Vorarlberg firms start producing fabric for German camouflage uniforms

Getzner Textil, based in Bludenz, and Textildruck Imst have begun producing specialist fabric for camouflage uniforms used by Germany’s armed forces, ORF reported. The companies have formed a strategic partnership to make durable material for the uniforms’ six-colour camouflage print.

The fabric is designed for modern uniforms that can mislead infrared search cameras by distorting a soldier’s silhouette, the report said. Getzner makes and pre-treats the material before it is sent to Textildruck Imst for printing. It then returns to Bludenz for coating. Getzner holds the overall contract and uses Textildruck Imst as a subcontractor.

The companies spent more than 500,000 euros preparing equipment and developing the process. Germany’s armed forces certified Textildruck Imst’s printing operation in September. Certification applies to the printer, not the fabric manufacturer, the companies said.

Production began a few weeks ago. Getzner already supplies protective and tactical textiles, including 100,000 linear metres of fabric for ballistic vests in Germany, as well as material for parachutes and NATO sleeping bags. The group has also added a dyeing plant in Rankweil through its subsidiary Getzner Finishing.

The companies said the partnership gives them a fully European supply chain and allows them to respond to growing demand for military equipment. Military attachés from about 20 countries recently visited Textildruck Imst’s production facility. The firms hope to win orders from other countries.