NOVA Textil-Beschichtung GmbH (NTB), a specialist in fabric coating and finishing services, has completed a comprehensive modernisation of its Monforts Montex machinery, reinforcing a long-standing partnership that began in 1999.

NTB installed its first Montex stenter at its Grefrath plant more than 25 years ago. From a modest three-person team operating in a 1,000 square metre facility, the company has since expanded to 40 employees across two adjacent production sites covering 3,500 square metres. NTB’s turnover exceeded €8 million for the first time in 2019, reflecting its growth and strategic investments.

Historically focused on coating glass fibre fabrics, awnings, breathable membranes and sportswear textiles, NTB has also moved into the blackout and digital printing markets. A significant milestone came with its approval by the German Armed Forces to supply vector protection clothing. In 2023, Germany’s Ministry of Defence granted NTB a special exemption to process permethrin for this purpose.

Although the Covid-19 pandemic caused a 70% drop in turnover, NTB retained its workforce and diversified through the launch of Gorilla Protect GmbH, which distributed antiviral face masks. Regular operations resumed post-pandemic, and the company celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024.

A new generation is now taking the helm, with founder Rainer Hurtz transitioning leadership to his son Oliver Hurtz as Commercial Director, supported by Technical Director Bastian Schreurs and Sales and Development Manager Lampros Kampas.

Schreurs, NTB’s first-ever trainee, has worked closely with Monforts on the retrofit project, which included new control cabinets, Qualitex 800 technology, touchscreen interfaces, and updated frequency inverters for textile transport drives. The Siemens TIA 1500er F portal and OPC/UA interface now enable seamless data extraction and process analysis.

“Our aim is to handle any fabric order on any of our three Montex lines,” said Schreurs. “The reliability of Monforts machines means we only needed to upgrade the safety devices mechanically. This speaks volumes about the lasting quality Monforts has delivered for over two decades.”

Monforts Area Sales Manager Thomas Päffgen confirmed that modernising with advanced control and visualisation systems brings significant performance benefits, extending the operational life of the stenters well beyond basic spare part replacement.

“Our long-standing relationship with Monforts has always been characterised by excellent support and technical expertise,” concluded Rainer Hurtz.

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