Weissdorf, Germany—Mueller Zell made two  acquisitions in 2012 to round out its contract product line.

Last January, Mueller Zell took over the 160 year old Swiss company Weissbrod-Zuerrer and shifted all of the looms to its mill in Weissdorf, Germany according to Andreas Heydasch, general manager of Mueller Zell. At MoOD, Mueller Zell presented its first collection based on the Weisbrod brand. In doing so the company acquired the knowhow for transparent and semi transparent window coverings. At MoOD, Mueller Zell only offered 100% Trevira ®CS products. This included a range of high end designs in jacquard fabric, for hospitality and health care.

“The market is ready for this type of design,” according to Heydasch. "Everything is changing nowadays. In the Near East, for example, the decoration of a hospital is almost as luxurious as a luxury hotel. For this reason we are bringing a high end collection in ultramodern design with large repeats and the right specifications for that market. Also, everything changes quickly and there is a growing emphasis on luxury and comfort."

“At the same time we took over the production of Stoeckel & Grimmler in Muenchberg, Germany,” he added. Stoeckel & Grimmler is the distributor of the brands Esprit and Joop. 

“At Mueller Zell we will further concentrate on production of fabrics for contract-use. After the acquisitions we are now able to offer fabrics in  widths up to 320cm. In total we are working on 170 looms now,” he added. Heydasch also emphasized that Mueller Zell provides exclusivity to its distributors and editors; but they are also open to start-ups. "The market has interesting dynamics for us,” Heydasch continued. After many years of simply improving existing products and renewal through design, we are currently seeing a real change. I can see a role for creative start-ups that use new products, new concepts and new ways of selling. There is plenty of talent and motivation. It's all about finding the hidden champions!" 

Mueller Zell is owned by The Vescom Group in The Netherlands. This group includes Raxon Fabrics in the USA and a wall covering division. Vescom is owned by Phillipe Van Esch.