From ‘Barmer Bogen’ trimmings to air bag fastenings

Brimming with ideas since 1909

JUMBO’s roots lie in Barmen, a town in the Wupper Valley, which was once the centre of the German textile industry. On 3rd October 1909, Alfred Schnakenberg laid the foundation stone of the company. Amongst its first products were the so-called ‘Barmer Bogen’: decorative trimmings which were produced on belt-driven looms by master weavers.

JUMBO was recognised early on as a high-quality supplier. And progress is equally a tradition with us.
As early as the 1920s, Alfred Schnakenberg put down a marker for the further development of the product range with the introduction of plaiting machines for producing elastic goods.In order to differentiate itself from its numerous competitors, the company developed into a ‘specialist factory for the production of elastic cords and edging’. Later on, elastic tape was also manufactured on the tape looms.
 
After Alfred’s Schnakenberg’s sudden death in 1946, his son-in-law, Alfred Rehage, took over the running of the firm, expanding the distribution network and introducing improved operating procedures. In 1954, the factory and office buildings which house JUMBO’s head office today were built in Wuppertal-Nächstebreck. Following the death of Alfred Rehage in 1970, first his wife Margret and later his son Christoph Rehage took over the management of the firm. As there appeared to be no prospect of a successor from within the Rehage family, the firm was transferred to new partners on 1st January 2004. Building on the achieve-
ments of the past, they have since then been taking JUMBO forward into the future.

Signs for the future

Since January 2004, Andreas Kielholz has held overall responsibility for JUMBO as managing shareholder. The focus on technically demanding solutions which started in the ‘90s has been carried forward resolutely through investment in technical machinery and processes, but also by strengthening the workforce. The management system has been further developed. Textile engineers and machine engineers work in a ded-
icated department for design and development of innovative solutions, often in collaboration with univer-
sities. The technical sales and distribution team forges links with our customers. Our employees think of themselves as partners in development. This has resulted in on-going improvements: in technical terms, even more durable narrow textiles and textile components, new ranges of products such as textile nets
and netting systems – and satisfied customers.

JUMBO is a dynamic, expanding company that is taking on an increasingly international profile. Procurement has gone global. From its strategic location in Wuppertal, the company is also beginning to exploit manufacturing opportunities in Eastern Europe. In order to drive forward its business with inter-
national clients, JUMBO has a presence at national and international trade fairs – both as an exhibitor and as a visitor.