German textile specialist Wendler Interlining has officially opened a new production facility in Bangladesh, strengthening its manufacturing presence in one of the world’s largest ready-made garment (RMG) production hubs and bringing its interlining production closer to local apparel manufacturers.
The new facility, operated by Wendler Interlining Bangladesh Limited, was inaugurated on October 3 in Trishal, Mymensingh, in a ceremony attended by senior executives of Wendler Interlining Group, industry stakeholders and business partners.
The investment marks a new phase in Wendler’s long-term Bangladesh strategy. The company began production in Bangladesh in 2009 and established its own Bangladesh subsidiary in February 2022. It later announced plans for a new sustainable manufacturing facility to expand its production, sales and technical-service capabilities in the country.
Founded in Germany in 1843, Wendler has evolved from a textile finishing business into a specialist manufacturer of high-quality interlinings and related textile products. The company shifted its strategic focus toward interlining fabrics in 1974 and subsequently expanded across major apparel-producing markets in Asia.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Gerhart Wendler, Chairman of Wendler Interlining Group, highlighted the company’s more than 180-year history and its transformation across generations. He emphasized Wendler’s continued focus on quality and innovation, while pointing to Bangladesh’s growing importance within the group’s international strategy.
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The new factory is designed to bring production closer to Bangladesh’s garment manufacturers and support faster, more flexible supply. Wendler has previously identified shorter lead times, supply reliability and stronger technical support as important drivers behind its Bangladesh investment. The company has noted that changing purchasing patterns—including shorter lead times, lower inventories and more frequent style changes—are increasing the need for responsive local supply chains.
Kanat Altunbas, General Manager Asia, Wendler Interlining Group, outlined the company’s international network during the ceremony. Wendler says it operates in 38 countries, works with around 5,000 partners and maintains 30 warehouses. Its production network across Germany and Asia enables the company to serve major garment-producing markets while maintaining proximity to customers.
For Bangladesh, the expansion adds local manufacturing capacity to Wendler’s existing commercial and technical operations. The company supplies a broad range of interlining solutions, including cotton and polyester interlinings, fusible and non-fused materials, water-soluble products, seam tapes and other garment-related accessories.
Aman Hossain, Head of Sales & Marketing, presented Wendler’s product portfolio and services at the inauguration, highlighting the company’s technical support, laboratory testing, product consultation and customized solutions for garment manufacturers.
Wendler’s portfolio includes both conventional and sustainability-oriented products, with a number of products certified under OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. The company’s emphasis on technical assistance is particularly relevant as Bangladesh’s apparel manufacturers increasingly move toward more complex products and face tighter quality and sustainability requirements from international buyers.
Sustainability also forms an important part of the new investment. Wendler previously announced that the Bangladesh facility was being developed toward LEED Gold certification, with energy efficiency, renewable energy and resource conservation incorporated into its factory strategy.
The investment follows Wendler’s broader sustainability strategy in Asia. The company operates a sustainable “Green Factory” in Vietnam and has increasingly linked environmental performance with its international manufacturing expansion.
Ashief Khan, Operations Director, focused on the operational advantages of local production during the inauguration.
Manufacturing in Bangladesh is expected to enable faster response to customer requirements, improve coordination between Wendler’s technical teams and garment producers, and provide greater flexibility for manufacturers managing shorter production cycles.
The significance extends beyond interlining supply. Interlining is a technical component that can influence garment structure, shape retention, appearance and performance. Greater availability of specialized materials and technical support within Bangladesh could therefore contribute to a more responsive and integrated apparel supply chain.
Wendler’s investment comes as Bangladesh’s RMG industry faces growing pressure to deliver shorter lead times, consistent quality, greater product flexibility and improved environmental performance. These demands are increasingly affecting upstream suppliers of fabrics, trims, accessories, chemicals and other production inputs alongside garment manufacturers themselves.