Pioneering developments in ironing technology triggered the rapid growth of the Landsberg-based machine manufacturer in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the medium-sized company is a global player in industrial garment finishing, with business activities in more than 100 countries.
With Günter and Christopher Veit being at the helm of the family-run enterprise, it is the second and third generation who are jointly steering the company which is celebrating its 60th anniversary. It was their father and grandfather, 90-year-old Reinhardt Veit, who founded the business in 1956 and who used two innovations to set new technological standards for his sector those days. The cold ironing technology he developed turned the formerly stationary units into flexible, stand-alone ironing tables with their own independent motors. Powerful suction made built-in heating units redundant and helped to significantly reduce energy consumption even then. Another novelty was the suction and blowing technology launched in 1969. The use of an air cushion finally allowed ironing garments without any marks from seams and interlinings.
Today’s Group President Günter Veit joined the company as a co-director in 1975, before full responsibility was handed over to him by his father Reinhardt Veit in 1990. It was Günter Veit who expedited international growth with subsidiaries in the US (1981), France (1990), Romania (1997) and the UK (1999). Ever since 1994, VEIT has been increasingly committed to the Asian market with offices in China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Bangladesh.
From VEIT to VEIT Group: Two acquisitions allowed the firm to broaden its product portfolio and its technological range. In 1989, it took over Brisay, a company specialising in ironing presses, and then, in 2001, Veit acquired the fusing technology division from Kannegiesser. Whereas the brand name Brisay continues to be within the VEIT Group, fusing machines are being sold solely under the VEIT label since the beginning of 2016, 15 years after the successful takeover.
Christopher Veit joined the company’s top management in 2015 and now represents the third generation. The new Managing Director has been leading the Chinese subsidiary VEIT Zhejiang since 2011. At VEIT Group, he is now in charge of Human Resources, Design and Development, Quality Assurance and Manufacturing. Both he and his father Günter Veit are aware of future challenges. Expanding their business facilities in Germany is one of the goals both Directors share.
“We are delighted to be able to celebrate our company’s 60th anniversary this year and are thankful for the past. At the same time, we are looking ahead to the future with a spirit of confidence and motivation. We are particularly grateful to our employees, customers and VEIT supporters, who have joined us on our journey and keep doing so!”, emphasize Christopher and Günter Veit. “We are convinced that we will continue our successful path by working together to enhance our existing strengths and to put our customers‘ benefits into the focus of our operations.”
For almost 60 years, the VEIT Group products for finishing garments and fabrics have been the epitome of outstanding quality and highest productivity. This is why garment manufacturers as well as garment refinishers, logistics companies and customers from the automotive industry in more than 100 countries rely on the VEIT technology. With numerous subsidiaries and an excellent distributor network around the world, the VEIT Group continues to grow globally.