Langenthal, Switzerland – Creation Baumann, the 114-year-old family-owned and operated textile giant, has announced continued family leadership of its upscale weaving and dyeworks mill. The change of guard from third generation to fourth generation at Creation Baumann occurs on 1 January 2000 with Philippe Baumann's ascent to the position of CEO.

Baumann, who has been active in the firm since 1996, said he will embrace an aggressive agenda. Increasing turn-over in Western, German and Switzerland markets will be at the top of his list of priorities.

He also hopes to increase the company's export activities. With 75 percent of gross sales presently attributed to exports, Creation Baumann plans to concentrate on its existing export markets. Meanwhile, the company hopes to accelerate its export efforts in the U.S.A. and Japan. The company expects that its newly assembled U.S. sales team will play a prominent role accomplishing this.

The contract market, which contributes roughly 30 to 40 percent to Creation Baumann sales, will continue to play a key role. Made from Trevira CS chenille yarn, Baumann markets the Emir and Kalif ranges to hotel clients among others. The Marian and Florian ranges, featuring burn-out effects and flower motifs target residential consumers.

Two of Baumann's popular products right now are its burnouts and its Sinfonia collection. Sinfonia is a transparent polyester that comes in a large palette of colors.

Another important collection in 1999 for Baumann was Natura. It features light, monochromatic materials as well as materials made from Trevira CS. The seven-member design team headed by Jörg Baumann focused on creating minimalist and simple themes, using fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk and hemp.

The company has allocated $1.3 million to invest in up-grading its logistics and machinery. Baumann said he believes that these investments and strong leadership, the company is prepared to meet the competitive demands of global customers in the future.