Surprise Visit: A Sisal Factory in an Unexpected Location

Published September 2016 | Updated March 2024

I was recently on a hiking trip with my family in Austria. As we entered the very picturesque town of Mellau, in the Bergenzerwald, where we were going to stay for a week, I noticed a carpet factory along the river. It took me a minute to realize that it was the same sisal factory whose booth I had visited many times at Domotex (the European floor covering show) but had never bought from.

I e-mailed them and set up an appointment to meet. Gerhard, the CEO, welcomed me in for a meeting. It was great to see his looms, etc. After spending an afternoon at the mill, we left the meeting with many ideas for new products. I have to admit, I never expected to see a sisal factory in the middle of one of the most beautiful alpine valleys. Talk about quality of life!