A German textile manufacturer Heytex as part of a global growth strategy to expand its worldwide portfolio has acquired Pulaski based company BondCote, which also produces textile goods. As the two companies produce similar products that is industrial fabrics, BondCote will fill Heytex’s need to extend its global reach.

Heytex currently has centers in Bramsch and Neugersdorf, Germany, and Zhangiagang, China. With the purchase of BondCote, Pulaski will become Heytex’s North American center.

According to BondCote CEO Ted Anderson, the merger will not change much for BondCote’s Pulaski headquarters, although operations will be for all textiles made by both companies. Those operations will include sales, logistics and technical operations for Heytex’s products.

Industrial fabrics will still be produced at BondCote, although materials produced by Heytex outside of the United States will be covered as well. Although the German Heytex purchased BondCote, the American company’s name will remain the same, Anderson said.

BondCote have a very good brand equity in North America which is well recognized and well regarded. BondCote was established in 1949, cementing its presence in Pulaski for more than 65 years. It specializes in producing coated and laminated textiles used in defense equipment, in addition to industrial and recreational markets.

The company currently operates a manufacturing plant in Pulaski and a distribution center in Dublin.

Heytex is known worldwide for creating quality coated and laminated textiles, produced particularly for sign media. They supply the world market with a comprehensive product portfolio for all indoor and outdoor applications in digital print.

The company also develops, produces and sells technical textiles applied to the automotive, recreational and housing industries. Technological premium products made by Heytex include biogas membranes, architectural membranes, flexible container textiles and bellows fabrics.

The idea behind Heytex’s expansion into Pulaski is to establish a presence closer to the two company’s current and future customers. In turn, they expect to yield quicker response in products and information to benefit those clients.

Heytex CEO Dr. Heribert Decher said that they pursue a long-term strategy and set standards with their innovative products. With BondCote as a new member of the Heytex family, they have made the next very important step.

According to Anderson, BondCote and Heytex plan to work together to create more innovative textiles. To do so, they value direct customer contact and their proximity to the markets. This will increase the worldwide presence of the new group in the field of functionalized technical textiles.

BondCote currently employs 80 people in Pulaski. As they have seen an increase in their business at BondCote in the last six months, they have been hiring.

Current BondCote management, employees and staff will remain with the company through the combination of the two businesses. According to Anderson, local dedication to the job attracted the German company to Pulaski.

One of the reasons behind Heytex’s interest in BondCote and they coming together was certainly the work ethic of folks in their area. Both businesses look forward to joining and bringing more products and services to their global customers.