Standard Textile

80 Years of Standard Textile

From humble beginnings during a difficult era to becoming an international, vertically integrated powerhouse in the textile industry, our story continues to unfold.

The Journey to America

Standard Textile was founded by the Heiman family, headed by Charles Heiman, an immigrant from Germany who had been incarcerated in the Dachau concentration camp. Charles escaped from the concentration camp, joined his family, and left Germany for the United States. “We had to learn the American way of doing things. When my father couldn’t get a job during the Depression, he decided to start his own business,” shared Paul Heiman, former Chairman of the Board and Charles’ son.

Finding a Home in Cincinnati

Standard Textile was established on July 1, 1940, as a small business based out of the Heiman family’s third floor apartment in Cincinnati, Ohio. All of the company’s original employees were also refugees. The company grew quickly and in 1945 expanded to an old shoe factory in downtown Cincinnati. At the end of World War II, the growing need for textile products helped create demand for Standard Textile’s high-quality items and diligent customer service. In 1963, Standard Textile moved to another Cincinnati-area site that would eventually become our world headquarters and remains so today.

Leading Through Innovation

With Paul Heiman as the CEO, Standard Textile expanded into a successful, growing company, specializing in healthcare textiles. In the mid-1970s, Standard Textile created its first international manufacturing operation in Arad, Israel. During the 1980s, we developed what would become the industry standard for reusable surgical technology: ComPel^® fabric. Along with 28 other patented textile technologies, Standard Textile’s team developed products and services that led to the company’s dramatic growth in healthcare textiles throughout the United States and 32 other countries around the globe.

Growing Around the Globe

Under the leadership of Paul’s son, Gary, our current president and CEO, over 4,000 committed associates at 24 manufacturing, distribution, and sales facilities around the world serve customers in more than 90 international markets. With more than 80 patents and counting, our products are engineered to deliver durability, longevity, and value. Leveraging textile design, manufacturing, and laundry expertise, and our vertically integrated global infrastructure, we serve customers in the healthcare, hospitality, interiors, workwear, and consumer markets worldwide.

What’s Next for Standard Textile

And now, Gary’s son, Alex, is poised to oversee the next era of advancement. After 80 years of growth, over 80 patents, and thousands of team members, we continue to work together with one goal in mind: fulfilling Charles’ original promise of providing a better life for people around the world.

For eighty years, Standard Textile has developed a culture of innovation, quality, and service, earning more than 80 patents for products engineered to deliver durability, longevity, and value.

Leveraging textile design, manufacturing, and laundry expertise, and our vertically integrated global infrastructure, we serve customers in the healthcare, hospitality, interiors, and consumer markets worldwide.

Our Story

From escaping war-torn Germany to starting a new life in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Our Commitment

We focus on sustainability and giving back.

Global Supply Chain

Our vertical integration and global reach allows us to quickly and efficiently serve customers around the world.

Locations

We operate 24 manufacturing and distribution facilities in 12 countries.

Careers

Are you looking for an opportunity to make an impact? Join our team of talented associates.

Our Purpose

While our business is creating innovative textiles, it’s our purpose that guides the solutions we offer and drives how we treat our customers, our associates, and the impact we make in our communities.

See how we’re inspiring care, comfort, and change in our communities.

Corporate Giving

Standard Textile helps build stronger communities through financial and product donations. Our focus areas include supporting the health and wellbeing of families, providing basic essentials during times of disaster, and empowering marginalized individuals in our communities. Our belief is care should be inclusive, and comfort should be a standard for all.

Standard Textile Cares

Standard Textile Cares helps restore hope in a brighter future for those experiencing homelessness. Ending homelessness in our communities begins by building trust and by treating others with dignity and respect. Organizations that offer mobile shower services embody these values.  Our goal is to support 80,000 showers by the end of 2021.

Volunteerism

Standard Textile encourages employees to invest their time and energy in a cause that has personal meaning to make a difference in our communities. Whether it’s forming a team of employees to work at a food pantry, participating in a walk for charity, or lending expertise to a non-profit organization. Our purpose guides the impact we make in our communities.