The Company
On the road to success for 70 years
Back in 1953, as Werner Zimmermann founded an enterprise that manufactured yarns for swimwear, sock tops and underwear cuffs, he already had ambitious goals. Continued development and progress have always been important elements of his corporate strategy which is still a success. It did not take long to see the progress: The building in Simmerberg was constructed in 1961 and expanded in 1968. A new production hall was built in 1980.
To stay well-prepared for the future, the partnership with the Geiger group of companies was sealed in 1991. As a result of this strategically valuable union, in 1997 Zimmermann took the opportunity to expand its capacities.
In 2006 the Zimmermann brand Novonic® was awarded the Bavarian Innovation Prize. Novonic transforms excellent basic yarns into extraordinarily high-performance Novonic® yarns. These can be used in various applications, e.g., in medical products for the sensory monitoring of cardiovascular functions, in technical yarns for the transfer of data or heat, for protective equipment which is resistant to cutting or fire, as well as for home and clothing textiles, which, for example, shield against electromagnetic radiation.
To further boost its market presence and to expand its production, in 2008 Zimmermann acquired an additional production site in Aichach.
Ten years later, in 2018, Zimmermann expanded its production activities also to other countries. Having acquired DynaYarn in North Carolina, USA, the company built up an additional site overseas and thus firmly established its successful position also in the international textile market.
For decades, Zimmermann has been true to its quality standard without compromise – a recipe for success that has proven its worth. So, in 2023 the company celebrated its 70th anniversary and proudly looks back at many things already achieved – while eagerly anticipating further accomplishments.
1953
Founding of the company by Werner Zimmermann
Originally from Wuppertal, love lured Werner Zimmermann to the Allgäu. In Simmerberg, he founded a covering plant for the production of elastic yarns for swimsuits, sock edges and underwear cuffs.
Right from the start, he placed the highest value on quality. Customers were quick to recognize the benefits of a trouble-free knitting machine.
1961
Construction of the company building
Construction of the first company building in Simmerberg at the current location.
1968
Extension of the building
After just a few years, the first extension in Simmerberg became necessary due to the company’s growth.
1980
Extension of the building by a new hall
New hall built to expand capacity. Due to the market success, it was necessary to build again.
1991
Zimmermann becomes part of the Geiger Group
Werner Zimmermann is looking for a successor. Instead of searching within the textile industry, which was already strongly oriented towards low-wage countries at the time, he looked for a partner with strong ties to the Allgäu region. He found what he was looking for in the Geiger Group, which wanted to reduce its dependence on the construction industry.
1997
Investment in new hall construction and new machines
Construction of a new hall and investment in new machines to expand capacity.
2006
Bavarian Innovation Award
Zimmermann receives the Bavarian Innovation Award for car seat heating systems using electrically conductive wrapping yarns under the Novonic brand.
2006
Partnership established with Adatex S.A., Sao Paulo, Brazil
Zimmermann starts a partnership with Adatex S.A. in Brazil to supply the medical compression market.
2008
Foundation of Zimmermann Garne GmbH with the production facility in Aichach
Aichach becomes the second production site in Germany.
2018
Foundation of Zimmermann-Dynayarn USA, LLC.
Establishment of a production facility in Graham, North Carolina through the acquisition of Dynayarn.
2023
70th anniversary of Zimmermann
70 years of experience as a quality and innovation leader in the market for covering yarns.
2023
New office building
First construction phase: Construction of the new administration building, demolition of the old administration building and the oldest hall.
2023
Bobbin transfer
After more than 45 years at Zimmermann, including over 35 years as Managing Director, Hans-Peter Mauch hands over the management of the Zimmermann Group to Michael Schmidt.
2025
New hall construction
Second construction phase: After demolition of the old administration building and the oldest hall, this is replaced by a new building. It accommodates shipping, packaging and the laboratory.