Carpets & Rugs to become fixture at Heimtextil

The Carpets & Rugs format will once again be a permanent fixture at Heimtextil Frankfurt after celebrating a successful comeback in January 2024. Even now - six months before the trade fair - more than twice as many companies have registered for 2025. An additional hall level will then be available for the segment.

Calcutta-Annabel (Jack and the Fish) files for insolvency

Calcutta-Ananbel, the oldest weaving mill in Belgium, has filed for insolvency, according to press reports. Calcutta was known for its textile wall coverings and window blinds. The group also included velvet weaver Annabel and Jack and the Fish (washable carpets).

Object Carpet and Engelke part company

Object Carpet and Managing Director Lars Engelke (49) have mutually agreed to end their collaboration after 16 years. "The decision was made with respect and gratitude for Engelke's achievements and his many years of commitment to Object Carpet," says a company press release.

Deutsche Messe AG: 2024 financial figures on target

After a record year in 2023, with sales of 354 million euros and earnings of 46 million euros, the group’s financial figures are also back on track for the current year. "Our trade fairs in Germany and abroad are extremely popular with exhibiting companies and visitors alike," says Dr Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG. "This will enable us to invest even more in our new business, digitalization and sustainability initiatives in the coming months and years."

Belgium: XXXLutz Group enters into partnership with Gaverzicht Group

The XXXLutz Group announces that it has entered into a partnership with the Gaverzicht Group. The Gaverzicht Group owns two furniture stores in Belgium. The group also owns a logistics warehouse in Deerlijk. The Bekaert family, which founded the company and has run it for the past 75 years, will remain solely responsible for the management of these two branches. The brand name and appearance will be retained and will be managed locally by a separate management team.

Otto Group: Positive result despite the crisis

Despite a challenging market environment, the Otto Group was able to significantly improve its operating result in the financial year 2023/24. According to a recent press release, EBITDA increased by EUR 155m to EUR 744m compared to the previous year, confirming that the focus on profitability and liquidity is the right approach.

IMM Cologne: Innovative fair concept

IMM Cologne, the international trade fair for interior design, will take place in Cologne from 12 to 16 January 2025. The fair offers a wide range of formats for exhibitors, from innovative start-ups to traditional medium-sized companies. Companies from 35 countries, mainly from Germany and Denmark, have already registered to present their latest ideas under the theme 'Connecting Communities'. With Connecting Communities, we developed a theme last year that is perfectly in tune with the times,' says Bernd Sanden, Director of IMM Cologne.

Record attendance at Domotex Asia

The organisers of Domotex Asia/Chinafloor have once again reported a record number of visitors to the show, which took place at the end of May. With 83,850 visitors, the previous record from last year (83,594) was slightly surpassed. Nearly 18,000 of them came from outside China, another record. In 2025, the flooring industry's showcase for the Asian market will return to the NECC Shanghai from 26 to 28 May.

Multhaupt leaves Hamelner Teppichwerke (formerly Vorwerk)

Due to differences of opinion regarding the further strategic development of the company, Martin Multhaupt, shareholder and Managing Director of Teppichwerke Holding GmbH and Hamelner Teppichwerke GmbH & Co. KG (formerly Vorwerk & Co. Teppichwerke GmbH & Co. KG), is leaving the management of both companies by mutual agreement after 6 years of cooperation. Tobias Arnold will take over his duties as sole managing director.

Flanders Flooring Days attracts almost 3,500 visitors

The organisers welcomed almost 3,500 visitors to the third edition of the Belgian trade fair Flanders Flooring Days from 13 to 16 May. In addition to the Belgian and Dutch flooring manufacturers who have exhibited in the past, producers from other European countries also presented themselves at exhibition centre in Kortrijk. In 2022 and 2023 (1,600 visitors last time), the Belgian carpet and flooring manufacturers organised the large in-house exhibition in their own showrooms, all located within a radius of less than 50 km. Founding members Associated Weavers Europe, Balta, Beaulieu International Group, Belysse, Lano, Unilin Flooring and US Floors/Coretec still play a central role in the show. Rug manufacturers Ragolle and Osta have also been inviting visitors to their showrooms since 2023, with Verbatex joining them this year.