FIBTEX GmbH
Company

About FIBTEX GmbH

A family-owned innovator for technical non-wovens, oriented towards the future.

FIBTEX GmbH is a specialized developer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber and nonwoven applications, founded in 2007 by Rudolf Schlotter. From its base in Feilitzsch, Upper Franconia, the company has grown into a recognized European partner for technical textiles — operating with the agility of a medium-sized family business and the technical depth of a true specialist.

Today, leadership is shared across two generations. Rudolf Schlotter continues to set the strategic and technological direction, while Tristan Schlotter drives operational execution and the company's energy transformation.

"We combine the agility of a medium-sized business with strong technological innovation — delivering exactly the nonwoven each customer's application demands."
Leadership

Second-generation family leadership

Rudolf Schlotter

Managing Director

Rudolf Schlotter

Dipl. Ing. Verfahrenstechnik · Founder, 2007

Rudolf founded FIBTEX in 2007, bringing decades of engineering expertise in process technology to Upper Franconia. Under his leadership, FIBTEX has evolved from a startup into a recognized manufacturer of specialty nonwovens across Europe.

"Sustainability is in FIBTEX's DNA."

"Whoever masters energy costs and focuses on sustainability secures Germany as a production hub."

"To preserve our planet for future generations, we strive to continuously reduce FIBTEX's carbon footprint."

Operations Manager

Tristan Schlotter

Joined FIBTEX · April 2019

Tristan joined FIBTEX in April 2019, bringing fresh perspective and operational drive to the second generation of family leadership. He oversees production operations and drives FIBTEX's energy efficiency transformation.

"Challenges make us better."

Tristan Schlotter
Our Journey

Over 15 years of continuous advancement

From a single line in 2007 to a CO₂-neutral consolidation roadmap — a steady evolution defined by technical depth and sustainable transformation.

2007

Company Founding

FIBTEX GmbH is established in Feilitzsch, Upper Franconia — marking the beginning of a new chapter in regional technical textile manufacturing.

2009

First Production Line Commissioned

The first nonwoven production line for technical applications is successfully installed and brought online, laying the operational foundation of the company.

2010

Capacity Expansion & Circular Economy Launch

A high-performance second production line with thermal bonding technology is commissioned at up to 700 kg/h. Simultaneously, FIBTEX launches its circular economy initiative — integrating secondary raw materials and recyclates that remains core to operations today.

2014

Expanded Basis Weight Range

Production capabilities are extended to cover 50–3,000 g/m² across all staple fiber inputs, enabling virtually any customer application.

2018

Dedicated Needle-Punching Line

A standalone needle-punching line is commissioned, expanding flexibility and enabling finer surface finishes and composite constructions.

2021

In-House Solar Power — First System

FIBTEX installs its first photovoltaic system (92.9 kWp), beginning the transition to self-generated renewable electricity.

2023

Major Green Energy Expansion

Solar capacity expanded by an additional 365 kWp — a decisive step in production decarbonization.

2026 Q3/Q4Future

Fossil Free Consolidation

A fully electric thermal consolidation system combined with industrial battery storage is commissioned. FIBTEX aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by substantial amount for fully consolidated sandwich panels.

Direction

Our Strategic Direction

Consistent Decarbonization

All processes aligned to minimize ecological footprint. FIBTEX actively reduces greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain — not as a compliance exercise but as a core business commitment for future generations.

Resilience through Energy Mastery

Strategic optimization of energy consumption is the key to economic independence and long-term planning security in the face of volatile markets.

Strengthening Local Value Creation

Targeted investment in the Feilitzsch facility demonstrates that sophisticated industrial production has a strong, competitive future in Upper Franconia — combining technological advancement with ecological transformation.