In the course of the increasingly emerging discussion about the production of sustainable performances, productions and events in the culture and entertainment sector, Gerriets wants to break new ground. We see it as a self-commitment to return recyclable materials that we supply to the cultural and entertainment sector to the product cycle as effectively as possible and free of charge for the customer. In this way, we would like to contribute step by step to the implementation of sustainable productions in our industry.
In addition, our trained REcycled TEXThe GERRIETS product range began with the production of molleton and velour fabrics. RETEXwhere sustainable production conditions play an essential role.

Find out more about Gerriets' sustainability concept here.

In 2016, we look back on the 70-year history of our family business. Since the company was founded in 1946, Gerriets has developed into a specialist for stage equipment and event projects that is in demand worldwide. Three generations have shaped the Gerriets family business to this day. Each generation has developed its own business focus and contributed to the growth and success of the company with great commitment.

Founder Hans Gerriets was the textile manufacturer in the post-war period, son Walter Gerriets was the specialised stage designer who drove internationalisation, grandson Hannes Gerriets is the family technician who steers the stage craft in the digital age.

Once again, Gerriets is bursting at the seams. The production facility in Volgelsheim / France has reached its capacity limit. In 2015, we started planning an extension. To bring production techniques up to date, we are building an additional hall with a floor area of 2,000 m² and a tower with a total height of 14 metres to be able to process curtains and projection screens under stage conditions.

The number of employees at the Volgelsheim production facility has increased from the original 20 to 90. The large volume of orders can only be handled in a zigzag course in the limited space. The new hall is a prerequisite for streamlining the production processes and being able to produce effectively again. The planned tower with a scaffolding and rail construction for the perfect suspension of projection screens, curtains and special fabrics facilitates the finishing work in production.

Mega-events are shaping the 21st century. The demand for large-scale projects is increasing worldwide. Gerriets GmbH has been involved from the very beginning. 'MEGA' has always been at the top of their agenda - MEGASCREENS, Mega Curtains and Mega Track Systems.

Specialisation in large-scale projects also requires more elaborate project planning - and increased space requirements for the project department. After the conversion of the parent company, the project department moves from Volgelsheim / France to Umkirch / Germany and drives the mega-business forward.

Lack of space is our constant companion in the decades-old company history. The solution in 2007 is the construction of a new logistics centre and high-bay warehouse in Umkirch. State-of-the-art logistics software and over 3,500 sqm of floor space provide a remedy and effective work processes.

The two join the management team. They take the helm for their special fields. Hannes Gerriets, the technology enthusiast, takes over the areas of technology, research and development. His brother-in-law, Bernd Baumeister, who holds a degree in economics, is responsible for the areas of finance, controlling, human resources and administration at Gerriets GmbH.

Under the management of Hannes Gerriets and Bernd Baumeister, the company continues to grow rapidly and becomes a global player in the market for theatre and event management. A tradition from the founding years is successfully continued. Managing directors, project managers and staff from all areas have their ear to the market and are open to customer requests of all kinds. Internal processes are defined accordingly: specialisation in large-scale projects, development and expansion of the technical area.

Other subsidiaries and distribution partnerships are established worldwide with branches in the UK, Austria, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Korea, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, Netherlands, and the USA.

After two years of construction, Gerriets moves into the new production facility in Volgelsheim just over the French border. The total production area for the sewing studio, the film welding shop and the metal workshops covers 7,500 m².

The factory in Volgelsheim starts with a total of 20 employees in three departments: Sewing shop, welding shop and project department. At the same time, the subsidiary SARL for the French market starts its work.

The demand for extra-wide fabrics is constantly increasing. The production of curtains can also be made more effective by using fabrics in extra widths. In 1985, Gerriets decides to purchase its own looms and continues to develop them to a width of 12.45 metres.

Gerriets goes global – 1980, the first foreign subsidiary was founded: ‘Gerriets International’ in Allentown, NJ USA.

The fast-growing business of Gerriets is bursting the capacities of the Freiburg head office. There are no alternative premises of an appropriate size in Freiburg. Gerriets GmbH's new head office is built in Umkirch near Freiburg and the company moves into it in 1970.

The screen age begins in the mid-sixties. Gerriets first develops the REVUE screen. The demand increases rapidly. A screen welding machine is then invented and built especially for Gerriets. An enquiry for screen material comes from Paris from the famous Paris Opera. Their demand leads to the further development of the REVUE screen. The OPERA® screen, which is still well-known and popular today, is created.

After the death of Hans Gerriets, his wife Johanna and his son Walter become shareholders at the Gerriets GmbH.

Orders for stage textiles are continuously growing. At the same time, the demand for manufactured curtains is increasing. Heads of decoration focus more and more on holistic curtain solutions - from the project measurement to the assembled stage curtain.

For Gerriets, it is the starting signal for a further specialisation - the production of theatre equipment. We are now looking for our own cutters, seamstresses and fitters.

Until the end of the 1950s, the product portfolio consisted almost exclusively of flame-retardant stage textiles. Plastic films were only used for decorative purposes.

In the mid-fifties, culture and theatre again find their way into the budgets of cities and municipalities. The demand for flame-retardant textiles is particularly high.

Walter Gerriets, the son of the company's founder Hans, travels through the Baden region to present the Gerriets product portfolio to technical directors and equipment managers. He always carries a folding rule under his arm so that he can lend a hand right away - and a textile collection. It presents the decision-makers with a clear and tangible overview of the most common materials for stage equipment.

The time of reconstruction is in full swing. Hans Gerriets fights on two fronts - as site manager he is responsible for the reconstruction of the Freiburg theatre. At the same time, he pushes ahead with his textile business.

In the post-war period, the demand for textiles of all kinds is particularly high. Hans Gerriets, as an experienced textile manufacturer, has a feel for this. As early as April 1946, Hans Gerriets establishes his textile wholesale business.

In 1946, ruins characterise the cityscape of Freiburg. The most basic necessities of life are lacking everywhere. The demand for textiles is particularly high at the time. Clinics report a great need, clothing for the upcoming winter and home textiles are lacking everywhere.

Hans Gerriets seized the opportunity to become self-employed again as an entrepreneur in the textile industry. He acquired his knowledge and experience in his younger years in Riga as the manager of a weaving mill.