#Yarn & Fiber

2018-10-25

Fire at Kelheim Fibres’ viscose fibre production plant

On Sunday 14. October 2018 at around 10:00 a fire broke out in the main fibre spinning area at Kelheim Fibres GmbH. The fire was extinguished by 13:00 by the company’s own fire brigade with the support of local fire services. No employees were seriously injured, one suffered minor injuries. There were no hazardous discharges to the environment.

The fire caused significant damage to some parts of the fibre spinning lines, and more particularly to electrical cabling, and also structural damage to some parts of the spinning area. Currently two teams of specialists are working on securing the building, removing debris and cleaning up the production area.

Following a first preliminary assessment of the damage caused, a provisional plan for the restart of the production lines has been developed. It is planned to start the first two lines at the end of October 2018, with a further two to follow at the end of November 2018. After four months, it is planned to have started a further four lines, with the remaining two to follow eight months later.

Kelheim Fibres is in direct contact with customers and has informed them of the expected impact on supply.

Kelheim Fibres GmbH informs about the closure of operations

The management of Kelheim Fibres GmbH informs that business operations will be terminated as of 31 March 2026. A continuation of the company beyond this date is not possible. The investor and sales process conducted within the framework of the self-administration did not lead to a positive outcome. The potential strategic investor who most recently entered the process has withdrawn from a potential investment at short notice.

Kelheim Fibres GmbH: Strategic Realignment and Acquisition by LEO III Fund

Kelheim Fibres GmbH has signed a notarial purchase agreement with Munich-based financial investor LEO III Fonds, exclusively advised by DUBAG Group, as part of its ongoing self-administered insolvency proceedings. The signing took place on November 5, 2025, with the completion of the transaction scheduled for January 1, 2026.

Kelheim Fibres on track for the future

Kelheim Fibres GmbH, a global leader in specialty viscose fibre solutions, has successfully completed an internal restructuring and sharpened its focus on core product segments following its October 2024 insolvency filing. This has enabled the company to return to a sustainable business model, with a firm commitment to continue on this path.

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 concludes, connecting buyers with innovative selection of sustainable yarns and fibres

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 wrapped up successfully on 13 March, as a record-high of over 600 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions welcomed more than 25,000 visitors from 113 countries and regions. Held across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair highlighted the textile industry’s accelerating shift toward a lower-impact, more functional future. Exhibitors presented eco-friendly organic, regenerated and recycled yarns and fibres, alongside innovative options such as sweat-resistant and high-performance materials. A comprehensive fringe programme further enriched the event, offering practical market insights and new networking opportunities.

Lenzing advances its transformation: Higher EBITDA, stronger free cash flow and more than EUR 200 million in cost savings

The business performance of the Lenzing Group in 2025 was affected particularly in the second half of the year by external factors such as international tariff measures, subdued demand and declining market prices. As a result, revenue decreased slightly by 2.3 percent to EUR 2.6 billion, primarily due to lower fiber sales volumes and lower prices for fibers and pulp, which were further negatively impacted by currency developments. Nevertheless, thanks to the comprehensive Performance Program, Lenzing was able to improve its operating performance and key financial indicators compared with the previous year.

“Lead Transformation – Generate Impact”: Lenzing presents its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report

The Lenzing Group has published its 2025 Annual and Sustainability Report, entitled LEAD TRANSFORMATION – GENERATE IMPACT. The report shows how Lenzing is actively shaping change in the industry and making a lasting impact: economically, ecologically, and socially. Lenzing is consistently focused on the future: with targeted investments in premiumization, excellence, innovation, and sustainability, the company is strengthening its position as a leading provider of sustainable, cellulose-based premium fibers. The combined report is available in digital format.

FET’s revolutionary gel spinning system wins Techtextil Innovation Award

FET has received the prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award 2026 in the New Production Technology category. The Techtextil Innovation Award honours outstanding ideas in textile technology, sustainability, AI and the creation of technical textiles, selected by an international jury of experts. Ranging from new materials to new production technologies, this award recognises progressive ideas that are driving forces for numerous industries, such as automotive, medical and construction.

Savio Macchine Tessili will exhibit at ITM Istanbul 2026 presenting its flagship technologies

Savio Macchine Tessili will participate in ITM Istanbul 2026 in a corporate booth of Vandewiele Group, showcasing a selection of its most advanced winding and spinning solutions designed to support textile mills in achieving higher efficiency, flexibility and yarn quality. The company will bring to the show three flagship solutions: Proxima Smartconer®, Lybra Smartspinner® and the Phoenix Assembly Winder.

Rieter at ITM 2026: Spinning Redefined with Automation and Intelligence

Spinning mills need solutions that deliver stability, efficiency and future-proof performance. Rieter has put together a powerful portfolio for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. These innovations give customers the tools to enhance cost efficiency, improve responsiveness and actively develop their competitive edge. Step-by-step, Rieter is moving closer to its Vision 2027 – the fully automated spinning mill. With each new technology, Rieter enables spinning mills worldwide to operate with greater precision and reliability, ensuring they remain at the forefront of an increasingly demanding global market.