On September 24, 2020, a new textile research centre was inaugurated at Hof University’s Münchberg campus. Supporting a well-founded textile-specific education in the new institute, Sandler AG has donated a professorship worth a total of €600,000.

For many years, Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler, together with other entrepreneurs and industry associations, has been decisively advocating the establishment of a textile research centre at Hof University’s Münchberg facility. In late 2016, the Bavarian state government approved the establishment of the institute, thus laying the foundation for the expansion of textile-specific education—essential for Sandler and other companies in the region. For Sandler, it was a cause and at the same time a responsibility to further promote this field of education. Therefore, Sandler AG decided to provide €600,000 for an endowed professorship. The company thereby further contributes to the educational infrastructure in the region.

The new professorship has been occupied since 2019: Prof. Dr. Claus-Ekkehard Koukal holds a lectureship at the University of Applied Sciences Hof in the field of Innovative Textiles, teaching in the areas of nonwoven production, spinning mill, weaving preparation and textile chain.

Prior to joining the university, Professor Koukal worked in the economy, including the textile industry and research and development. In addition to his teaching position, he continues to be active in consultancy and research. The research project EFRE: The Future – Textile Industry 4.0, which focusses on the transfer of know-how from research to small and medium-sized companies; or the Traveltex project, which involves the development of functional knitted fabrics for travel clothing, are just two examples.

“The close cooperation with universities and research centres is very important to us. Therefore, we have been cultivating these partnerships for many years,” explains Dr. Sandler. “We are happy to be able to continue supporting textile-specific education in the region.”