Creating value - preserving value RUDOLF 路 More than 90 years as a manufacturer of products for textile finishing and construction chemistry
90 years Creating value - preserving value
„The founder, Reinhold Rudolf, laid the foundations for his textile supply business in 1922. He could never have imagined the size and international significance that the company would one day achieve in the now more than 90 years. But there was something clear from the very beginning: only the highest possible level of customer service and close cooperation in the development of new products would lead to success. Still today, these are the values which shape our company culture and which must be preserved above all. As a fourth generation family company, we always rely on our employees. It is only thanks to their commitment that we have been able to grow our company so successfully. At the same time, they remind us of the huge responsibility that we have to people and to the environment with our products.“
December 2014
Wolfgang Schumann Managing Director
„As the fourth generation, joining the management of a company is no easy task. On the one hand you have to preserve what the previous generations have so carefully built, but at the same time, you equally have to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with enthusiasm, responsibility and an open mind. Often criticised chemistry, and thus also the chemical industry, have become an integral part of our world - that‘s a fact. It is therefore all the more important to take concepts such as sustainability, environmental protection and social responsibility seriously. New paths should be explored with the awareness that not everything that is technically possible is also advisable - and at the same time, the focus must be on the appreciation of people in a new era.“
January 2015 Dr. Wolfgang A. Schumann Managing Director
Products are produced in companies - value is in the mind From „Die Aura des Wertvollen“ [The Aura of the Worthwhile“) - M. Pricken / Innovation Directors
We make textiles into brands
RUDOLF GmbH is based in Geretsried in the south of Munich. It is one of those Bavarian companies whose high-tech products are valued throughout the world. This is by no means a matter of course for a manufacturer which deals exclusively with chemical products. The fact that much that is still part of the learning process for others in the industry is already selfevident for RUDOLF is due to the people who work there. For generations, they have shown that ideas such as sustainability, environmental awareness and responsibility, which are frequently mentioned today, are not just empty phrases but are consistently implemented.
Almost no-one outside of the so-called “textile chain“ realises how much chemistry is required to manufacture a simple T-shirt from natural cotton thread, and how much more is needed for the development of multi-functional outdoor clothing. As a result, the clients‘ desire for textiles which are durable, functional and comfortable to wear can be fulfilled as a matter of course. Textile manufacturers, finishers and retailers around the world value our in-depth expertise and the passion for innovation of the RUDOLF GROUP.
7
A very warm welcome to RUDOLF GmbH! The textile-chemical technology company welcomes your visit.
The chemistry is right - worldwide
Building expertise is not something that happens overnight. Knowledge has to be acquired, increased and, above all, passed on over years. RUDOLF has practised this philosophy for more than 90 years.
Our colleagues, who by now work in more than 50 locations worldwide, are proof of this. Even the smallest details are developed together by an international exchange of experience in the „RUDOLF Eco System“ in order to be able to combine and reflect the requirements of a wide variety of cultures. This enables us to convey our strict rules and regulations as part of a personally created value chain, even in regions in which people take liberties with environmental protection and sustainability.
Similarly, we also react to people‘s particular needs on site in that we ensure that our measures are also implemented in these production facilities and laboratories, faithful to the motto: „Think global, act local!“.
9
More than 300 employees at the headquarters in Geretsried are spread out over, among others, service, application and R&D laboratories, 3 production halls, 2 high-bay warehouses and 2 administrative buildings.
A living organism
Good employees support a company. This is not only the case at RUDOLF. But where else is it the case that the majority of employees only leave the company due to retirement? What other company can claim that terms of employment of 45 years and more are not exceptional cases?
Many employees are the second, third or even fourth generation of their family to be employed by RUDOLF, regardless of which department they are employed in. For a medium-sized company, it is quite extraordinary that parents who are themselves the second generation to be employed by the company see a future for their children here and encourage them to start an apprenticeship with us.
We very much appreciate that. That‘s why there is an apprenticeship employment guarantee at RUDOLF which ensures, under predefined conditions, that every apprentice can continue to work in the job they have already learnt after their apprenticeship period. In addition, we offer the possibility of a special promotion at all times. This stretches from internal training through to external studies such as process technology or textiles engineering, for example.
11
Chemistry for every weather - Greenpeace examined outdoor clothing for perfluorinated pollutants and pointed out the BIONIC-FINISH速ECO from RUDOLF, among others, as a clean alternative.
We know what is behind it
As a matter of course, we, and in particular our clients, expect outstanding performance from our colleagues. Getting actively involved, having ideas and trying out new things is both an option and an obligation at RUDOLF.
There is plenty of room for ideas and innovation in the fields of pre-treatment, dyeing, finishing, coating, digital printing and after care. Most recently added, but no less important for it, is the construction chemistry department.
If you take a close look, RUDOLF is a vital network of people who understand technology, craftsmen, creative, inquisitive and enthusiastic people. They are the driving force behind the many sought after product brands which represent RUDOLF on the markets worldwide.
Constant further training as well as research and development have made products like BIONICFINISH速ECO, commended by Greenpeace, possible: products that require a high degree of understanding of the interconnections in the entire manufacturing process and the machines used.
13
A wide variety of different samples are analysed in our quality laboratory per production shift.
RUDOLF stands up to testing
Chemical products, particularly those which are used in the food industry or, as in our case, are often worn directly next to the skin, have to withstand constant testing.
As a result, more than 200 employees thoroughly test all of our products and their applications in the RUDOLF GROUP laboratories worldwide. In addition, we have the possibility of testing a wide range of production mechanisms under laboratory conditions in order to examine every conceivable process and be able to adjust them under laboratory conditions.
It is only with this knowledge, gained through great effort, that we also have the chance to give our customers - who are often only active in part of the textile chain - meaningful information about the manufacturing process. Thanks to this knowledge, we together can make the end product more successful - before or after RUDOLF products are used.
This service is so important to us that a dedicated, highly qualified analysis team can be reached almost 24 hours a day. We usually analyse and document enquiries and offer possible solutions within just a few days.
15
The product range from RUDOLF covers more than 700 chemical substances in liquid and solid form for the textiles market.
We understand the technology
We are also continually tested and certified by a wide range of institutions. In 1997, RUDOLF was one of the first companies to gain ISO 9001/14001 certification, which we have held since. We publish an annual environmental report on our website.
For many years, RUDOLF has been a responsible member of the chemicals industry with the voluntary Responsible Care Initiative, which stands for responsible action regarding the environment, health and safety.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is an independent testing and certification system for our clients‘ raw materials, semi-finished products and end products. This certification is possible with RUDOLF products. RUDOLF supports the aims of the RØADMAP - TO ZERO DISCHARGE OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS campaign for avoiding hazardous chemicals with a positive list of suitable products. GOTS and bluesign® have also certified a multitude of RUDOLF products which comply with their respective standards . Of course, all RUDOLF products are also GHS (Globally Harmonised System) and REACH compliant. Furthermore, RUDOLF is also qualified as an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO).
17
More than 5,000 laboratory orders are comprehensively and promptly processed annually in our service and application technology laboratories for our clients.
Researching intensively with curiosity
It is hard to imagine the wide range of requirements that modern textiles must satisfy today. Whether babies‘ underwear, lingerie, „washed-out“ jeans, the finest Haute Couture fabrics or surgical drapes, work or protective clothing for the fire brigade, refuse collectors, the ambulance service or workshops - it is a broad spectrum.
The development of special, precisely tailored finishing products is only possible in close cooperation with the designers, textile finishers and fitters. The consumer tells us what they want, and we research the appropriate solution - that could be soft feel, anti-crease and stain protection or hybrid effects.
Constant development and being tuned in to the market are the driving forces. A proficient team of researchers and developers who enthusiastically search for new solutions every day are a prerequisite for this.
19
A product volume of more than 4,300 tons is stored in Geretsried: 1,500 tons of raw materials and 2,200 tons of finished products in the high-bay warehouses as well as 600 tons in outdoor storage and tank storage.
We deliver everywhere
For decades, our products have been used around the world. As a result, we take account of moving production and are present in all of the major textile markets.
Consumer pressure on fashion labels to produce items which are ecological and not harmful to health has increased drastically in recent years. This is a pressure which these labels must pass on directly to their manufacturers - along with the demand that all of their materials must only be obtained from companies which can deliver appropriate harmless raw materials.
RUDOLF is one of the few manufacturers on the market whose products are below, sometimes even significantly, the required and increasingly strict threshold values. It is not without reason that Greenpeace explicitly recommended the use of RUDOLF products in its Outdoor Report 2012. This is why, among others, a majority of textile producers have also been turning to our tried and tested products.
21
Worldwide, the RUDOLF GROUP manufactures in 8 countries, owns 20 foreign subsidiaries and 30 agencies and currently has almost 1,000 employees.
Enthusiasm is at home everywhere
Having many sites globally also means having to satisfy many requirements. Conditions are different around the world. As a result, it is more than helpful to be directly on the ground.
Our presence is divided into own production sites as well as distribution and sale points. RUDOLF employees are directly on the ground around the world. Not only are they as native speakers able to communicate, but as proven chemistry/textiles experts then also know exactly what they are talking about and how they are best able to help.
Of course, RUDOLF invariably works according to the standards and laws which apply in Germany at all of its sites, faithful to the motto: “Where it says RUDOLF on the outside it must also be RUDOLF on the inside“!
23
Our brands for your success
From everyday articles of clothing in large quantities through to exclusive high-end items in the automotive industry or technical textiles, we can offer tailormade solutions.
It is important for synergistic RUDOLF technologies to be fully available to all users without any problems. For example: the RUCO-GUARD® protection system (oil, water and dirt-repellent functionalisation), the SILVERPLUS® fresh and hygienic finish (anti-microbial effects of the naturally occurring element, silver), the patented BIONIC-FINISH® technology (combined water, oil and dirt-repellent) following nature‘s example, also fluorine-free as BIONIC-FINISH®ECO (water and dirt-repellent) SILURAN® (quick-drying and cooling effect)
We are already trying to avoid substances and materials which have carcinogenic, teratogenic or environmentally harmful properties when developing our products.
25
By investing in the latest production technologies, active substances with purity grades of more than 99.9Â % can be achieved.
Comprehensive environmental protection
For all our products, we put in the maximum effort to ensure that they are environmentally friendly and will not cause harm to people or animals either during use or when disposed of by our customers. This applies not only to the finished product, but must also be established during development.
For RUDOLF, acting ecologically doesn‘t just mean putting in suitable filters in order to meet predefined thresholds. It is the entire manufacturing process which must be scrutinised and meticulously verified.
Just one example: RUDOLF, uses closed cooling circuits and steam systems. Waste products which are clean but no longer usable are not wastefully disposed of but are rather used for clean energy production in appropriate energy cycles. This saves important resources and contributes to enabling RUDOLF, to make extremely large investments which are required in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable production. It is no wonder, therefore, that RUDOLF, is prominent among all modern and engaged companies - and by no means just in the chemical industry.
27
On average, approx. 120 tons of products are moved every day at RUDOLF in Geretsried 60 tons of which alone is picked for production.
The starting signal for the future
In recent decades, technical progress has seen significant acceleration. We are taking this development into account. In close interdisciplinary cooperation with the best of our company, supplemented by the experience of external specialists, we were able to launch the most modern production plant in our industry this year.
Our new production hall for silicone products, for example, relies on technologies which are combined with each other in completely new ways for the first time here. From a technological point of view, this results in an approach which not only sets standards in environmental protection but is also exemplary in terms of cost-effectiveness.
We are able to achieve active substances with a purity grade of more than 99.9Â % by investing in the latest production technologies. These are values which were not considered to be achievable up to now. At RUDOLF they become the norm within a 24 hours cycle. We can be justifiably proud of this. As a result, production reactors from 50 to 500,000Â kg are available. Sustainable infrastructures such as exhaust air purification, energy management and recycling ensure that future investments in the site are also possible.
29
C
otton Incorporated was founded in 1970 as a response to the need for collective national marketing for the fibrous substance cotton. Due to the decline of the cotton market share to an all-time-low of 34 %, caused by competition from synthetic fibres, marketing activities became necessary to restore the popularity of the cotton fibre. Cotton Incorporated succeeded in its efforts with the successful approach of a combined push/pull marketing strategy with the aim of “pushing“ textile cotton innovations into the market and, simultaneously, creating consumer needs through advertisement and promotion, which causes a “pulling“ effect, with the result that today the cotton share in most product categories has again risen to above 60 %. Apart from successful consumer marketing activities such as the “The Fabric of Our Lives“ campaign in the United States, Cotton Incorporated seeks collaborative industry like the RUDOLF GROUP which, as an innovative system provider, delivers specialty products for textile processing. Cotton Incorporated values the RUDOLF GROUP‘s textile chemical competence, tailor-made solutions for many textile problems and innovative and sustainably produced auxiliary range very highly.
S
tatement from the owner of Sritex (Central Java, Indonesia), which is one of the largest textile companies in South-east Asia, on working with the RUDOLF GROUP: “We have been working with RUDOLF for many years. They, too, are a family-owned company and committed to sustainable business that is based on a strong family culture. They are offering excellent service, ranging from reliable deliveries to excellent after-sales service by means of their state-of-the-art laboratories in Germany. For us RUDOLF is a competent and trustworthy partner to guide us through ever increasing regulatory and compliance questions related to the world of textiles. Their range of products covers the whole spectrum of textile applications, and the creative design of promotional material and activities, such as brochures, posters, labels, etc. as well as attractive textile exhibitions (like Intertex) support us in promoting and marketing one of our major production fields, which is uniforms.“
“We have always enjoyed a close partnership with RUDOLF GmbH. In recent decades, we have started numerous projects
for special finishes and for optimising the required processes together in the fields of pre-treatment, dyeing, finishing and coating and have concluded them very successfully in this partnership. The close links between our teams and RUDOLF‘s technical specialists, both in the laboratory (AWP, SLT, AWE) and for advice in redesigning facilities and processes in the dyeing and pretreatment segments, have even led to the joint commissioning of new facilities in recent years. And in the event that we have production faults - which is very rarely the case - RUDOLF supports us with immediate fault analysis and extremely short notice on-site service. RUDOLF and Bierbaum - we couldn‘t wish for a better collaboration!“
Our clients: Everyone is a V.I.P. PYUA is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation and produces high-quality ski wear, currently with the slogan: FC-
free Winter Collection 2014/15 - made in Europe! In order to better control the value chain, PYUA has, among others, developed its own laminate (functional fabric). “For the fifth time in a row, PYUA has received an ISPO [International Trade Fair for Sports Equipment and Fashion] award for outstanding design and environmental sustainability. As part of our eco design, BIONIC-FINISH®ECO is an integral part of the future!“, says Timo Perschke, Founder and Managing Director of PYUA.
S
ince 1995, H&M have been actively working to reduce the use and impact of hazardous chemicals. The RUDOLF GROUP has made every effort to eliminate these byproducts and has succeeded in developing PFOS and PFOA-free fluorocarbon water repellents with the so-called C6-generation. Despite these efforts, what is decisive for all parts of the textile chain, especially for brand manufacturers, is how public and consumers will in future react to this product optimisation. The entirely fluorocarbon-free BIONIC-FINISH®ECO will open up new perspectives to the clothing sector. With BIONIC-FINISH®ECO H&M have succeeded in developing water-repellent finishes that do NOT release fluoroorganic compounds. H&M purchase their goods from 700 suppliers of the textile industry, who are located in more than 20 countries in Europe, the Mediterranean region and Asia.
“The long-standing collaboration with RUDOLF supports Sympatex Technologies GmbH in practical terms in the implementation
of our „guaranteed green“ positioning. This is demonstrated in particular in the Greenpeace DETOX campaign: since the start of the campaign in 2012, Sympatex has welcomed the Greenpeace‘s efforts to ban PFC and other ecologically harmful materials from the production chain for the outdoor industry as soon as possible. Thanks to the long-standing partnership between RUDOLF and Sympatex, the company is clearly positioned as a pioneer in the use of fluorocarbon-free finishes in the field of outdoor clothing. Sympatex has thus offered the FC-free BIONIC-FINISH®ECO finish as an alternative to C6 or C8 chemicals since 2008. As a result, Sympatex can offer products in the apparel business segment that are 100 % FC-free on the basis of its fluorocarbon-free Sympatex membrane.“ Dr. Martin Mayershofer, Director of R&D
Melissa Stewart, PhD - Senior Manager, Research & Innovation at Jockey International, Inc.: “The RUDOLF team is always responsive and supportive for both development and production to ensure we get the consistency, quality and performance needed for Jockey. RUDOLF is a true partner in developing unique and quality innovative solutions for our products (quick response time, on-site mill technical support, similar values in innovation, service and quality). RUDOLF is a reliable and trusted partner providing support and service from concept to consumer. The entire team is a pleasure to work and collaborate with.“
31
1922
Chemical engineer Reinhold Rudolf, who had relevant experience in the production of chemical-technical products and, in particular, of textile auxiliary agents, founds the RUDOLF & Co. chemical factory in Warnsdorf in Northern Bohemia (image 1).
1924
Eng. Ernst Schumann (1884-1965, image 2), businessman and representative of Farbwerke Höchst in Reichenberg from 1908, takes over the company.
1926
A branch is founded in Zittau in Saxony, near the German-Czech border.
1942
Wolfgang Schumann, who had been discharged from the army with a serious war wound, becomes a partner.
1945
RUDOLF & Co. in Warnsdorf is placed under national management by the Czech state and confiscated. The branch in Zittau is later also turned into a „Publically Owned Operation“ (Volkseigener Betrieb). Ernst and Wolfgang Schumann tour West Germany under primitive travel conditions in order to investigate the options for establishing a production company. On 13 December 1945, RUDOLF & Co. receives a „work permit for the production of textile auxiliary agents“ in Geretsried from the State Authority for Chemistry in Munich.
1946
RUDOLF & Co. are assigned buildings 93 and 94 of a former ordnance factory for producing textile auxiliary agents.
1947
The production of textile auxiliary agents and chemical-technical products (hand cleaners, for example) begins in spring. The first Pfaudler chemical reactor (image 3) is put into operation.
1948
The „Voralpenwerke“ industrial association is founded by 17 Geretsried-based companies, including RUDOLF & Co.
1950
The first structural extension: construction of a shipping warehouse
1951
RUCONETZER S (image 4-5), a universal wetting agent for textile finishing processes, which is initially unrivalled in the textile auxiliary agents market, is brought to market.
1952
The first office building is constructed
1
2
3
4
5
RUDOLF - a story of success 1956-1959
A boiler house is refurbished, completion of construction and furnishing of a production hall for fitting (hall B)
1968
Construction of a production hall for chemical conversion (hall A)
1970
Dipl. Economist Wolfgang Schumann joins the company.
1971
Administration department is expanded by enlarging hall 94
1984
The first overseas production operation is founded: RUDOLF South Africa (image 6)
1990
A high-bay warehouse with the latest storage technology for raw materials and finished goods is put into operation
1992-2007
More production operations are founded abroad: 1992 Hong Kong, 1995 Indonesia, 1997 Brazil, 1998 Turkey and USA, 2005 Pakistan, 2007 India
1997
First joint certification of development and production in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001 and 14001
2003
The Bavarian State Ministry gives RUDOLF the Bavarian Quality Award (image 7).
2005
Voluntary commitment to participation in the Bavarian Environmental Pact
2007
Expansion and modernisation of production and the laboratories in Geretsried
2009
Dr. Wolfgang Anton Schumann joins the company.
2010-2011
RUDOLF SIZING in Brazil (image 8) and RUDOLF POLYMERS in Indonesia are founded
2013
An administration building is refurbished with the latest IT and communication technology, the third production hall is built (image 9)
Present day
The RUDOLF GROUP manufactures in 8 countries (image 10), owns 20 foreign subsidiaries and 30 agencies worldwide and currently has more than 1,000 employees around the world.
6
7
8
9
10
33
Corporate information © copyright 2015 by RUDOLF GmbH Photos: Philip Kistner/Photographer everything except pages 1-7, 30-33, 36 Okea/Fotolia Pages 30-31 Les Cunliffe/Fotolia Pages 1, 36 Udo Klünsch, Pages 7, 30 Udo Klünsch/Klünsch PR Text: Design: RUDOLF GmbH This work is copyright protected. Any use without permission from RUDOLF GmbH is illegal and subject to prosecution. In particular, this applies for reproductions, translations and storage on electronic systems. RUDOLF GmbH Altvaterstraße 58-64 82538 Geretsried/GERMANY Phone: +49 81 71/53-0 +49 81 71/53-191 Fax: Head- quarters:
Geretsried Register court: Munich Local Court HRB 173364, Id. No.: DE 131 706 128
Managing Wolfgang Schumann Director: Dr. Wolfgang Anton Schumann
35
RUDOLF GmbH AltvaterstraĂ&#x;e 58-64 82538 Geretsried GERMANY Tel: Fax: E-mail: Web:
+49 81 71/53-0 +49 81 71/53-191 info@rudolf.de www.rudolf-group.com