Gabriel 150 years - Flipbook - Page 57
Chairman of the Board Poul H. Lauritsen at the
A further consequence of Gabriel’s comprehen-
inauguration of a new drying oven in ±∫∫π. The
sive approach followed in ±∫∫π, when in the so-
purchase price was approx. DKK ∑ million.
called VIA-project under the auspices of the Municipality of Aalborg’s advisory programme for
ethylene, could be very dangerous to the respira-
young people, the company set up practical train-
tory tract. The plant was therefore closed down
ing positions for young men and women who
in ±∫∫∑. The use of heavy fuel oil was discon-
would otherwise have difficulty in finding jobs.
tinued that same year when natural gas was introduced for work routines, and district
The innovative enterprise
heating was installed.
Today, following extensive investment in
Gabriel’s position as a leader in its niche mar-
water purification and water softening plants,
ket is easily explained by the company’s ability
river water is used only for internal work rou-
to launch not only new designs but also new
tines. This water is no longer returned to the
solutions.
river, as it was prior to ±∫π∑, but is sent to the
In ±∫∫µ, Gabriel introduced the design,
municipal water treatment plant. The waste
Comfort, a so-called non-woven micro-fibre up-
water contains no harmful substances and is
holstery fabric that looks like suede. While this
in compliance with all environmental regula-
particular type of fabric was already well
tions.
known in the clothing industry, it had not pre-
In ±∫∫∫, following extensive cooperation
viously been popular in the furniture trade,
with two suppliers of dyes, Gabriel could in-
where other technical requirements must be
form its customers that it was the first supplier
met. Comfort was developed as an exclusively
of upholstery fabric to exclusively use dyes
priced, top quality upholstery fabric. Sales
containing no heavy metals.
grew quickly, and in ≤∞∞±, the design is increas-
1984-2001
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