Profile of Südwolle Group: a Global Leader in Pure Wool Yarns and Wool Blend Yarns

Südwolle Group is the world’s largest spinner of pure wool yarns and wool blend yarns. The company caters to several markets, including apparel, automotive, home textiles, hosiery and sportswear. It has operations on five continents, and it trades in more than 100 countries worldwide. Südwolle Group’s roots date back to 1966 when the company was founded as a supplier and distributor of wool yarns to local mills in Upper Franconia, Germany. But, following much expansion between 1994 and 2016, the company has grown to comprise four global flagship brands, namely: Biella Yarn; Richter by Südwolle; Südwolle; and Yarn in Motion. Total sales generated by these brands account for 90% of the company’s annual revenues while the remaining 10% is generated by three niche brands, namely: HF by Südwolle; GTI Filati; and Stӧhr by Südwolle.

Revenues generated by the company fell in its 2020 financial year--reflecting the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its production volume--after they had fallen in 2019 for the first time in several years. Despite this downward trend, the company remains upbeat about its prospects for the future. It plans to take advantage of the restart of physical trade shows and industry events which have been cancelled in recent years, and it will explore opportunities for the development of antiviral and antibacterial performance yarns in response to soaring demand for these yarns since the outbreak of COVID-19.