Innovation is change

Showrooms in capital cities like New York, Paris and Tokyo, more than 55,000 rolls of fabric in stock, 130 years of company history, more than 15 awards and prizes in the last four years alone – the facts about family-run firm Création Baumann are impressive to say the least. The company owes much of its success to its willingness to invest in new, innovative technical developments. “Because our products are made in Switzerland, we can’t beat our competitors when it comes to price. So we have to rely on ideas instead: developing innovative products is crucial for our survival,” says Philippe Baumann. An interdisciplinary team is constantly in search of new themes and subjects every idea to a critical assessment. At most, one in ten has the potential to be taken to market – although it can be years before the new product is actually launched. “You need a lot of staying power during that time. You have to overcome resistance and fight for the idea. If you don’t believe you can create something new, you won’t – it’s that simple,” says Baumann. If this process is to run as smoothly as possible, it is vital for the workforce to be committed to it as well. Création Baumann fosters an open company culture and attaches great importance to comprehensive internal communications. “Curtains are subject to social and architectural trends. Especially in economically difficult times, it’s important to take staff’s uncertainty seriously,” believes Baumann. For him, sustainable entrepreneurship means taking social responsibility as well. He knows that successful achievements originate from people who feel at ease.

One key element of the company culture is the fact that it produces its own goods. Being a manufacturer rather than a “publisher” is responsible for the firm’s immense credibility when it comes to textiles. Winding, dyeing, weaving, printing – Langenthal is home to every process in the chain. For the most part, the weaving mill processes synthetic yarns, but also blended yarns that have been specially developed in spinning mills. Running a production site calls for a prudent approach to ecological necessities. Philippe Baumann: “Financial and ecological decisions often go hand in hand. What makes sense for the environment makes sense for us too. So it goes without saying that we treat our wastewater, avoid using PVC yarn and are ISO-certified. Basically, though, it’s very simple: sustainability means fair and decent behaviour on all levels.” MR

CRÉATION BAUMANN: Since its founding in 1886, the family-run business has evolved from a linen mill into one of today’s leading companies for home textiles, interior shading and adhesive textiles. In recent years, Création Baumann has been focusing on the development of technically innovative fabrics that provide acoustic, solar and thermal protection. Even today, the majority of the company’s textiles are produced at its own premises in Langenthal.

Photos: Création Baumann (4), René Ruis (1)

Création Baumann AG
Bern-Zürichstrasse 23
4900 Langenthal
Telefon 0041 (0)62 919 62 62
Fax 0041 (0)62 919 62 63
mail@creationbaumann.ch