1951 – New beginnings
After losing three weaving mills in Oberlausitz and spending three years as a prisoner of war, Alfred Apelt and his wife Gerda embark on a new beginning in 1951. With a few handlooms and a railway wagon full of yarn, they move to Oberkirch. In addition to producing headscarves, bedspreads and cushions, there is soon a table linen collection called Barbara.
1960 – First collection of interior fabrics
A crucial change is made to the production programme to fall in line with the market and the sophisticated requirements of the customers. Ceasing production of bedspreads and cushion covers the first decorative and transparent fabric collection alongside with table linens gets created.
1972 – Climax of the expansion phase
By now, the company is employing almost 400 people. A new production technique has conquered the market and the first crochet machine is installed. There is a fresh focus for the entire curtain industry. Transparent crochet-look curtains become highly fashionable.
During this phase Alfred Apelt passes away at the age of 70.
1982 – New opportunities
Ottmar Ihling joins the family business and with Klaus Apelt they jointly run and manage the company. Donata Apelt-Ihling adds impact to the design department with fashionable influences.
New opportunities to become a global textile supplier are created through restructuring the production process and creating new distribution channels.
1999 – Expanding markets
By acquiring a new factory, Apelt-Polska is founded. This systematic expansion into a high-tech company allows new product areas to develop. Automotive interior textile systems, furnishings and the manufacture of bed linen broaden the traditional portfolio.
2005 – Brand relaunch
Decorate your life. Apelt’s new brand concept establishes the company as a textile specialist throughout the world.
2009 – High tech
With its highly technical weaving mill in Oberkirch and its 150 employees throughout Europe, Apelt is one of the most fully-integrated, modern textile companies in Germany. Thanks to new opportunities in technology, it produces great variety in high-quality design
since 2009 – The third generation
The tradition of the family-run business goes from strength to strength. Donata Apelt-Ihling and Ottmar Ihling continue to develop collections with their childern Karoline and Sebastian Ihling for a worldwide market.
