Rhenoflex

In 1952, in Ludwigshafen, Germany, a company named Rhenoflex was established as a subsidiary of the Giulini Brothers. The business focused on a critical, yet often invisible, part of the fashion world: structural components for shoes. They began by manufacturing the unseen reinforcements like toe puffs and heel counters that give a shoe its shape and durability. For decades, Rhenoflex operated and expanded, building a reputation for quality and innovation in its niche. The company's journey took a significant turn in 2015 when it was acquired by a German private equity house, which allowed it to operate as an independent entity. This marked a new chapter of growth and a stronger focus on international markets, with production facilities extending to Asia to be closer to major footwear manufacturing hubs. A pivotal moment in the company's story came in August 2022, when the industrial thread giant Coats Group plc acquired Rhenoflex for an enterprise value of €115 million. This acquisition was a strategic move by Coats to create a global powerhouse in footwear components. Today, as part of Coats, Rhenoflex continues to be a key supplier for major footwear and luxury brands, driving innovation with a strong emphasis on sustainable and recycled materials.