INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is remembering Klaus Maitre, a veteran of the nonwovens and textile industry for five decades. Maitre passed away surrounded by his family in Gastonia, North Carolina on March 25, 2020, at the age of 81. INDA serves member companies in the nonwovens/engineered fabrics industry in global commerce.

Maitre immigrated to the US in 1963 after receiving his master’s and bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of North Rhine Westphalia in Aachen, Germany. His career included working as divisional vice president for the former Standard Coosa-Thatcher company, a textile company, before joining the US wholly-owned subsidiary of Dilo as executive vice president. Maitre served at Dilo for over 25 years before retiring and starting his own consultancy, Sigma, according to a press release by INDA.

Maitre served on INDA conference planning committees offering his expertise and vision to help guide programmes and content. He maintained a strong presence through his time at Dilo at INDA conferences and expositions for over 20 years.

“INDA is saddened by the loss of a larger than life leader who was an integral part of the development of the nonwovens industry. We will remember Maitre for his many insightful contributions to our association and the industry. He was a strong advocate for INDA and continually strove to advance the growth of the nonwovens and engineered materials industry,” INDA president Dave Rousse said.