Lichtenstein, July 2, 2024 – Since the beginning of April 2024, Rüdiger Reuter has been at the helm of Fuchshuber Techno-Tex, headquartered in Lichtenstein-Unterhausen. The seasoned manager stepped into the role after several months of vacancy and aspires to elevate the manufacturer of high-performance textiles to the status of "quality leader in this field." Furthermore, he envisions the local community recognizing Fuchshuber as an economically thriving company "where people enjoy working."
"Excited for Something New"
Rüdiger Reuter, General Manager at Fuchshuber Techno-Tex since early April 2024, hails from the nonwoven manufacturer J.H. Ziegler, headquartered in Oberachern, Baden. As Director of Sales & Marketing at Ziegler, Reuter oversaw global sales. He began his career at Ziegler in 2011 as the Business Unit Manager for Automotive, transforming this unit into the company's primary revenue driver with his team.
Aside from his "excitement for something new," which Reuter openly admits, he cites several tangible reasons for his move to the protective clothing specialist: "I am attracted by the small team, the short communication lines, and the direct control possible in a company of this size," says Reuter. "Additionally, we are in a growth market: Our police, fire departments, and military rely on personal protective clothing."
Another positive factor was the structure of Fuchshuber Techno-Tex, which operates largely independently as a subsidiary of the Belgian Concordia Textiles Group, while being able to leverage the resources of a larger international company, especially in the "Research & Development" area.
Focus on Quality
The high-performance knitted fabrics produced by Fuchshuber Techno-Tex are essential in personal protective clothing. These fabrics are utilized not only by police, military, and fire departments but also in leisure and elite sports, such as motorcycle gear or cut protection for speed skaters and ice hockey players. In this realm of high-performance textiles, Reuter aspires to position Fuchshuber Techno-Tex as a quality leader: "Reliability, customer satisfaction, and customer-specific product development are my priorities," says the new General Manager.
The business economist identifies opportunities both in the supply chain and within his own team. Reuter aims for clear requirements and long-term partnerships with suppliers. He also seeks to restore stability to the workforce. "We had quite a bit of turnover to deal with in the past," says Reuter. "However, we are fortunate to have gained competent new employees with extensive textile backgrounds in all areas. The new team is settling in, and we hope to have created an innovative setup."
Goals for the Future
Rüdiger Reuter aims to establish the company as economically robust and stable in the long term and to achieve healthy growth. He hopes Fuchshuber can also become more prominent in local awareness. "We have been based in Lichtenstein-Unterhausen for 40 years and have significant future potential as a manufacturer of high-tech products. Looking further ahead, I envision making Fuchshuber a company that nurtures young talent. Collaboration with the University of Reutlingen and Texoversum is also on my 'wishes for the future' list," says Managing Director Rüdiger Reuter.
About Fuchshuber Techno-Tex GmbH
Fuchshuber Techno-Tex GmbH manufactures textile high-performance products for body protection and technical applications. The portfolio includes the Cutex collection for stab and cut protection, heat and flame protection, technical high-performance knits for use in hospitals and psychiatric facilities, and high-performance fabrics for customer-specific applications. The company is headquartered in Lichtenstein near Reutlingen and employs around 15 people. Fuchshuber Techno-Tex was founded in 1984 by Friedrich Fuchshuber. Since 2017, Fuchshuber Techno-Tex has been part of the Belgian Concordia Group, which unites workwear, fashion, bedding, and specialty solutions under its umbrella.
Carl Baekelandt (r.) CEO CONCORDIA TEXTILES GROUP and Rüdiger Reuter.
Rüdiger Reuter assumed leadership of Fuchshuber Techno-Tex on April 1, 2024, bringing with him experience from the nonwoven manufacturer J.H. Ziegler.