With a commitment to quality and innovation, Sportstex have evolved from humble beginnings as a family owned manufacturer, to become a market leader in cycling and sportswear production
Understanding the needs of their customer has been key in defining Sportstex's legacy as a market leading sportswear manufacturer, elevating them from humble beginnings to a global leader.
Since the company's beginnings in 1988, Sportstex has been on a remarkable journey, evolving from a small scale importer and printer of cotton tote bags, into an international player in the textile and sportswear industry. Founded by brothers Heinrich and Christoph Widmann, the company has become renowned for its innovation, quality, and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Humble Beginnings in Bolzano
Building their foundations Bolzano, Italy, Sportstex was founded with a clear focus on producing promotional items such as printed cotton bags and T-shirts, importing the products and screenprinting them at their headquarters. With a team of 45-50 employees working tirelessly in two shifts, the company quickly became a major player in the screen printing industry, producing between 700,000 and 800,000 bags per month. The first invoice was issued in 1988, marking the birth of a business that would evolve into a leader of the sportswear sector.
For five years, Sportstex operated in Bolzano, establishing itself as a key supplier to a growing client base, including large German supermarket chains. However, as the demand for bags began to wane, in part due to the shift towards low-cost bag production in China, the company thought quickly to adapt to market changes. It was during this period that Sportstex found new growth opportunities in T-shirt production, eventually reaching a milestone output of a few million t-shirts a year.
Expanding Production and Entering Romania
Driven by a desire to expand and grow, in 1993 Sportstex opened its first international branch in Timisoara, Romania, through a customer connection in the region, continuing to screen print bags and t-shirts. The move proved to be strategic, as the company not only gained access to a new market but also found a way to adapt to the shifting landscape of production costs.
During this time, the focus shifted to garment manufacturing, particularly household goods, T-shirts, and polo shirts, all made from high-quality Italian fabrics. By 1996, Sportstex began producing underwear in collaboration with well-known Italian brands, solidifying its reputation for premium manufacturing capabilities. The next major milestone came in 1998 when the company acquired a screen printing shop in Trentino, Italy, specializing in paper and sublimation printing. These machines were promptly moved to Romania, enabling Sportstex to offer even more services to its expanding customer base.
Expanding into the Sportswear Market
In the early 2000s Sportstex ventured into the world of cycling apparel, a move that would change the trajectory of the business going forward. In 2001, the company acquired a low-cost sportswear giant that became one of their most important customers for nearly two decades, before they moved production to SE Asia. This partnership not only boosted Sportstex's growth but also elevated its production quality to new heights, thanks to the frequent quality audits required by the customer.
By 2020, the cycling sector had experienced a boom, and Sportstex was right at the heart of it. By this time the company had grown their reputation for quality, precision, and efficiency, leading to the acquisition of some of Europe’s biggest and most well-known cycling brands. Today, cycling apparel remains one of Sportstex’s primary offerings, but the company has expanded its reach into other sportswear categories as well.
Navigating the Pandemic
Like many businesses, Sportstex faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their adaptability and forward-thinking approach allowed the company to pivot quickly to the needs of the population. When demand for traditional products slowed, Sportstex switched its production focus to masks, in turn ensuring continuity of business while helping meet the global demand for protective gear during a critical time and keeping people in jobs.
The Creation of the Sportstex Brand
After years of successful operations under two separate entities, Cottontex in Romania and Texmarket in Bolzano, the company decided to unify its efforts under one recognizable brand in 2024. The result was the creation of Sportstex, a name that embodies the company’s dual focus on sport and textile manufacturing, and serves as a fresh, unified brand representing both heritage and forward-thinking innovation.
Why Choose Sportstex?
Today, Sportstex is a trusted name in sportswear manufacturing, known for its exceptional quality, customer-centric approach, and expansive production capabilities. With eight production plants across Romania and a presence in both Italy and beyond, Sportstex continues to serve a growing list of satisfied customers across Europe and the world.
As Sportstex moves into the future, it remains committed to delivering high quality sportswear solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers—whether they’re large international brands or niche market leaders. With a rich history of innovation, dedication to quality, and a passion for sports, Sportstex is your go-to partner for all your sportswear manufacturing needs.
