Winterthur, Switzerland, Aug. 14—Rieter Automotive Systems of Switzerland, and the Austrian carpet manufacturer Durmont have entered into a strategic alliance to jointly develop high end carpet products for the European automotive industry. As a result of this alliance with Durmont, Rieter Automotive Systems strengthens its position as supplier to the worldwide automotive industry, and Durmont reenters the European automotive carpet market.

Durmont is a leading European producer of high end carpets for the residential and commercial markets. The alliance marks Durmont’s return to the automotive carpet business. In the mid-90s the former owner of Durmont sold the company’s carpet business to Magna. The company’s new majority owner, Anker Group, has decided to reenter the business.

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