Our producers
Manufacturer
The real artists behind ROTAUF
We shed light on the invisible world of the artists behind the textile craft.
ROTAUF takes transparency and sustainability to a new level: So you can understand exactly where your ROTAUF garment comes from, who is behind our products, and how they are manufactured, we present our carefully selected partners here. From the fiber to the finished garment, ROTAUF supports local production and environmentally friendly practices.
Dresdensia SA
Dresdensia AG is a Swiss company based in the canton of Ticino and has been producing high-quality clothing and textile accessories since 1990. Dresdensia is one of the few companies that still produces directly on site and maintains the craftsmanship that once defined the canton of Ticino: textile manufacturing. High-performance, comfortable, and sustainable protective equipment is produced under the "Residual" brand. Furthermore, the company is committed to supporting young people who are passionate about the textile trade and trains them in collaboration with the education sector. Dresdensia also regularly supports start-ups in realizing their projects and ideas, which are always focused on sustainable and local production.
Mr. Urs
The Urs Landis knitting workshop is located in a small garage of an office building on the Turgi train station perimeter. Specializing in the production of prototypes, samples, and small batches of flat knitting, "Mr. Urs," as the young entrepreneur calls himself, lets hundreds of needles clatter on knitting machines weighing several tons. There, seamless, high-quality knitted pieces are created with perfection, using traditional Swiss craftsmanship, producing virtually no waste. Every single product under the "Mr. Urs" label is manufactured from design to finished piece in this spirited one-man operation, under Urs Landis's trained eye and with meticulous attention to detail. You can take a look inside the knitting workshop on the last Saturday of each month and watch "Mr. Urs" operate his knitting machines. Urs Landis acquired his general knowledge of knitting primarily on his own and through intensive courses at Stoll. He acquired his specialist knowledge at the textile school in Wattwil, where he completed his “Bachelor in Fashion design and Technology – Technology Major” with a focus on knitting in 2012.
Kirpte UAB
KIRPTE is a sportswear manufacturer with roots in southeastern Lithuania, in the lively town of Alytus, which has a population of around 50,000. Located in an old factory building from the former Soviet era, the textile manufacturer started as a small family business in 1997. The modernly managed company now employs around 200 people and is committed to making the world of sportswear more sustainable and innovative. Equipped with the latest technology, it combines textile expertise with innovative manufacturing methods to transform them into durable and functional garments. KIRPTE is committed to continuously improving its sustainability practices. For example, the building complex is powered by renewable energy, and most of its textile suppliers are based in Europe to ensure sustainable access.
Beyond its own productivity, KIRPTE is committed to stimulating the regional economy and actively participates in local development programs. These measures provide essential support for employment in less developed regions of Lithuania and offer retraining and continuing education opportunities for locals. In 2017, KIRPTE was recognized as the fastest-growing small to medium-sized company in Alytus. Today, KIRPTE has established itself as a sought-after sportswear manufacturer for sustainably produced textiles in Europe.
Schuler Uniforms AG
The foundation stone for today's Schulermanufaktur 6418, based in Rothenthurm in central Switzerland, was laid in 1942, when Dominik Schuler, then 21 years old, opened his first tailoring studio. Four years later, the first shop opened. Since 1955, the fledgling company has specialized in tailoring and manufacturing uniforms, traditional costumes, and corporate clothing of all kinds. In the decades that followed, the company grew and made a name for itself throughout Switzerland by producing tailor-made, high-quality uniforms. From pattern creation to final inspection, every work process takes place in the company's own production facilities and is 100% Swiss-made. Thanks to experienced and skilled employees and state-of-the-art production equipment, we produce handcrafted, high-quality uniforms, tailor-made suits, and a wide variety of custom-made items, such as ROTAUF's organic Swiss cotton T-shirts.
Wams AG
Wams AG is an SME specializing in the production of high-quality sportswear, the trade in textiles, and their finishing. The company was founded in 1981 by former elite amateur cyclist Walter Amsler as a one-man operation. After his active career, Amsler leveraged existing contacts and began printing cycling jerseys. Since then, the company has grown steadily; the team has acquired extensive expertise over the past decades. Many customers from elite sports appreciate the precision with which the products are manufactured, which ultimately play a decisive role in the battle for hundredths of a second. In addition to high Swiss quality, short delivery times, and great flexibility, sustainability also plays an important role. Wams AG therefore sources part of its electricity from over 115 of its own solar panels. Waste products are kept to a minimum thanks to a sophisticated recycling system.
Wimo AG
Wimo AG is a typical Swiss family business based in Rothrist, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. By producing in-house, Wimo AG ensures the consistent quality of its high-quality, durable products, secures local jobs, and protects the environment through short transport routes. Sustainable and resource-efficient production is a top priority for the company, which is why it sources 100% of its energy from renewable sources; up to 60% of its annual electricity needs are met with solar power from its own photovoltaic system. The remaining electricity is sourced from the Rothrist utility company, which is also generated entirely from renewable energy sources and largely from hydropower. Wimo AG works with local suppliers, uses durable materials, and avoids unnecessary waste thanks to modern cutting techniques. As a Swiss company, the basic principles of the International Labor Organization (ILO) are a matter of course.
partner
ALUMO AG is based in the home of the Swiss textile industry of the past centuries and continues this long tradition of fabric production in the region by staying true to its roots and committing to craftsmanship throughout the entire value chain. Starting as a small family business in 1918, ALUMO has developed into the preferred fabric supplier for renowned tailors and clothing brands around the world, using only the highest quality cotton. Every single inch of the two-ply yarn undergoes strict quality controls, ensuring that a passion for precision and the pursuit of excellence flow into ALUMO AG's fabrics. ALUMO takes responsibility for its business activities and their entire supply chain, which is why the sustainability of its fabrics and working methods is an integral part of its business. ALUMO is certified according to the strict STeP by OEKO-TEX® criteria, achieving Level 3 "Best Practice" with its performance, and pursues a consistent due diligence approach to ensure continuous compliance with this complex standard. This also applies to all of their direct suppliers, who are also STeP certified and rated at Level 3 “Best Practice”.
The fabrics made from organic merino silk and organic cotton are knitted in Ermatingen on Lake Constance by one of Switzerland's last circular knitting mills. Aldo Näegeli AG was founded over 100 years ago and is now family-owned by the fourth generation. In its heyday, almost 200 employees worked on 45 machines. Today, the number is a fraction of that. The remaining employees and the boss, Mr. Nägeli Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr., are committed to continuing to operate this unique Swiss company despite overwhelming competition from abroad. The boss is also involved in all processes, maintaining and repairing his machines, restocking, and coordinating all orders. By placing orders with Aldo Nägeli AG, ROTAUF is actively helping to keep jobs at Aldo Nägeli AG and its long-standing textile expertise in Switzerland.
Over 200 years of existence, a strong spirit of innovation, and approximately 180 employees characterize the traditional Swiss company Cilander AG, which is one of the world's leading providers of high-quality textile finishing. Its success is based on the commitment to finding the right solution for every need. The result is first-class, high-performance fabrics, all of whose functions are certified. The company focuses on the continuous optimization of all processes – while constantly adhering to strict ecological and social standards. Customers from over 80 countries benefit from extensive expertise in materials, processes, formulations, and applications. Individual requirements are realized efficiently, just in time, and with consistently high quality.
In August 2024, Cilander AG closed various areas of its production for economic reasons.
For more than three decades, createlab Switzerland has been repairing outdoor and lifestyle clothing and technical equipment, thereby extending their lifespan. The company is also involved in social projects that enable socially disadvantaged people to enter the Swiss outdoor world: They pass on high-quality equipment that is no longer needed to adults, families, and children who cannot afford expensive, high-quality outdoor products.
Peter Luisoni is a master wood turner with heart and soul, and has been turning a wide variety of wooden objects for over 46 years. This includes our ROTAUF mothballs. The pine wood used for these comes from the Engadine region. He selects the raw material himself at the sawmill. Thanks to the Vereina Tunnel, transport distances and CO2 emissions are kept to a minimum. Out of conviction, Luisoni only uses natural, air-dried wood. The intrinsic values and the resin flow are preserved, making his products unique. Following the motto "No Wood Waste," the Basel native also processes the wood scraps that accrue during his work.
In 2001 he won the Bündner Kunsthandwerk Foundation's sponsorship award, completed his master craftsman's examination in Erbach Odenwald DE in 2002 with top marks and placed in various international competitions.
ROTAUF's two founders, Curdegn Bandli and Remo Frei, have been closely connected since their school days and through countless shared mountain hikes. After school, the two chose different academic paths: Curdegn studied mechanical engineering at ETH Zurich, while Remo studied industrial design at the School of Applied Arts. Their conviction that engineers and designers should collaborate early on led them, together with fellow student David Jenny, to a joint thesis at ETH. With their vision of an ergonomically optimized cordless tool system, they not only convinced ETH and ZHDK of their integrated approach, but also won the Dyson Student Award. In 2005, Remo and Curdegn founded their first joint company, Flink. Successful projects followed, deepening their knowledge and experience.
Five years later, the ROTAUF avalanche buoy project was born. A small, lightweight gadget was developed to significantly reduce search times in the event of an avalanche. The principle involves a red balloon floating to the top of the avalanche cone when snow is buried and attached to the buried victim with a cord to speed up localization and rescue – "red-up," in other words. Two years later, the ROTAUF avalanche buoy project won the ISPO Award. Building on this success, the development of touring pants for snow sports began under the ROTAUF name. Environmental protection according to the highest standards constantly accompanies ROTAUF's development and is aligned with the garment production. Finally, in 2013, the Graubünden-based outdoor brand ROTAUF was founded, focusing on sustainable, toxin-free, and ecologically sound outdoor clothing. ROTAUF's design direction is set by the founders Remo Frei and Curdegn Bandli.
Flink has now established itself on the global market as a creative innovation hub and reliable producer of high-quality consumer goods in the industrial, medical, and sports sectors. The team consists of creative minds and experts such as designers, engineers, logistics and production specialists and has specialized production facilities in Switzerland, Europe, and Asia. We offer comprehensive service and expertise from a single source.
In 1993, Johann Müller AG became the world's first textile finishing company to be certified according to the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100. It specializes in the environmentally friendly process of bleaching, dyeing, and finishing yarns, knit fabrics, terry cloth fabrics, and finished garments made from all dyeable materials. Founded in 1845, the Aargau-based company is based in the Wiggertal valley and currently employs around 60 people. With a dyeing capacity of over 20,000 kg per day, Johann Müller AG is one of the most efficient yarn and knit finishing companies in Switzerland, committed to reliability, quality, advanced technology, and rapid delivery. In addition to the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certificate, the historic company holds other certifications such as OEKO-TEX® Sustainable Textile Production (STeP), Cradle to Cradle, bluesign®, GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard, and COOP Naturaline. In 2001, the company's heating system was converted to burn renewable fuels. This saves up to 1,000 tons of heating oil annually, which equates to a CO2 reduction of 3,200 tons per year. For this, Johann Müller AG was awarded the Swiss Solar Prize in 2002. In the production of a textile product, approximately 50% to 70% of the CO2 emissions are attributable to the finishing process.
The yarn and textile trading company Remei AG was founded in 1983 and specializes in a sustainable value chain from fiber to finished textile. It offers international B2B trading partners access to a unique economic system with private label collections made from organic cotton.
Patrick Hohmann is the founder of Remei AG, the bioRe Foundation, and the bioRe® brand. Since 1991, he has achieved significant success in the field of organic cotton, organic cotton textiles, and fair trade relations, thus enabling a positive systemic change in the global textile trade with his vision. In 2002, the company, together with Coop, received the UN "Award for Sustainable Development Partnerships" and has continued to develop ever since.
Remei aims to create added value for all stakeholders and to provide maximum care for people and the environment along the entire value chain. By offering traceable organic cotton textiles from a transparent supply chain, Remei AG is working toward systemic change in the textile supply chain and integrating smallholder farmers into it.
The Tanzanian organic cotton farming company at the beginning of the Remei value chain was founded in 1994. Like its Indian sister company, Remei Tanzania promotes organic cotton cultivation in the region, practices fair organic cotton trade, and works participatively with approximately 2,000 smallholder farmers from 32 villages in the Simiyu region, in the Meatu and Maswa areas. The Remei purchase guarantee provides cotton farmers with planning security. With an additional premium of 15% above the local market price, Remei rewards organic farming performance and provides farmers with the freedom to develop their own businesses.
In August 2020, Patrick Hohmann initiated the generational change on the Remei Board of Directors.
Streiffband AG combines expertise across the entire textile chain under one roof – from yarn selection to customer-specific fabric finishing. It produces a comprehensive standard range of ribbons, belts, cords, and braids, which can be ordered from stock in small quantities. Streiffband AG also develops and produces numerous narrow textiles for customer-specific requirements. Dedicated employees, with their broad know-how and textile experience, ensure that customer requests are met in a needs-based and cost-effective manner. The consistent quality of all processes is guaranteed by the quality management system – certified according to ISO 9001:2015.
VCR was founded in 2017 by Philipp Michel and Christian Eisenegger to provide high-quality design services and creative direction. With more than 30 years of combined experience in the sports market, they have worked for and with many leading brands in the industry. By combining their expertise and utilizing a broad network of experienced specialists, they are able to offer the full spectrum of design services through VCR, from the initial concept idea to the final product.
VCR supports ROTAUF in product development, creating designs based on our templates, and assisting us in developing the tech packs. VCR also works with ROTAUF to redline the photo shoots for the respective collections, advises on putting together the various looks, and is on-set as a stylist during the photo shoots. VCR plays a key role in defining and creating ROTAUF's new style/expression.
Founded in 1992 by Tom Schütz, werk5 AG offers complete solutions in textile finishing and advertising technology. In addition to high-quality, sustainably produced workwear, sports and leisure textiles, the company uses state-of-the-art equipment and the latest production techniques to realize high-quality print finishing using various techniques such as textile printing, transfer printing, embroidery, digital printing, screen printing, lettering, etc.
Until the end of 2015, the group consisted of werk5 print ag (textile and screen printing), werk5 textil ag (with stores in Lyssach and Solothurn), A5 Schrift und Bild GmbH (advertising technology), and Fadegrad GmbH (embroidery). Since the merger in January 2016 to form werk5 ag, the company has continued to develop. The headquarters of werk5 ag, with its textile printing and embroidery operations and advertising technology division, is located in Wiler near Utzenstorf. Werk5 ag currently employs approximately 40 people, including four apprentices.