Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello everyone. My name is Paul Vervoorn, born on March 27, 1976, in the Netherlands. I grew up in a family with two younger sisters and a younger brother. My father, Theo Vervoorn, was the longtime director of Louët B.V., which is how I first came into contact with spinning and weaving. At home, looms and spinning wheels were simply part of our living room — it was part of everyday life!
What is your background with Louet?
I studied mechanical engineering and have a background in the metal industry. In 1998, I started my own company developing and manufacturing dental technical tools, which were sold worldwide.
In 2016, my father began looking for a successor for Louët, and in 2017 I started exploring whether that might be the right path for me. Step by step, I grew into the company, developing new products such as the computer dobby, the E-spinner, and the Jane 16-shaft loom. Over time, I took on leadership of Louët and continued to expand and modernize the company.
How did you meet Barry Schacht, and how did that lead to you becoming the new owner of Schacht?
In July 2024, I traveled to the United States to introduce our new E-spinner at a trade show in Wichita. There, I met Barry Schacht — someone I knew by reputation but had never met in person. We started talking, and the next day I drove from Wichita to Boulder to visit his factory. Barry gave me a tour, and from that moment, we immediately clicked. We kept in touch — also with Jane and my partner Lucie — and over time, a strong friendship and professional connection grew.
On September 15, 2025, the transfer of Schacht Spindle Company officially took place. An acquisition like this is no small matter — it’s not something you just pick up at the store — it’s a major and intense process. But it feels truly right that everything has now been finalized.
Are you a spinner or weaver? What other hobbies or interests do you have?
I’m not really a spinner or a weaver myself, but I am highly technical. I understand how products are built, how processes work, and how to improve them. My first goal at Schacht is to carefully analyze the company — to understand first, then improve.
In my free time, I enjoy restoring classic cars, such as my old Porsche and Range Rover, and I once built a wooden house entirely by hand — from the design to the very last board. I also love walking, being in nature, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Boulder, where I’ve been spending a lot of time lately.
What are your goals for Schacht moving forward? How do you envision Schacht, Louet, and Venne collaborating in the future?
Our current focus is on inventory management and delivery reliability. After that, we’ll gradually move toward modernizing production processes, investing in new machinery, and of course, continuing to develop beautiful new products (more on that later 😉).
Schacht is a strong brand with an excellent reputation and a fantastic team. Together with Louët and Venne, I want to strengthen our collaboration even further:
– some Louët products will be produced in Boulder,
– some Schacht products will be produced in Europe,
so that we can work smarter, more sustainably, and more efficiently — with fewer transport movements and stronger local production.
This way, we can share knowledge, strengthen each other, and inspire spinners, weavers, and fiber artists around the world with our products.
What drives you?
My work is my passion. I work 60 to 70 hours a week, but I don’t see it as work. I love improving products, bringing new ideas to life, and building something meaningful together with others.
What's your favorite Schacht product?
Without a doubt, the Baby Wolf — a beautifully engineered design — and of course, Schacht’s spinning wheels, which I consider among the very best in the world.
Thank you all for the warm welcome into the Schacht family.
I look forward to building a strong and inspiring future together.
Warm regards,
Paul Vervoorn