05.05.15
Based in West Seneca, NY, a suburb of Buffalo, Buffalo Felt Products was founded in 1977. The company is owned by Brand Felt, an organization with roots in Germany that was founded in the 1950s. “Buffalo Felt Products was established to increase sales in the U.S.,” says Doug McClinsey, sales manager. The company now sells nationally and internationally, but the bulk of its sales is in the U.S. and Canada.
Buffalo Felt’s base nonwoven product is SAE grade pressed wool felt. The company also manufactures and converts nonwoven needlepunch felts using polyester, polypropylene, meta-aramid, pan, rayon and wool, as well as other fiber blends. “Our markets extend into many industry types from aerospace and automotive to industrial maintenance and commercial products,” McClinsey adds.
In addition to converting its own materials, Buffalo Felt also converts materials they don’t manufacture into gaskets, stripping, pads and other products in various shapes and sizes. The manufacturer also laminates and impregnates substrates to meet customer requirements.
“We are one of few companies that manufacture wool pressed felts and needlepunch felts but also convert our products to finished goods,” McClinskey explains.
Staying ahead of the competition, providing impeccable customer service and continuously enhancing operations are key to the company’s success.
“We understand that technology is very important and we are constantly improving our equipment and IT infrastructure, but we emphasize a personal approach with our customers and vendors,” McClinsey explains. “The customer wants and needs a sales professional who has complete understanding of the products they make or carry and, most importantly, someone they can speak to and not have to leave a voicemail or wait days for a returned phone. Service is everything.”
In the future, the company is planning to focus on medical, thermal insulation and fire retardant products. “We would like to concentrate more in those areas based on current trends and future market predictions where growth should be steady in these industries,” McClinskey says, adding that the future of nonwovens may show advancements in nano technology fibers and companies that make them.
“The nonwovens industry is constantly developing new innovative products for the industrial and consumer base markets and that’s what makes it exciting,” he concludes. n
Buffalo Felt’s base nonwoven product is SAE grade pressed wool felt. The company also manufactures and converts nonwoven needlepunch felts using polyester, polypropylene, meta-aramid, pan, rayon and wool, as well as other fiber blends. “Our markets extend into many industry types from aerospace and automotive to industrial maintenance and commercial products,” McClinsey adds.
In addition to converting its own materials, Buffalo Felt also converts materials they don’t manufacture into gaskets, stripping, pads and other products in various shapes and sizes. The manufacturer also laminates and impregnates substrates to meet customer requirements.
“We are one of few companies that manufacture wool pressed felts and needlepunch felts but also convert our products to finished goods,” McClinskey explains.
Staying ahead of the competition, providing impeccable customer service and continuously enhancing operations are key to the company’s success.
“We understand that technology is very important and we are constantly improving our equipment and IT infrastructure, but we emphasize a personal approach with our customers and vendors,” McClinsey explains. “The customer wants and needs a sales professional who has complete understanding of the products they make or carry and, most importantly, someone they can speak to and not have to leave a voicemail or wait days for a returned phone. Service is everything.”
In the future, the company is planning to focus on medical, thermal insulation and fire retardant products. “We would like to concentrate more in those areas based on current trends and future market predictions where growth should be steady in these industries,” McClinskey says, adding that the future of nonwovens may show advancements in nano technology fibers and companies that make them.
“The nonwovens industry is constantly developing new innovative products for the industrial and consumer base markets and that’s what makes it exciting,” he concludes. n