Skip to main content

DIVERSE. FLEXIBLE. TOGETHER.

As a member of the FFF-GROUP , we operate within a strong community of companies that share a common passion: felt and nonwovens! Through the exchange of knowledge and technologies within the FFF Group, we can develop innovative approaches that meet the specific needs of our customers.

Our goal is to offer comprehensive solutions for all our customers' needs, promoting efficiency and sustainability, alongside high-quality products made from natural fibers. Together, we have 450 years of experience in more than 80 industries – we leverage these synergies to the benefit of our customers.

What we do

VFG has been developing felt solutions since 1858. 

The multitude of our production capabilities in processing, finishing and assembly are as unique as the capabilities and applications of the material felt.

Our felt products, made from natural wool felt or in combination with other materials, are used in many areas: for energy saving and sealing in clothes dryers, for efficient,trenchless sewer rehabilitation , and for gentle gun care. Designers and architects also appreciate our aesthetically pleasing colored felts for a wide range of applications.

Code of Conduct

Respectful collaboration and a conscious commitment to social responsibility form the basis of our success. Our founder, Hans Haehnle, already set high standards in social engagement, and we continue to follow his example. The essential principles and basic rules are laid down in the "VFG Code of Conduct," which serves as a guide for employees and managers.

Download:
[Code of Conduct_DE]
[Code of Conduct_EN]

What makes us stand out?

Loyalty to the location

We take responsibility for our region and have been producing in Giengen/Hermaringen since 1858 – a clear commitment to the region and the people with whom we live and work.

Passion

We love felt: natural, flexible, durable and versatile – qualities that also distinguish us as a company.

Quality

Consistent and reliable felt quality is important to us. Our products are manufactured according to German industrial standards (DIN) and the company is certified according to DIN ISO 9001:2015 – a quality standard that we are constantly improving.

sustainability

Our wool felts consist primarily of pure sheep's wool, a renewable resource. Our designer wool felts are certified according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and clearly stand out from mass-produced goods. VFG is also certified according to DIN EN ISO 50001 and is committed to efficient energy management.

individuality

With many years of experience, up-to-date know-how and modern facilities, we develop custom-made felt solutions that meet your specific requirements – from the idea to series production.

community

The FFF Group unites companies that share a passion for nonwovens and felts. This network guarantees knowledge exchange, innovation, economic stability, and the highest quality standards.

History of Vereinigte Filzfabriken AG

Vereinigte Filzfabriken AG (VFG) traces its roots back to the Württemberg Wool Felt Manufactory, founded in 1858 by Hans Haehnle. At just 20 years old, after completing an apprenticeship as a dyer and an educational journey, Haehnle laid the foundation for one of Europe's most traditional felt companies. Innovative applications for felt and increasing demand enabled the company to grow, and in 1881 it was transformed into Vereinigte Wollfilzfabriken Aktiengesellschaft (United Wool Felt Factories Corporation). Hans Haehnle was not only an entrepreneur but also socially and politically engaged. He championed the well-being of his workers, for example, by building workers' housing, and served as a democratic member of the Reichstag and the Landtag (state parliament). His wife, Lina Haehnle, supported him and was particularly committed to nature conservation, including the founding of what is now the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) and her involvement in the development of the Federsee nature reserve. The history of VFG is characterized by innovation, social commitment, and a clear focus on sustainability.
1858
  • Founded by Hans Haehnle (Hähnle) as the Württemberg Wool Felt Manufactory
1873
  • Participation in the Vienna World's Fair
from 1876
  • Continuous company expansion through new ventures/acquisitions in Germany and abroad, including Brno, Fulda, Lambrecht, Reims, Wasserburg, and Augsburg.
    Establishment of a production facility at the Gerschweiler site.
1881
  • Conversion into a public limited company
Late 19th /
early 20th century
  • Continuous company expansion and acquisitions at home and abroad
1931
  • Summary of production in a modern plant in Giengen-Gerschweiler
1968
  • Acquisition of the majority of shares by the Wirth Fulda Group
1970
  • Establishment of the production areas for synthetic needle felts and felt system solutions (TV)
1977 / 1978
  • Market launch of products for bore cleaning
1985
  • The exceptional artist Joseph Beuys introduced felt as a material to the art world and gave it a completely new meaning. For Beuys, felt was an insulator that could store thermal energy—for him, an engine of creativity. In his words: "The basic model of the actions with fat, felt, and copper is the representation of three important positions: chaotic energy, the element of movement, and the element of form." This shared passion for felt led to a collaboration between Beuys and Vereinigte Filzfabriken AG (VFG) in the 1970s. In February 1985, the artist personally visited the felt production facility in Hermaringen to see the manufacturing process firsthand.
    The list of his works using VFG felt is impressive: from a felt-covered grand piano and his famous felt suits to the felt sculpture "Plight," which lined entire spaces, including the Anthony d'Offay Gallery in London. The rolls of felt used for this work were manufactured by VFG according to Beuys's exact specifications.
    More on this topic: Where Beuys found the felt – fabric made of silence (article by Julia Voss in the FAZ, updated 28.12.2009).
1991
  • New needle felt production facility and relocation of administration from Giengen to Gerschweiler
1995
  • Development of the lineTEC product line for trenchless sewer rehabilitation
1996
  • Establishment of the factory outlet
2000
  • Introduction of a quality management system and certification according to DIN-ISO 9001
2008
  • 150 years of VFG
2010
  • Market launch of aluTHERM – roller coverings and conveyor belts for aluminium profiles
2011
  • VFG operates as a member of the FFF GROUP, a strong community of companies that share a common passion: nonwovens and felts!
    The group has experience in more than 100 industries worldwide.
2018
  • 160 years of VFG

Donate

The VFG supports the German Wildlife Foundation in the urban protection of endangered wild bees.

More information on wild bee conservation