Prof.-Ing. habil Dr. h. c. P. Offermann was elected as the inaugural chairman of the association. During his tenure, significant organizational tasks were undertaken, including the registration of the association with the district court of Dresden and the refinement of the statutes. In October 2005, Prof. Offermann stepped down from his positions as the institute’s director and the professor of textile technology. He passed on the responsibilities to his successor, Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Dipl.-Wirt. Ing. Chokri Cherif, and assumed the honorary chairmanship of the “Freundes- und Förderkreis des ITM der Technischen Universität Dresden e. V.” on October 7, 2005.

The association currently comprises 73 members, including 25 legal entities and 48 natural person. These members represent various sectors such as the textile and clothing industry, lightweight construction, test equipment manufacturers, and different institutions across Germany.

The Circle of Friends and Sponsors of ITM at TU Dresden e.V. is a registered non-profit association with the objective of advancing research and education at the Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM).

It serves as a network for fostering connections between students, alumni, employees, companies, and sponsors. Consequently, it facilitates an ongoing exchange of expertise and experiences between academia and industry, promoting both professional and personal growth.

The Association of Friends and Sponsors of the ITM at TU Dresden e. V. expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Curt Bauer. Over many decades, he has shown exceptional personal commitment as Chairman of the Board, tirelessly advocating for the interests of the association. Especially in the challenging period following reunification, it was his unwavering dedication that gave new momentum to Saxony’s textile research and industry, strengthened it beyond regional borders, and laid a sustainable foundation for innovation.

Our sincere thanks also go to Dr.-Ing. Dilbar Aibibu, who, as Managing Director, significantly shaped the development and visibility of the association with great responsibility, energy, and foresight. Through their work, both have provided vital impulses, built bridges between academia, industry, and alumni, and enriched the life of the association with vitality and creativity.

On the occasion of the ITM’s 100th anniversary, Mr. Bauer and Dr. Aibibu are now passing on their roles to new leadership: We warmly welcome Mr. Thomas Zocher, Managing Director of thoenes® Dichtungstechnik GmbH – a company deeply rooted in Saxony and closely connected to the ITM – as the new Chairman of the Board. We are also looking forward to working with Dr.-Ing. Paul Penzel, who, as the new Managing Director, will bring fresh impetus to the association with his strong professional and personal ties to the ITM.

On behalf of all members, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Bauer and Dr. Aibibu for their extraordinary and long-standing dedication. We wish the new leadership team great success, joy, and a steady hand in continuing and advancing the mission of the association.