In the first quarter of 2021, MEHLER started its investment project for manufacturing the production chain for stretch fabrics completely in-house. 

Stretch fabrics are tailor-made woven fabrics with high elongation in weft direction (optional: also in warp direction), which are mainly used in timing belts, but also in other applications like industrial hoses.

The required texturizing, assembling and twisting machines were purchased for the MEHLER fabric plant in Vila Nova de Famalicão / Portugal.

The first production line for producing the texturized threads was installed in late summer. Fabric samples were produced and delivered to the customers. The approval process is running and first customer tests and validations are successful.

With this investment, MEHLER covers the entire production process of stretch fabrics in-house:
- texturizing
- assembling
- twisting
- weaving
- tumbling
- treating
- testing

The vertical integration strengthens MEHLER's independence and provides complete transparency and flexibility in production.

MEHLER's customers profit from additional flexibility in terms of technical customization and even faster response times in development and service.