Rieter is moving toward a new phase in its business as it plans to acquire the Barmag Division of OC Oerlikon. The company expects to receive all regulatory approvals by the fourth quarter of 2025. To align with this upcoming expansion, Rieter will introduce a new Group structure starting January 1, 2026. The goal is to respond faster to market conditions and strengthen its position across natural and man-made fiber technologies.
A key part of this change is the merger of the Machines & Systems and After Sales Divisions. This combined unit will be led by Alexander Özbahadir under the name “Short-Staple Fiber” Division. His team will handle the full short-staple business and focus more closely on regional customer needs. Rieter expects this structure to bring better coordination between sales and service.
The “Components and Technology” Division will now be headed by Roger Albrecht. He will focus on developing new technologies and expanding Rieter’s role in the components market. His division will work more closely with well-known component brands such as Accotex, Bräcker, Graf, Novibra, Suessen, SSM, and Temco to speed up development efforts.
Serge Entleitner, who played an important role in building the Components Division, will step down from the Group Executive Committee at the end of 2025. He will continue to support the company on selected projects until his retirement in 2027. Rieter thanked him for his contribution and leadership over the years.
Once the Barmag acquisition is completed, the “Man-Made Fiber” Division will join the Rieter Group. Georg Stausberg will continue to guide the division and will also become a member of the Group Executive Committee.
The Rieter Group Executive Board from January 1, 2026, will include:
- Thomas Oetterli, CEO
- Oliver Streuli, CFO
- Emmanuelle Gmür, CHRO
- Alexander Özbahadir, Head of Short-Staple Fiber
- Georg Stausberg (after closing), Head of Man-Made Fiber
- Roger Albrecht, Head of Components and Technology
With this simpler structure, Rieter aims to improve customer focus, strengthen its technical leadership, and build stronger collaboration across its divisions.
The company is also taking steps to adjust to the ongoing weak market conditions. Production capacity will be scaled to demand, supply chains will be simplified, and overhead roles will be reduced. Rieter expects one-time costs of CHF 30–35 million, which should bring close to CHF 30 million in yearly savings once the measures take effect.
This strategic shift marks an important moment for Rieter as it prepares to bring the Barmag business into the Group and reinforce its global position in both natural and man-made fiber systems.
