Rieter Holding Ltd. acquired the entire share capital of Hogra Holding AG, the parent company of the Graf Group, on October 3, 2005.

This move is hoped to augment Rieter Textile Systems' position as a supplier of technology components in the staple fibre machinery sector.

The Graf Group, with a workforce of almost 600 has its two largest production locations in Switzerland (Rapperswil) and the Netherlands (Enschede).

The Graf Group develops and manufactures card clothing, combs and clothing for combing machinery as well as service machines for various spinning processes in the staple fibre sector worldwide. The company also occupies a strong position as a component manufacturer for the nonwovens sector.

The group has long been a supplier of components to Rieter, and Rieter Textile Systems has maintained a successful technology partnership with the group for some years.