Summary

On July 16 and 17 2010, Groz-Beckert´s Technology and Development Centre (TEZ) in Albstadt will be privately as well as officially opened. On Friday July 16, selected guests from industry, science and politics have been invited together with numerous customers and partners; on Saturday, July 17 the event is exclusively for the company´s employees. As a platform for new perspectives, the Technology and Development Centre (TEZ) is creating new impetus for research and development, for an intensification of systematic thinking, for innovation and for synergies. In close cooperation with machine producers, machine users and partners, this is where Groz-Beckert is shaping the textile future. An important role is also played by training and further education.

Facts and Figures

It was several years ago that Groz-Beckert in Albstadt first had the idea of developing a comprehensive platform for innovation. The planning phase began in the spring of 2005. In October 2006 the renowned Munich architectural office of Henn was awarded the contract, and the topping-out ceremony had already successfully taken place by July 2007. The construction work – realised by various local contractors – proceeded according to plan. This was also thanks to the commitment shown by the relevant authorities and the numerous people involved in the project within the company itself. The Technology and Development Centre can thus be officially opened, and also used, on schedule. This is the biggest construction project in Groz-Beckert´s long history, and that is reflected not least in the amount of material required to build it: 27,000 cubic metres of concrete alone, 3,200 tonnes of steel and 700 tonnes of steel girders were used, while almost 8,000 square metres of flat and sloping roofs had to be covered. The interior space amounts to 136,000 cubic metres. This required 37,000 cubic metres of excavated material to be shifted, and 37,600 cubic metres of groundwater. The floor space covers an area of 5,000 square metres, and the total area covered by the TEZ amounts to 25,000 square metres, 14,000 of which are available as usable space.

The Architecture

The Technology and Development Centre blends harmoniously into its surroundings and into the existing building complex. The striking-looking gables are a structural element and, at the same time, an expressive and recognisable feature. Glass is used generously on the facade as well as inside the TEZ. The attractive grounds of the building are enhanced by the numerous garden areas on different themes on the first floor.

Sustainability

With regard to sustainability, the Technology and Development Centre exceeds in several respects the already strict energy-saving regulations required by law. Structural materials were consciously selected with regard to environmental compatibility and durability. Emulsion-based materials were largely dispensed with and the steel roofs were powder-coated, to prevent any heavy metals from contaminating rainwater. The TEZ is thus proof of the exemplary manner in which Groz-Beckert assumes economic, ecological and social responsibility.

A Favoured Location

The investment in the Technology and Development Centre amounts to roughly 70 million Euro. The choice of Albstadt as its location is a further clear statement by Groz-Beckert in favour of its headquarters and the entire region. This decision was partly based on Groz-Beckert´s experience with its foreign subsidiaries: it became clear that the soul of a company is of crucial importance. And the standard set in Albstadt is the standard that has made Groz-Beckert such a successful brand internationally. A look at the company´s plants worldwide – whether in India, China or Europe – makes it clear that, despite differing mentalities and cultures, the Groz-Beckert subsidiaries everywhere share the same standardised concept of quality. A concept that has been, and always will be, defined in Albstadt. For Groz-Beckert, therefore, concentrating and focusing its innovative strength is the right answer. The company´s headquarters and, above all, the TEZ will function as a global interface where all the core competencies such as development, design, process technology and lab technology meet and combine. The Technology and Development Centre thrives on the lively know-how transfer from production in Albstadt and from instant access to all services. Moreover, the site features a qualified education infrastructure and, as ever, a profound level of textile know-how – all of these being further arguments in favour of the choice of location.

What the TEZ Contains

Research and development, applications consulting, sound education and further training, a comprehensive interchange of ideas – all these aspects and more are taken into consideration at the Technology and Development Centre.

A main focus is on five Technical Centres for the most diverse textile production methods: the Technical Centre Knitting, Technical Centre Weaving, Technical Centre Felting, Technical Centre Tufting and Technical Centre Sewing respectively. Machines and installations close to production are fixed components of these technical centres. They enable application technology experiments, the production of short batches and special series as a service for partners, and also the testing of Groz-Beckert products under real production conditions. The Technical Centres thus provide a good basis not only for joint development together with customers and partners but also for process optimisation. A further, central area of the TEZ is the Groz-Beckert Laboratory. Apart from lab services for the most diverse sectors, this also houses a special section devoted to the new study course "Textile Product Technology – Technical Textiles". The course was developed by Groz-Beckert in cooperation with the University of Albstadt-Sigmaringen and has been open to students since the winter semester of 2009. The