Mr Dierk Mohr takes over from Dr Peter Hartwig as Managing Director of the nonwovens company. Mr Mohr was previously Managing Director of the Eckerle-Gruppe, a supplier to the automobile industry. He commenced working for the company on 15 February 2013.

Dr Hartwig is retiring, but will remain as a member of the advisory board.

During his 20 years as Managing Director, Dr Hartwig has developed Ziegler from a small local nonwovens manufacturer that focused on the furniture industry into a global supplier with factories in Achern and Lambrecht (Germany) and in Bábolna (Hungary). The product portfolio includes nonwovens from synthetic and natural fibres with optional finishing to customer requirements.

In 2012, the company achieved its highest ever turnover of more than 39 million €. Key markets today are the automotive industry and its suppliers as well as the furniture and plastics processing industries. A new field of activity focuses on materials for insulating applications.

At the handover, the new Managing Director Dierk Mohr emphasised the company's excellent positioning for the future. Above average investments in the development of new products and intensification of marketing activities will lead to further sales growth. The motivated workforce, some with many years of experience, are the foundation for the company's success.

In the medium term, Ziegler will need to consider additional production sites because automotive customers require manufacturing in sales markets around the globe. Initial considerations are already being given to customising and finishing facilities in China.