Martijn Merkx – CEO Draftex Automotive GmbH, Vice president of Sanok RC SA board
For over six decades, Draftex has been a symbol of precision, craftsmanship, and dedication. Since 1958, generations of skilled professionals have poured their hearts into creating products that embody our commitment to perfection. Each seal we produce carries the legacy of countless hours of innovation, testing, and refinement.
Yet, like many great stories, ours has not been without its challenges. From the turn of the millennium to 2012, Draftex faced turbulent times—years of uncertainty, frequent changes in ownership, and the ever-present question of what the future held. It was a period that tested the resilience of our people and the essence of our brand. But through it all, one thing remained constant: the unwavering belief in the value of what we create and the spirit of those who stood by us.
Today, I stand proud to say that Draftex has not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger than ever. With a world-class team, state-of-the-art products, and a tradition unmatched in the industry, we are reclaiming our position as leaders in automotive sealing solutions. The road ahead is paved with possibilities, and with every seal we produce, we reaffirm our promise to our customers and to ourselves: to be not just a part of perfection, but its very essence.
Since 1958, Draftex has been synonymous with innovation in automotive body seal solutions. Our legacy empowers us to anticipate challenges, streamline design
and elevate the performance of every project we undertake.
Erich Weimar starts history of Draftex and at the same time introduced metal reinforced weather stripe seal.
Draftex moves to Viersen plant location.
New innovation in production process. Now metal carrier is coextruded with rubber profile.
Rubber compounds plant has been built in Viersen (plant no 2).
Stretched metal inserts was introduced and flocked glass-run systems with coextruded metal carrier.
Company develops high quality standards with quality check over and laboratory.
Plant no 6 in Viersen was built.
Draftex patented assembly of metal reinforced weather strip by roll forming method. Till today is worldwide used process.
Design office is our jewel in crown.
Grefrath plant modernization.
Draftex integrated triangle windows and glass guiding rail into the glass run system.
At the same time production of complex coupe and convertible sealing systems for entire roof modules and frameless doors started.
The arrival of the new millennium heralds the most difficult period in the business for draftex. Over the next 10 years, ownership will change four times.: Gen Corp, Cerberus, Wynnchurch and RUIA.
In 2014, after an decade of uncertain times, Draftex finally goes to the Sanok Rubber Group.
With a stable financial position in place, together with an awareness of the heritage that Draftex carries, we are restoring the splendour of this historic brand, while challenging our future in bold ways.
Erich Weimar laid the foundation for Draftex’s history, while introducing the metal-reinforced weatherstrip seal.
Draftex relocates to the Viersen plant, marking a new chapter in growth.
A key innovation in the production process follows: the metal carrier is now coextruded with the rubber profile.
Rubber compounds plant has been built in Viersen (plant no 2).
Stretched metal inserts was introduced and flocked glass-run systems with coextruded metal carrier.
Company develops high quality standards with quality check over and laboratory.
Plant No. 6 is established in Viersen. Draftex patents the assembly of metal-reinforced weatherstrips using the roll forming method, a process that is still used worldwide today. Our design office remains the jewel in our crown.
The arrival of the new millennium marks one of the most challenging times in Draftex’s history. Over the next decade, the company undergoes four changes in ownership: Gen Corp, Cerberus, Wynnchurch, and RUIA
In 2014, after an decade of uncertain times, Draftex finally goes to the Sanok Rubber Group.
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