Nonwovens Industry Breaking News

TenCate Sells Stake In Geofabrics Australasia

Ellen W — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:47:00 -0500

Royal Ten Cate (TenCate) and Noel P Hunt International Limited have reached an agreement regarding the acquisition of TenCate’s 50% interest in the Geofabrics Australasia Pty Ltd joint venture based in Cheltenham, Australia. The takeover price of the shares amounts to AUD 40 million (approximately €23 million). The book profit on the sale of the 50% interest amounts to approximately €11 million and will be incorporated in the half-year figures of TenCate.

TenCate acquired its 50% stake in 2005 through its takeover of the Austrian roll goods supplier Polyfelt. Noel P Hunt International Limited was already a joint shareholder in Geofabrics Australasia. Given the strong worldwide market position and the integration of Polyfelt into the geosynthetics activities of TenCate, the equity participation in Geofabrics Australasia, without majority control, is not seen by TenCate as strategic. According to TenCate, agreements have been reached with the company concerning the continuation of commercial cooperation.

Cargill Takes Full Ownership of Natureworks

Karen Bitz — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:36:00 -0500

Cargill will assume full ownership of its joint venture company NatureWorks LLC, the maker of Ingeo bio-based plastics and resins. The change in ownership is part of joint venture partner Teijin Limited’s general portfolio restructuring in response to the global economic downturn.

NatureWorks had operated as a Cargill-Teijin joint venture since October 2007. It was the first biopolymers business with commercial scale for Teijin.
The ownership transfer will not affect day-to-day operations at NatureWorks. CEO Marc Verbruggen indicated the company retains strong prospects for continued growth. NatureWorks operates the only production facility of its kind with the economies of scale needed to compete with traditional oil based plastics.

“We like our position right now,” said Mr. Verbruggen. “While the economic downturn slowed sales growth, we still show growth, which can’t be said of many conventional materials today. Sales have notably rebounded since January—a clear demonstration that the Ingeo product traits and environmental advantages are important to customers, even in times of lower oil prices.”

Cargill officials said that establishing the business as an independent, wholly owned Cargill entity provides NatureWorks with the flexibility to pursue a wide range of opportunities.

“The green product space is ripe for investment and expansion as never before,” said Cargill senior vice president Paul Conway. “As a green pioneer, NatureWorks is well established with a broad product and customer base. While others put up pilot plants, NatureWorks has been commercial for six years, is increasing Ingeo production availability at its first facility and exploring possibilities for a second plant. We’ve rounded the first turn while others are at the starting gate.”

Ingeo fibers and plastics are used by over 100 leading brands and retailers in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Product innovations in broad plastics applications include flexible and rigid fresh food packaging, durable consumer articles, beverage packaging, and in fibers: apparel, home textile, personal care and hygiene applications.

Avanti To Launch First North American Line

Ellen W — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:17:00 -0500

With more than 15 years of experience as an importer of spunbond nonwovens, Avanti Manufacturing, headquartered in Cranbury, NJ, is transitioning into the manufacturing arena. The company is establishing its first nonwovens production facility, which will be based in Clarksville, TN and have a capacity of 4500 metric tons per year. The plant will begin commercial production of polypropylene spunbond nonwovens this month and represents a $13 million capital investment that is expected to create thirty jobs by the end of the second year of operations.

The line is four-beam Impianti system designed to produce materials in 96-inch widths that target industrial applications such as landscaping, bedding and mattress, filtration and others. Based in Italy, Impianti has sold more than 60 machines. Fabric specifications will include color, topical treatment, UV additives, slitting/rewinding and custom packaging. The company will service customers within a geographical target area of 500-750 miles.

"Impianti's technology is designed for use in the industrial rather than hygiene segment—another reason for us to choose this machine," said Ash Mehta of Avanti. Commenting on the company's strategy, Mr. Ash added, "We chose Tennessee because of its central location. Backward integration will offer us less dependence on overseas suppliers."

JM Named Top 100 Innovator

Ellen W — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:15:00 -0500

On June 26, the Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration) ranked Johns Manville (JM), a manufacturer of polyester spunbond and glass fiber nonwovens for building and industrial applications, among the “Top 100” most innovative German mid-sized companies. During a ceremony in Königswinter’s “Gästehaus Petersberg,” Lothar Späth, former prime minister of Baden-Württemberg and mentor of the program, presented the prestigious “Top 100” seal to Johns Manville executives Werner Groh, technology leader, and Christian Hassmann, marketing leader.

This is the first time JM has participated in the 17-year-old program. To qualify for this honor, JM participated in a strict two-step process managed by the University that ultimately recognized the company for its culture of innovation that encompassed “innovation promoting top-management,” “innovation climate,” “innovation processes and organization,” “innovation marketing” and “innovation success.”

“Our innovation is supported by more than 220 patents, 40 of which were awarded in the past three years,” explained Dr. Groh. “Our business team of 950 employees uses Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing tools and processes, which strengthens our credibility among our customers and other partners. We have a well-established innovation process and we believe there is no better way to overcome the challenges of a difficult economic environment.”

Union Industries To Add Spunmelt Technology

Karen Bitz — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:01:00 -0500

Union Industries SpA is investing in a six-beam, 5.2 meter Reicofil spunmelt line which will add 24,000 tons per year to its current capacity. The new line, featuring SSMMMS technology, is expected to start up during the third quarter of next year.

According to executives at the Masserano, Italy nonwovens producer, the decision to build a new line was driven by Union’s goal of supplying the hygiene and medical nonwovens market with high quality, ultra-lightweight nonwovens.

Union Industries’ most recent investment was a Reicofil 4 SSS system, a 4.2 meter that came onstream at the end of 2006, bringing the company’s total capacity to 60,000 tons per year. All of the company’s current manufacturing assets are based on Reicofil technology.

The company’s total throughput with this latest investment will be 84,000 tons.

FHP Establishes Indian JV

Karen Bitz — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:16:00 -0500

Freudenberg Household Products is the latest company to focus its growth strategy toward India. Its subsidiary Freudenberg Household Products and Gala Brush Limited, a leading Indian manufacturer of cleaning products, have signed an agreement to build up a production and sales joint venture.

The new company, Freudenberg Gala Household Products, will be located in Mumbai and take over Gala Brush’s current 200 employees. Construction of a modern plant using Gala Brush and FHP technologies is planned for 2010 in India. FHP holds a 60% share of the company.

"This joint venture continues our proven concept of long-term relations with local family companies," Peter Bettermann, speaker of the Freudenberg Management Board, said. "Values such as trust, reliability, responsible entrepreneurship and a high level of customer orientation have characterized both of our companies for many years."

The joint venture will operate both in the "consumer" and "professional" cleaning business in India, managed by an experienced management team of Gala family members and Freudenberg employees. The joint venture of two successful family companies will form a strong basis to build up a leading position in the growing mechanical cleaning market in India under the brands Gala and vileda.

"The two companies complement each other perfectly. The joint venture will form a strong platform to combine Gala Brush`s strong sales and customer network on the Indian market with FHP`s international expertise and customer relationships. We can now also provide our customers in India with our worldwide proven full service offering for the retail market," said Klaus Peter Meier, president and CEO of Freudenberg Household Products.

Gala Brush Limited is a 50-year old family company now managed by the third generation of family members. The company develops produces and markets high-quality mechanical household cleaning products in India under the Gala brand name. The product range includes cleaning systems and cloths for the “consumer" and "professional" business segments. The company employs 200 people at four sites in India.

"Together, we can continue to expand our position on the fast-growing Indian market with Freudenberg's international expertise, technical know-how and innovative products," stated Chandrakant Gala, designated President of Freudenberg Gala Household Products Pvt. Limited.

Fiberweb, Fitesa Finalize JV

Karen Bitz — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:23:00 -0500

Fiberweb and Fitesa have finalized plans to establish a 50/50 joint venture agreement and the world’s second largest spunbond materials in the Americas by merging their assets in North America. Under the name, FitesaFiberweb, the new venture will include Fitesa’s assets in South America as well as its planned expansion in the southeast U.S., and Fibwerb’s plants in Washougal, WA and Queretaro, Mexico and Simpsonville, TN. The focus of the company will be on lightweight nonwovens for the hygiene products business.

According to Fiberweb CEO Daniel Dayan the deal provides his company with exposure to new equipment in North America as well as a South American customer base. Fitesa meanwhile will benefit from Fiberweb’s experience and its financialand technological support.

Together, the joint assets achieved combined sales of $191 million last year.

"We are delighted that Petropar and Fiberweb have been able to negotiate the creation of this imaginative venture swiftly and smoothly. We share a common interest in building a leading player in all parts of the Americas and in accelerating and derisking investment plans that both parties were considering individually,” Mr. Dayan said. “In these challenging times, we are implementing a model that focuses scarce capital on cost-effective investment to meet customers' needs for leading-edge products on a regional and global basis and that allows economies of scale to be achieved."

Fiberweb Adding French Meltblown Line

Karen Bitz — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:21:00 -0500

Fiberweb is adding a new meltblown line in Biesheim, France to significantly increase its capacity forair filtration media used in medical facemasks, respirators and HVAC applications.

Meltblowing is a versatile and cost effective process for producing microfiber nonwovens in one step from thermoplastic resins, according to the company. The Biesheim operation has been manufacturing specialized meltblown products for over 18 years and will utilize this expertise to facilitate increased production of superior quality materials.

The new line is expected to be complete in January 2010. Already Fiberweb has received commitments from several key customers that require increased amounts of the filter media. Industry statistics indicate the specialty air filtration business continues to grow despite the global economic slow down and with this investment Fiberweb will be well positioned to support that growth.

P&G Reorganizes Executive Team

Ellen W — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:01:00 -0500

Procter & Gamble has made two key changes in its executive lineup. In the first, Charlotte Otto, global external relations officer, will retire effective February 15, 2010, after 33 years of service and 13 years as head of external relations. She will step down from her current role on July 1, 2009. Ms. Otto will then serve on special assignment reporting to A. G. Lafley, chairman of the board, to support him in his role as full-time P&G chairman and chair of the 2009 Cincinnati community United Way campaign.

In another change at P&G, Christopher Hassall, currently vice president, corporate communications and reputation and North America external relations, has been named global external relations officer, effective July 1, 2009, reporting to RobertMcDonald, newly elected president and chief executive on corporate-related external relations matters, and to Marc Pritchard, global brand building officer, on brand-related external relations matters.

Focke Expands Case Packaging Range

Ellen W — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:48:00 -0500

Focke & Co. has expanded its line of side and top load case packing solutions with a new, patent-registered HFP concept. Introduced to the international marketplace in March, the new case packer offers high flexibility for challenging packaging using the latest technology. Especially fragile bagged goods or cartoned products can be packed in RSC and HSC cases, even incorporating hoods for two-piece packaging approaches.

”Today, secondary product packaging is simultaneously ‘shelf-ready’ packaging,” said Michael Przytulla, director sales & marketing of Focke’s general packaging division. “Therefore, it has to be optimized in design and packaging automation to be streamlined to the point of sale. Our customers expect suitable protection of their products and at the same time an attractive package. With these requirements, the case additionally needs to be capacity-optimized for SKU optimization of our users and also to maximize shelf space accordingly,” he explained.

Huntsman Acquires Indian Unit Of Metrochem

Ellen W — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:34:00 -0500

Huntsman Corp. has purchased the Baroda, India unit of Metrochem Industries Ltd., a manufacturing facility for the production of intermediates and specialty products for textiles. Financial terms weren't disclosed.With 700 employees and contractors, the Baroda unit has current annual sales of approximately 2.4 billion rupees ($49 million).

“This acquisition is a major milestone in our strategy. With this move we are realigning our manufacturing footprint towards Asia, the region that will fuel our growth in the years to come,” said Paul Hulme, president of Huntsman’s Textile Effects division.

The site in Baroda is the second largest (after Basel, Switzerland) within the Huntsman Textile Effects division and has potential for further expansion, especially in the fields of specialty dyes and key intermediates needed for the production of dyes in India and other TE plants. The integration of the Baroda site with Huntsman’s existing manufacturing sites in Qingdao and Panyu, China as well as Mahachai, Thailand, will mark a decisive step in making Asia the principal hub of Huntsman's Textile Effects division and the main manufacturing platform to support the future of the technical textiles industry in the region and ensure our long term global competitiveness.

Huntsman's Textile Effects division also recently unveiled its new business structure, designed to focus on selected market segments and shifting its center of business to Asia. An important component of the new structure is the recently announced move of the division's global headquarters from Basel to Singapore.

FTA Contributes to New Thrace Line

Karen Bitz — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:04:00 -0500

Ford, Trimble & Associates has contributed to a new high-tech nonwoven production line at Thrace-Linq's Summerville, SC facility. The new line will make nonwovens for the geosynthetics industry.

FTA and it principals supplied a fiber opening and blending system, oven and tenter, winding and slitting system as well as automated packaging on the NSC needlepunch line, which is capable of producing high performance technical fabrics.

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SCA Targets Chinese AI Market

Karen Bitz — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:02:00 -0500

Tena, SCA's global incontinence brand, is now targeting China. At the end of March 2009, the TENApilot launch was kicked off with a meeting in Gangzhou, South China's largest city.

"We are looking forward to a great journey ahead for Tena to be China's number one incontinence brand in the future,"said Daniel Huang, SCA's regional director for incontinence care in North Asia.

The launch was followed with the introduction of www.tena.cn. "Like in many other places, incontinence is still considered taboo by lots of people here in China. We hope the website can provide visitors a comfortable and relaxing environment by normalizing incontinence in an open way,"said Suk Hee Kim, marketing director for incontinence products in China.

P&G Names McDonald Next CEO

Karen Bitz — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:24:00 -0500

Robert McDonald, a 30-yearveteran at Procter &Gamble, has been named president and chief executive, effective July 1. He replaced A.G. Lafley who will move full-time into his role as chairman. Currently, COO, Mr. McDonald has nearly 30 years of brand-building, market development, global business unit and global operations leadership across the company and throughout the world. He was named CEO after a rigorous, multi-year succession process.

“I’ve worked with Bob for most of my career at P&G, and he and I have worked side-by- side over the past decade,” said Mr. Lafley.“He believes in P&G’s purpose and P&G people to his core.He has broad experience in every facet of P&G’s business and in virtually every part of the world.He has a strong and consistent track record of business results and has been an
integral member of my leadership team.He thinks strategically and operates systemically.He has my complete confidence and support.”

Mr. Lafley became president and CEOof P&Gin June 2000. Since then, he has refocused P&Gon consumer-driven innovation and consistent, reliable growth. The company has more than doubled its sales since the beginning of the decade and grown its portfolio of billion dollar brands.

EDANA Adds Board Member

Ellen W — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:55:00 -0500

At its Annual General Meeting, EDANA, the international association serving the nonwovens and related industries, has appointed Patricia Featherstone to the board of governors. As head of RKW’s Strategic Hygiene and Medical business unit, thecommercial director of the RKW ACE and the joint head of the strategi business unit for RKWSE, she has a thorough understanding of the market and a long-standing involvement with EDANA.

Formed in 1971, EDANA is the voice that represents the common interests of 220 globally active member companies in the nonwovens and related industries. The Brussels-based organization also promotes industry presentations and exhibitions, is actively involved in environmental issues that impact the industry and future product developments as well as providing training of employees of member companies.

RKW SE is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of high quality polyethylene and polypropylene films, nonwovens and nets. The company employs over 2700 people in 18 locations around the world and generated sales of €680 million in the 2008 business year.