German company Sandler has reported a further increase in sales to EUR 322 million in 2018. At its headquarters in Schwarzenbach, the company works on advancing nonwoven solutions for construction, filtration, home textiles, hygiene, technical applications, transportation and wipes. With this positive year-end result the company says it strengthens its position among the largest nonwovens manufacturers worldwide. Celebrating its 140th anniversary, Sandler will continue to focus on the expansion of the two company locations in 2019.

Sandler continues to bank on organic growth, investing its earnings in the further development of its product and technology portfolios. In this way, the company expanded its partnerships with international industry leaders and continued the positive development of all its market segments.

Hygiene products -For hygiene products, the trend towards thinner, softer, yet highly functional products continued in 2018. These products combine discretion and safety in use, supporting an active lifestyle at every age. In these applications nonwovens contribute to daily personal hygiene, helping to increase our comfort. “Sandler nonwovens for topsheets are particularly soft and gentle on the skin. They are first choice also in products for sensitive skin owing to specifically selected raw materials and the regular review of the utilised materials,” the company explains. “Applied as the layer between topsheet and absorbent core, Sandler nonwovens quickly transport fluid away from the body. Extensible nonwovens in closure systems support optimum adjustment to every movement, thereby enhancing wearing comfort.”

“Product properties can be adapted to ideally fulfil the requirements of the specific application. Through the increasing utilisation of natural raw materials, Sandler takes account of sustainability even in disposable products for personal hygiene. Product variants made from fibres from natural sources are compostable as well as free from plastic.”

Buildings renovation project - The company also invested around EUR 7 million in the renovation of both office buildings and the company’s restaurant. By the end of 2018, the renovation of administration buildings 1 and 2 in Schwarzenbach was completed. Owing to room layouts relying solely on a combination of glass and acoustic walls, there is no need for doors here, with nonwovens in wall and ceiling modules creating a quiet working atmosphere.

Sandler’s function room and company restaurant were also modernised, re-opening its doors in summer 2018. Plant-filled partitions between groups of tables create a welcoming environment, contributing to enjoyable breaks.

In a special ceiling construction, Sandler nonwovens function as sound absorbers for optimum acoustics and create an individual look at the same time. A state-of-the-art lighting installation blends seamlessly into the arrangement. A colourful wall installation—created especially for Sandler by a local artist—proves that nonwoven acoustic panels can become veritable design elements through the application of various finishes such as printing, lamination or other coatings.

Celebrating anniversary -This year, Sandler celebrates its 140th anniversary – a milestone for the nonwovens manufacturer, whose status as a family-owned and -operated company is increasingly becoming unique in its industry.

In 2018, the Sandler team welcomed 30 new colleagues in Schwarzenbach. To continue to advance people and markets in the fast-paced nonwovens industry, Sandler banks on the development of junior employees and on sustainable further training. In 2018, a junior management programme was started, preparing participants for career paths in management positions. The intra-company training course “nonwovens expert”, introduced in 2011, expands on the participants’ expertise regarding raw materials, nonwovens production, occupational safety, quality insurance and business basics.

Instructors from different departments pass on their knowledge to their colleagues. In 2018, again 37 staff members from all areas of the company “graduated” from the 18-month training. The new course 2019/2020 has already started.

In its anniversary year, Sandler says it will continue to focus on the further development and the expansion of the company locations. In both Schwarzenbach and Perry, GA, Sandler plans to expand production capacities, further advancing the development of new nonwoven product solutions.

Courtesy: Innovation In Textiles