From a fledgling enterprise started in the late nineties, Graute GmbH has emerged as one of the leading manufacturers of machines for nonwovens. In this interview with Ganesh Kalidas, the company’s CEO Norbert Höltker presents insights into what makes their products so exclusive
Risk-taking capacity and courage to rebuild are some of the qualities associated with a good business venture. And that has been particularly true of Graute Gmbh, which was established in 1997 by G. Graute who had earlier worked at Hergeth Hollingsworth as head of development for air lay systems. It was around the period 1995-1997 when this company went bankrupt, leaving many employees jobless. This is when Graute came up with the idea of starting his own venture for which he even employed some of his old colleagues. Using his expertise in air lay systems, in 2001 Graute produced and commissioned its first fully operational air lay production line.
Following consistent growth, a new company site with a 1,050 sq. metres office building and 2,300 sq. metres assembly hall was acquired in Senden, Germany, in 2015. Graute now builds a full range of machines for the manufacturing of nonwovens and for mixing and fine opening, through to complete air lay systems and carding systems with cross lapper and web drafters. A particular highlight in the product range is the high-performance card with a high-speed outlet for speeds of up to 250 metres per minute. All of the company’s machines follow a special design concept to make them as maintenance-friendly as possible and minimise downtimes.
This aim is, among other things, achieved with large inspection windows for optimum visual controls and individual, retractable sections. This makes it possible, for instance, to completely take the Graute Air Lay Card® apart, which significantly improves accessibility to the individual rolls and considerably simplifies cleaning and maintenance. The company not only sells new machines but also helps its customers to convert existing systems or undertake complete modernisations. Flat structures make it possible to help customers with problems of all kinds and find new solutions, even at short notice.
Special product
One of Graute’s strengths is its machines for processing bleached cotton. Since the processing of bleached cotton fibers quickly causes naps, only very gentle carding may be used in the manufacturing process. For this purpose, Graute has several special machines in the program. In addition to the well-known bale openers, the Graute Mirco Tuft Opener (MTO) is particularly suitable for the fiber preparation of bleached cotton fibers. This machine ensures a very gentle opening and dissolution of the fibers up to single fiber and thus ensures optimal quality of the end product. For the carding process for producing webs with 100% bleached cotton or bleached cotton and other fibers, there are several possibilities. One possibility is the aerodynamic web laying with the Graute Air Lay Card.
In tune with technology
Elaborating about the company’s journey since its inception, Norbert Höltker, who was given charge of Graute GmbH in 2009, says: “Germany has always been the hub for technological advancement. Companies which are based here are actively working towards providing better services by improving the systems used in their products. This is why German products are known as trustworthy. It has been the same with Graute also, which has the advantage of applying German technology. Along with producing machines for fiber opening, blending, carding and web forming, we also make machines for recycling, as for example, to reopen edge stripes or cotton pad skillets.” Graute recently exhibited its products at ITMA Barcelona, showcasing some of their most innovative and unique systems and solutions.
Growth plans
“One advantage about doing business with Graute is that it is still emerging in its field. We are very customer-friendly and flexible. We do not want to be like the big companies who sell with a whole lot of promises but do not deliver them,” says Höltker. “Our machines are now not only in demand across Europe but also in Asia, especially in India, where we face stiff competition from Japanese and Chinese manufacturers. There is competition from Indian companies too which are now offering good products with reliable after-sales service,” he adds. Elaborating about future prospects in India, Höltker states: “Graute has started well in India with a big project in hand and we are now looking forward to do more business.”