#Associations

2026-10-01

VDMA Textile Machinery with new Executive Board

Newly elected Executive Board of VDMA Textile Machinery // Image source: VDMA © 2026

At the general meeting of VDMA Textile Machinery held in Hanover at the end of September, Dr Janpeter Horn, Managing Director of A. Herzog Maschinenfabrik, was re-elected as Chairman of the trade association. Regina Brückner, managing partner of Brückner Trockentechnik, and Verena Thies, managing partner of Thies Textilmaschinen, will once again serve as vice-chairs for the next four years.

The general meeting of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association took place in the trade fair city of Hanover, one year ahead of the leading trade fair, ITMA. The event’s theme, “The world is moving forward – where is Europe?”, outlined the industry’s current landscape: increasing competition from Asia, coupled with challenging business conditions in Europe, has led to significant declines in order intake and turnover in recent years.

Although the turnover forecast for 2026 had to be revised downwards to -14 per cent (nominal), order intake appears to be stabilising.

“The discussions and workshops at our General Assembly clearly demonstrated that our industry is in the midst of profound change. The challenges are considerable, yet we possess the innovative strength, the expertise and the technological leadership to actively shape these changes. Together, we will work to support our customers even more effectively throughout the entire lifecycle of their machinery and equipment, to capitalise on the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, and to strengthen the competitiveness of the European textile machinery industry in the long term. ITMA 2027 in Hanover will be an important milestone in showcasing our industry’s capabilities to the world,” explained Dr Janpeter Horn.

Dr Harald Weber, Managing Director of VDMA Textile Machinery, added: “I look forward to working with the newly elected Executive Board. The board’s wealth of experience, high level of technical expertise and broad positioning reflect the diversity and innovative strength of our sector. Together, we will actively drive forward the key future issues facing the European textile machinery manufacturing sector and provide important impetus for the competitiveness of our industry.”

The Executive Board for the term of office from 2026 to 2030 comprises: