In 1908 manual weaver Hubert Gotzes acquired the business premises in Luisenstrasse, Krefeld built originally by silk weaver Gottfried Diepers in 1868. Large windows facing south met the lighting requirements for manual weaving ensuring adequate light over the full width of looms all day. Gottfried Diepers opened the way for a new working structure by setting up this type of weaving workshop. Until the mid-19th century, weavers worked predominantly on looms at home. The new factories enabled production of splendid textiles on the technically advanced Jacquard handlooms. Until almost end of the 20th century, cloth interwoven with gold and silver threads for precious liturgical vestments was woven on such looms.
In his factory Hubert Gotzes together with his four sons produced liturgical vestments, baldachins and altar cloths. The original Jacquard handlooms were in the weaving hall on the first floor. Reception and changing room, embroidery and finishing rooms were on the ground floor. Customers used the stately entrance, workers and suppliers the adjacent plainer one.
Using his entrepreneurial skills Hubert Gotzes extended his trading area and became successful in Chicago, America.
The 2nd Vatican Council 1963-1965 introduced new regulations governing the simplicity of church vestments leading to a significant decline in business but Erwin Maus, (Gotzes’ successor), countered this by providing a better service.
Up to 1980s, precious textiles were still being produced on Jacquard handlooms in Luisenstrasse. When the last weaver died, however, the business had to be closed in 1992.