The Lenzing group, a global market leader for cellulosic fibers, plans to significantly expand its production capacities, investing €120 million in both Europe and Asia. The projects are expected to be completed by 2011. Key measures include the expansion of pulp supply and the increase in the Modal production capacity in Lenzing Austria, a significant expansion of the site in Heiligenkreuz, Austria and the reconstruction of the English site for Tencel in Grimsby, U.K.
The specialty fibers Lenzing Modal and Tencel remain strong in the textile sector, however new applications have been found to add to traditional uses including children's clothing, home textiles, sports clothing and professional clothing. “Our goal is to have our fibers play a role in many fields of application. While the fashion segments are important, we see our fibers catering to a variety of different applications. We open up new windows for new customers and do what’s best for our business as well,” said Dieter Eichinger, the business unit head of Textile Fibers.