The collaboration between Trigema W. Grupp KG, a renowned German textile manufacturer, and Brückner Textile Technologies, a global leader in textile finishing machinery, exemplifies the shared philosophy of “Made in Germany.” Both companies are committed to sustainability, innovation, and high-quality production, making their partnership a model for the modern textile industry.
Trigema: A Legacy of Excellence
For over 100 years, Trigema has been a family-run company producing high-quality sports and leisurewear in Burladingen, Germany. Now managed by Wolfgang Grupp Jr. and Bonita Grupp—the fourth generation of the Grupp family—Trigema is synonymous with German manufacturing excellence. The company employs around 1,200 people who produce approximately 20,000 items of clothing daily using ten tons of raw material. Classic products such as single jersey shirts, piqué polo shirts, and sweatshirts account for about 70% of production.
Trigema’s vertically integrated production process spans knitting, washing, dyeing, finishing, printing, and garment assembly—all conducted in-house. This approach ensures strict quality control and supports local economic cycles while reducing environmental impact.
Sustainability at Trigema
Consumer demand for organic and sustainable clothing has driven Trigema to adopt environmentally friendly practices:
- Materials: Organic cotton is sourced from certified European suppliers.
- Energy Efficiency: The company invests in energy-efficient machinery to minimise resource consumption.
- Local Production: By manufacturing exclusively in Germany, Trigema reduces transportation emissions and supports regional economies.
The company also offers an Organic & Recycled collection to meet the growing demand for sustainable fashion.
Brückner Textile Technologies: Innovation in Machinery
Headquartered in Leonberg near Stuttgart, Brückner has been a leader in textile finishing machinery for over 75 years. The family-run company focuses on sustainability and innovation, producing all its machines exclusively in Germany. Brückner’s development efforts prioritise energy efficiency and future-oriented technologies like hybrid heating systems.
The POWER-DRY Relaxation Dryer
POWER-DRY Relaxation Dryer at Trigema
In late 2024, Trigema installed Brückner’s POWER-DRY relaxation dryer as part of its commitment to sustainable production. This state-of-the-art machine offers several groundbreaking features:
- Hybrid Heating System: The dryer is equipped with gas burners and one compartment with electric heating. This flexibility allows Trigema to operate the machine using gas, electricity, or a combination of both. Other compartments are prepped for electric heating retrofits.
- Energy-Efficient Air-Through Zone: The first compartment uses warm exhaust air from subsequent compartments to pre-dry fabrics without additional energy. This innovation reduces energy consumption by up to 35% compared to traditional systems.
- Compact Design: The dryer compartments are one-third shorter than previous models while maintaining high productivity. A typical four-compartment dryer now requires only 8 meters of space instead of 12 meters.
- Ease of Maintenance: Features like space-saving sliding doors and horizontally arranged lint screens simplify cleaning during production.
These advancements align with Trigema’s focus on resource conservation and cost efficiency.
A Shared Vision for Sustainability
The partnership between Trigema and Brückner highlights their shared values:
- Both companies are committed to sustainability through energy-efficient technologies and environmentally friendly practices.
- They prioritise local production to maintain high-quality standards and support regional economies.
- Their focus on innovation ensures that their products remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Leadership Perspectives
from left: Wolfgang Grupp jun. (trigema), Verena Ruckh (Brückner), Simone Nuccio (trigema)
Simone Nuccio, Production Manager at Trigema, played a key role in selecting the POWER-DRY dryer. With over 13 years of experience in the textile industry, Nuccio emphasised the importance of sustainable and powerful machinery for long-term competitiveness.
Wolfgang Grupp Jr., co-managing director of Trigema, expressed satisfaction with the new dryer: “The line is easy to operate, the shrinkage values are optimal, and the dryer produces reliably. We are well-equipped and ideally positioned for the future.”
Similarly, Brückner’s commitment to customer-focused innovation ensures that its machines meet the evolving needs of partners like Trigema.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Trigema and Brückner exemplifies the enduring value of “Made in Germany.” By combining Trigema’s expertise in textile manufacturing with Brückner’s innovative machinery solutions, both companies are setting new benchmarks for sustainability and quality in the global textile industry. Their partnership not only strengthens their respective legacies but also serves as an inspiration for businesses striving to balance profitability with environmental responsibility.
