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2009 International Top 40



Waiting For Recovery




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If there was one thing nearly every company in this year’s top company report has in common it’s, not surprisingly, that they have all faced difficulties during the past 12 months. If there’s another thing they have in common, it is that they are optimistic not only that recovery is near but that they will be well prepared for growth when that day comes.



During 2008, most of the companies profiled reported growth, despite a serious slowdown beginning in the fourth quarter when the global economic crisis hit. These troubles have continued into 2009 for most, leading to staff reductions, line closures and other cost-savings measures. Even in this climate, however, the nonwovens industry continues to invest for the future. This investment might bein the form of a new production line—as is the case with companies like Union Industries and KNH Enterprises—or in new partnerships like the one recently made between Fiberweb and Fitesa in North America or in new product development, which continues to be a focus for practically every company doing business in nonwovens today

As has been the case since Nonwoven Industry started ranking nonwovens producers, Freudenberg Nonwovens was the world’s largest producer of nonwovens this year, with sales surpassing $1.4 billion. This position could be challenged in the near term, however, as many of the German producer’s core markets are under seige. Any of this year’s other top five producers, DuPont, Kimberly-Clark, Ahlstrom or PGI, could easily rise to surpass Freudenberg by this time next year. This year’s edition of the International Top 40 report features two brand new nonwovens producers, both of which are from Israel. Spuntech joins the ranking at number 38 with $86 million in sales last year, while Shalag Industries was tied with KNH and Foss Manufacturing for number 40 with $80 million in sales.

The 42 companies (there was a three-way tie for number 40) profiles in this issue are ranked in terms of their 2008 nonwovens sales (in U.S. dollars). Sales figures are taken from a variety of sources, public documents, company statements, industry estimates, and are only intended to be a guide. The real value of this report are the company profiles, which are taken from interviews with key nonwovens industry executives and provide key information about the largest players in the nonwovens industry. Nonwovens Industry strives to make this report as comprehensive as possible. If you know of a company you think should be included in this ranking next year, please contact us at nonwovens@rodpub.com. As always, we appreciate your comments.