06.09.11
Glatfelter is expanding its proprietary festooning capacity in Gatineau, Quebec to provide a sustainable competitive advantage to its customers. This expansion is in response to rapidly growing demand in the Americas.
Jonathan Bourget, vice president and general manager, Advanced Airlaid Materials Business Unit said, "Our festooning technology provides our customers with unique benefits to improve operational efficiency and reduce conversion costs. This investment virtually doubles our North American capacity. Demand for festooned products has been increasing rapidly and adding a new line will position Glatfelter to better serve our growing global customer base."
Glatfelter's festooning technology lowers total logistic costs, improved material handling, increases customers’ converting run-times, generates higher product value due to fewer material splices and low reject rates, creates less dust generation during the de-festooning process and delivers products with high quality and consistent run ability.
Especially in today's challenging global economy, these are critical performance features for manufacturers of end-use nonwoven goods, such as those used in disposable absorbent hygiene and personal care, home care and food packaging products.
Glatfelter operates festooning lines in its Falkenhagen, Germany and Gatineau, Quebec operations. This investment will significantly increase capacity in the Gatineau facility. The project costs are factored into the company's previously reported capital guidance of $60 million to $65 million for 2011.