrics for the automotive industry with a focus on premium materials and solutions. In addition to that we produce high-quality textiles for the fashion and furniture industry.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
Willy Schmitz: Of course, sustainability is the ubiquitous topic. The demand for recycled, biobased or biodegradable products is huge. Also, in terms of comfort and luxury in order to establish high-end alternatives to conventional leather in the automotive interior is a growing request.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
Willy Schmitz: Our range of products comprises woven fabrics, laminations and cut parts. These are mainly made from synthetic fibers or wool (blends). We also produce luxurious Woven Leather and Corduroy made from wool. On group level we are able to produce knits and warp knits, whole seat covers and components such as headrests.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
Willy Schmitz: Our main market is the automotive market. The entire industry is in a constant state of change and moving continuously closer to sustainable product solutions.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
Willy Schmitz: The biggest trend right now is of course sustainability, especially the development of circular solutions. This trend is not only visible in the textile market, but in all markets.
Another big trend we are identifying is “Sophisticated Luxury” – meaning timeless high-quality materials that come with a presentable technical performance. Creating and offering long lasting designs and products is also a way to reduce mass consumption which is a key issue in the scope of sustainability.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
Willy Schmitz: Truly circular solutions are the ones with the highest level of innovation. These solutions combine not only design and technology but also consider the end of life and collection of the product. This means a new level of complexity at first but will yield crops in the long run.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
Willy Schmitz: We see a growing demand in the scope of circular solutions. The idea of not only using recycled raw material but having recyclable products is getting more and more important. Circular Economy, especially for companies based in the EU, is the only way to stay competitive.