PFI: Over 65 Years of Experience and Innovation

1956 was a time of new beginnings. Konrad Adenauer was Chancellor, Theodor Heuss was President, and Germany was experiencing economic, technological, and cultural progress. This era was marked by pioneering spirit and inventiveness—qualities that also shaped the founding of PFI. As the footwear industry was being rebuilt, there was a growing demand for a central institution dedicated to testing and researching footwear-related materials. In response, PFI began its operations within the premises of the Pirmasens Shoe Technical School.

Since then, PFI has evolved far beyond the footwear industry, becoming a globally recognised authority in testing, research, and engineering. Today, we drive innovation in new business fields such as biotechnology and renewable energy, setting new standards for the future.

65 Years. 100 Employees. One Shared Vision.

“Machines have a soul. That soul is the human being,” said Erhard Horst Bellermann—a sentiment that reflects our philosophy. Technology, research, and innovation come to life only through the expertise and dedication of our highly qualified employees.

But our commitment extends even further. We actively support the next generation by training technical product designers and IT specialists, taking on lecturing roles at Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences, and supervising diploma and academic theses. Additionally, we play an active role in standardisation committees, shaping the industry norms of the future.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we conduct research, testing, certification, development, and training, always with the goal of connecting knowledge with practical application. With our combination of experience, innovation, and human expertise, we actively shape the future—just as we have for over 65 years.

Quality Through Innovation

The Testing and Research Institute Pirmasens e.V. sees itself as a service provider for business and industry. A key factor in PFI’s success is its innovative strength, which is built on professional excellence. Our quality policy is based on the principle of never settling for what has already been achieved. After all, without a goal, any path is a misguided one.

“The Testing and Research Institute Pirmasens (PFI) is a key centre of expertise for the German footwear industry [...].

In the face of upcoming challenges, it is reassuring to have partners like PFI by our side.”

Manuel Pauser

adidas

“Numerous innovations developed at PFI have repeatedly driven the industry forward in recent years.”

Manfred Junkert

Federal Association of the Footwear and Leather Goods Industry

“PFI recognised the signs of the times early on: researching energy, generating it from bio-waste and biomass, converting it into biogas, electricity, or hydrogen, and storing surplus energy is a highly relevant and forward-looking topic.”

Ralph Rieker

Ricosta

“Almost daily, we rely on your valued expertise, and we couldn't imagine a more reliable partner!”

Andreas Kainz

Think

“I would like to thank you once again for the highly interesting and diverse seminar! From my perspective, I gained a great deal of knowledge, and I am sure it will be very helpful to me in my professional life.”

D. Schacher

adidas

“These principles of appreciation and professional expertise have always been evident in our collaboration. [...] Thank you for your decades of consistently friendly support.”

Bernhard Stiasny

Humanic/Leder&Schuh

“PFI is an essential institution that one would not want to do without. I see PFI primarily as a strong partner for the local industry. Its proximity allows for quick and uncomplicated testing and examinations, even at short notice.”

Ute Rosenfelder

Stockmayer

“For many decades, PFI has been a competent and responsible partner for the industry. It has always recognised the challenges of the time and responded to new developments.”

Michael Huth

Steitz