‘There is no such thing as problems, only challenges’

This motto has particularly characterised ELTEX’s company history. It was already in 1963 that ELTEX founder, Wolfgang Leihe, developed TEXTA, the first mechanical marking machine for the clothing industry. The fact that Wolfgang Leihe profiled himself more than 40 years ago as a partner of the clothing industry is still reflected today in the syllable ‘tex’ in the company and product names.

ELTEX 100 followed only a few years later. The successful machine was patented and gave the company – converted into a GmbH from a KG in 1978 – its name which is meanwhile internationally well-known. The entrepreneur from Solingen reacted to the crisis in the clothing industry in 1988/89 with the development of new technologies.

Pioneer in Marking

ELTEX 5000 was the first computer-aided marking system for the printing of labels on a matrix printer. This development was quickly in demand outside the textile industry. Indeed, the printing of foil represented a cost-favourable and flexible alternative to costly metal signs. The partner 3M opened the doors to new industries and customer groups for ELTEX at the end of the 80s.

Being an innovative partner, ELTEX was the ideal contact address for industry. The desire of customers to protect their labels better against soiling and abrasion provided the impetus for the development of the punching and laminating system ELTEX 7000. The convincing principle: the inscription on the label is permanently protected by a transparent, protective foil.

Of course, progress in printing technologies has also been integrated into the ELTEX 7000 system. The system has been working with thermotransfer printers since 1992 and is supported by the intelligent software PRINTSTAR which has been continually upgraded in keeping with the latest technological developments.

Quality and Innovation

In 1991 ELTEX utilised more than 30 years of experience in the development of printing systems to establish the production of self-adhesive foil labels and product marking systems. ELTEX focused from the very beginning on durable and high-quality labels. New adhesive compounds and products which satisfy the very highest requirements of industry are constantly being created in Solingen. This is impressively evidenced by the internationally patented signs of the TOP-Protect range.

Our industrial labels and signs adhere firmly on the most diverse substrates. Their production is associated with high quality demands. Individual materials and shapes, permanent attachment and durability are of prime importance in this respect. We are committed to quality and is the outcome of the work of our qualified staff.

Innovation from a traditional background and a resolute customer-orientation characterise ELTEX. Substantiation for the corporate philosophy can be found in the fact that ELTEX is already operative today in the future market of digitally-printed RFID-tags and smart labels.

CCL Industries

Since January 1st 2009 ELTEX Industriekennzeichnung (Industrial Marking) GmbH is part of CCL Industries group of companies with approximately 5,500 coworkers and world-wide 56 manufacturing locations. CCL Design in Solingen extends its range of labels and signs with the ELTEX know-how for special labels and adhesives in industrial applications. For further information on CCL Design and its product range please visit www.ccl-design.de.