Trigema
Grupp family · Germany
Trigema is a German family company from Burladingen that makes sports and leisurewear entirely in Germany. Founded in 1919, it was led for more than five decades by Wolfgang Grupp and has been run by his children Bonita and Wolfgang Grupp since 2024.
| Founded | 1919, Burladingen |
|---|---|
| Founders | Josef and Eugen Mayer |
| Owner | Grupp family |
| Management | Bonita and Wolfgang Grupp (since 2024) |
| Headquarters | Burladingen, Germany |
| Production | Germany only |
| Website | trigema.de |
What is Trigema?
Trigema is a German textile manufacturer and brand based in Burladingen on the Swabian Jura in Baden-Württemberg. It produces T-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, tennis and leisure wear, underwear and sleepwear for women, men and children, and is known for manufacturing all its products in Germany.
History
The brothers Josef and Eugen Mayer bought a disused factory in Burladingen in 1919. The name Trigema is a blend of Trikotwarenfabriken and Gebrüder Mayer. Franz Grupp, Josef Mayer's son-in-law, joined in 1938 and later led the firm. His son Wolfgang Grupp took over in 1969, became sole owner and turned the company into a nationally known symbol of German production.
In October 2023 the company became a limited partnership. Since 1 January 2024 the fourth generation, Bonita Grupp and Wolfgang Grupp junior, have led Trigema.
Products and positioning
Trigema sells practical basics at mid-market prices, with a strong emphasis on origin. Its range includes:
- Sports and leisurewear such as T-shirts, polos and sweatshirts
- Underwear and sleepwear
- Workwear and team outfitting for companies and clubs
- Personalised garments via an online shirt designer
Knitting, cutting, sewing and finishing take place at sites in Burladingen, Altshausen and Rangendingen. The company also offers organic and Cradle to Cradle certified lines.
Business model and distribution
Trigema is unusually direct to consumer for a German manufacturer. It operates 44 own factory stores, called Testgeschäfte, and an online shop. According to its German Wikipedia entry, stores and online sales each account for around 40% of revenue, with the remainder coming from trade, corporate and institutional customers.
Why it matters
Trigema is often cited in debates about reshoring and domestic manufacturing. Its vertically integrated, made in Germany model and its generational handover make it a reference case for family-owned textile firms facing cost pressure and succession questions.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs Trigema now?
Since 1 January 2024 Trigema has been led by Bonita Grupp and Wolfgang Grupp junior, the children of long-time owner Wolfgang Grupp. They represent the fourth generation of the family business.
Is Trigema made in Germany?
Yes. Trigema produces its garments at three sites in Baden-Württemberg, covering knitting, cutting, sewing and finishing. The company describes its products as 100% made in Germany.