Jofo Nonwovens
Location: Guanzhou, Guang Dong, China
Sales: $118 million
Description: Plants
Guanzhou, Weifang, Shandong, China
Processes
Spunbond, meltblown, SMS
Markets
Hygiene, medical, industrial
The Jofo Group was established in 2000 with the goal of becoming one of the world’s largest nonwovens producers. The company currently owns 10 subsidiary companies in Guangdong, Shandong, Hubei, Sichuan and Hong Kong and has annual sales of about RMB800 million ($118 million).
Based in China, Jofo sells its nonwovens all over the world. Processes include composite, meltblown, SMS and spunbond for hygiene, industrial and geotextile applications.
Through a joint venture agreement with Weifang Investment Corporation, established in 2007, Jofo spent a reported $50 million on a 4.2-meter Reicofil 4 SS line capable of making 16,000 tons of nonwovens per year. In November, the companies announced that phase two of the project was underway—another two lines, representing 50,000 tons of capacity, would be installed soon.
According to the companies, Jofo Weifang plans to ultimately operates at least eight advanced spunmelt lines with a total production capacity of more than 150,000 tons, making it one of the largest nonwovens producers in Asia for the hygiene, medical and protective apparel markets. Additionally, the venture plans to set up a research and development center for hygiene and medical applications in Weifang with financial support from the Chinese government.
Since 2000, the company has last operated Shandong Jofo Nonwoven Co., a maker of spunbond, meltblown and SMS composite nonwovens located in the New & High Technology Industrial Development Zone in Dongying , Shandong Province.
In 2001, the company introduced the STP third-generation improved twin-engined production line from Italy and the matching Kusters hot rolling mill from Germany. Its annual production capacity for spunbonded polypropylene silk nonwoven fabrics is 7000 tons; in 2004 Shandong Jofo introduced Reifenhouser meltblown nonwoven fabric production line with an annual output of 3000 tons of PP or PET. Meanwhile, it introduced Kusters hot rolling mill compound facilities and adopted the unique one-step-and-a-half processing techniques so as to provide world-class SMS compound nonwoven fabrics to its clients.
Sales: $118 million
Description: Plants
Guanzhou, Weifang, Shandong, China
Processes
Spunbond, meltblown, SMS
Markets
Hygiene, medical, industrial
The Jofo Group was established in 2000 with the goal of becoming one of the world’s largest nonwovens producers. The company currently owns 10 subsidiary companies in Guangdong, Shandong, Hubei, Sichuan and Hong Kong and has annual sales of about RMB800 million ($118 million).
Based in China, Jofo sells its nonwovens all over the world. Processes include composite, meltblown, SMS and spunbond for hygiene, industrial and geotextile applications.
Through a joint venture agreement with Weifang Investment Corporation, established in 2007, Jofo spent a reported $50 million on a 4.2-meter Reicofil 4 SS line capable of making 16,000 tons of nonwovens per year. In November, the companies announced that phase two of the project was underway—another two lines, representing 50,000 tons of capacity, would be installed soon.
According to the companies, Jofo Weifang plans to ultimately operates at least eight advanced spunmelt lines with a total production capacity of more than 150,000 tons, making it one of the largest nonwovens producers in Asia for the hygiene, medical and protective apparel markets. Additionally, the venture plans to set up a research and development center for hygiene and medical applications in Weifang with financial support from the Chinese government.
Since 2000, the company has last operated Shandong Jofo Nonwoven Co., a maker of spunbond, meltblown and SMS composite nonwovens located in the New & High Technology Industrial Development Zone in Dongying , Shandong Province.
In 2001, the company introduced the STP third-generation improved twin-engined production line from Italy and the matching Kusters hot rolling mill from Germany. Its annual production capacity for spunbonded polypropylene silk nonwoven fabrics is 7000 tons; in 2004 Shandong Jofo introduced Reifenhouser meltblown nonwoven fabric production line with an annual output of 3000 tons of PP or PET. Meanwhile, it introduced Kusters hot rolling mill compound facilities and adopted the unique one-step-and-a-half processing techniques so as to provide world-class SMS compound nonwoven fabrics to its clients.
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
www.jofo.com.cn
2011 Nonwovens Sales: $120 million
Plants: Guangzhou, Weifang, Shandong, China
Processes: Spunbond, meltblown, SMS
Major Markets: Hygiene, medical, industrial
By year’s end China’s The Jofo Group will start up its new 3.2-meter wide, multi-beam Reicofil-4 spunmelt line and a separate finishing line in its Weifang plant in Shandong, China. Representing a reported $60 million investment, the new line will join an existing 4.2 meter Reicofil-4 multibeam line at the Weifang plant, which will be able to make more than 30,000 tons of material after the second line is complete. Jofo will target the rapidly growing disposable hygiene and medical application areas in Asia with the new capacity.
Jofo’s current nonwovens capacity is more than 55,000 tons, and the company has production facilities in Guangdong, Shandong and some other areas in China. The second Weifang line and other ongoing projects will bring the company’s total capacity above 100,000 tons by the end of 2012.
Jofo plans to continue investing in adding new capacity as well as research and development in the nonwovens areas to forge core competence in supplying premium nonwovens to disposable hygiene, medical, geotextile, industrial and other application areas, according to executives.
The Jofo Group was established in 2000 with the goal of becoming one of the world’s largest nonwovens producers. The company currently owns 10 subsidiary companies in Guangdong, Shandong, Hubei, Sichuan and Hong Kong and has annual sales of about RMB 800 million ($120 million).
Based in China, Jofo sells its nonwovens all over the world. Processes include composite, meltblown, SMS and spunbond for hygiene, industrial and geotextile applications.
Through a joint venture agreement with Weifang Investment Corporation, established in 2007, Jofo spent a reported $50 million on a 4.2-meter Reicofil 4 SS line capable of making 16,000 tons of nonwovens per year.
According to the companies, Jofo Weifang ultimately plans to operate at least eight advanced spunmelt lines with a total production capacity of more than 150,000 tons, making it one of the largest nonwovens producers in Asia for the hygiene, medical and protective apparel markets. Additionally, the venture plans to set up a research and development center for hygiene and medical applications in Weifang with financial support from the Chinese government.
Since 2000, the company has operated Shandong Jofo Nonwoven Co., a maker of spunbond, meltblown and SMS composite nonwovens located in the New & High Technology Industrial Development Zone in Dongying, Shandong Province.
In 2001, the company introduced the STP third-generation, improved twin-engine production line from Italy and the matching Kusters hot rolling mill from Germany. Its annual production capacity for spunbond polypropylene silk nonwoven fabrics is 7,000 tons; in 2004 Shandong Jofo introduced a Reifenhouser meltblown nonwoven fabric production line with an annual output of 3,000 tons of PP or PET. Meanwhile, it introduced Küsters hot rolling mill compound facilities and adopted the unique one-and-a-half-step processing techniques to provide world-class SMS compound nonwoven fabrics to its clients.
In addition to the hygiene market, where Jofo offers lightweight, soft spunmelt nonwovens, other core markets include medical and industrial protective apparel, automotive, furniture and bedding materials, filtration media, agricultural and horticultural and geotextiles.
www.jofo.com.cn
2011 Nonwovens Sales: $120 million
Plants: Guangzhou, Weifang, Shandong, China
Processes: Spunbond, meltblown, SMS
Major Markets: Hygiene, medical, industrial
By year’s end China’s The Jofo Group will start up its new 3.2-meter wide, multi-beam Reicofil-4 spunmelt line and a separate finishing line in its Weifang plant in Shandong, China. Representing a reported $60 million investment, the new line will join an existing 4.2 meter Reicofil-4 multibeam line at the Weifang plant, which will be able to make more than 30,000 tons of material after the second line is complete. Jofo will target the rapidly growing disposable hygiene and medical application areas in Asia with the new capacity.
Jofo’s current nonwovens capacity is more than 55,000 tons, and the company has production facilities in Guangdong, Shandong and some other areas in China. The second Weifang line and other ongoing projects will bring the company’s total capacity above 100,000 tons by the end of 2012.
Jofo plans to continue investing in adding new capacity as well as research and development in the nonwovens areas to forge core competence in supplying premium nonwovens to disposable hygiene, medical, geotextile, industrial and other application areas, according to executives.
The Jofo Group was established in 2000 with the goal of becoming one of the world’s largest nonwovens producers. The company currently owns 10 subsidiary companies in Guangdong, Shandong, Hubei, Sichuan and Hong Kong and has annual sales of about RMB 800 million ($120 million).
Based in China, Jofo sells its nonwovens all over the world. Processes include composite, meltblown, SMS and spunbond for hygiene, industrial and geotextile applications.
Through a joint venture agreement with Weifang Investment Corporation, established in 2007, Jofo spent a reported $50 million on a 4.2-meter Reicofil 4 SS line capable of making 16,000 tons of nonwovens per year.
According to the companies, Jofo Weifang ultimately plans to operate at least eight advanced spunmelt lines with a total production capacity of more than 150,000 tons, making it one of the largest nonwovens producers in Asia for the hygiene, medical and protective apparel markets. Additionally, the venture plans to set up a research and development center for hygiene and medical applications in Weifang with financial support from the Chinese government.
Since 2000, the company has operated Shandong Jofo Nonwoven Co., a maker of spunbond, meltblown and SMS composite nonwovens located in the New & High Technology Industrial Development Zone in Dongying, Shandong Province.
In 2001, the company introduced the STP third-generation, improved twin-engine production line from Italy and the matching Kusters hot rolling mill from Germany. Its annual production capacity for spunbond polypropylene silk nonwoven fabrics is 7,000 tons; in 2004 Shandong Jofo introduced a Reifenhouser meltblown nonwoven fabric production line with an annual output of 3,000 tons of PP or PET. Meanwhile, it introduced Küsters hot rolling mill compound facilities and adopted the unique one-and-a-half-step processing techniques to provide world-class SMS compound nonwoven fabrics to its clients.
In addition to the hygiene market, where Jofo offers lightweight, soft spunmelt nonwovens, other core markets include medical and industrial protective apparel, automotive, furniture and bedding materials, filtration media, agricultural and horticultural and geotextiles.
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
www.jofo.com.cn
2012 Nonwovens Sales: $125 million
Plants: Guangzhou, Weifang, Shandong, China
Processes: Spunbond, meltblown, SMS
Major Markets: Hygiene, medical, industrial
Sales will receive a big boost in 2013 for China’s the Jofo Group. The company started up its new 3.2-meter wide, multi-beam Reicofil-4 spunmelt line and a separate finishing line in its Weifang plant in Shandong, China during the final months of 2012 and the line should start contributing to sales this year.
Representing a reported $60 million investment, the new line will join an existing 4.2 meter Reicofil-4 multibeam line at the Weifang plant, which will be able to make more than 30,000 tons of material after the second line is complete. Jofo will target the rapidly growing disposable hygiene and medical application areas in Asia with the new capacity.
Jofo’s current nonwovens capacity is more than 55,000 tons, and the company has production facilities in Guangdong, Shandong and some other areas in China. The second Weifang line and other ongoing projects will bring the company’s total capacity above 100,000 tons by the end of 2012.
Jofo plans to continue investing in adding new capacity as well as research and development in the nonwovens areas to forge core competence in supplying premium nonwovens to disposable hygiene, medical, geotextile, industrial and other application areas, according to executives. The Jofo Group was established in 2000 with the goal of becoming one of the world’s largest nonwovens producers.
The company currently owns 10 subsidiary companies in Guangdong, Shandong, Hubei, Sichuan and Hong Kong and has annual sales of about RMB 800 million ($125 million). Based in China, Jofo sells its nonwovens all over the world. Processes include composite, meltblown, SMS and spunbond for hygiene, industrial and geotextile applications.
Through a joint venture agreement with Weifang Investment Corporation, established in 2007, Jofo spent a reported $50 million on a 4.2-meter Reicofi l 4 SS line capable of making 16,000 tons of nonwovens per year. According to the companies, Jofo Weifang ultimately plans to operate at least eight advanced spunmelt lines with a total production capacity of more than 150,000 tons, making it one of the largest nonwovens producers in Asia for the hygiene, medical and protective apparel markets. Additionally, the venture plans to set up a research and development center for hygiene and medical applications in Weifang with financial support from the Chinese government.
Since 2000, the company has operated Shandong Jofo Nonwoven Co., a maker of spunbond, meltblown and SMS composite nonwovens located in the New & High Technology Industrial Development Zone in Dongying, Shandong Province. In 2001, the company introduced the STP third-generation, improved twin-engine production line from Italy and the matching Kusters hot rolling mill from Germany. Its annual production capacity for spunbond polypropylene silk nonwoven fabrics is 7000 tons; in 2004 Shandong Jofo introduced a Reifenhauser meltblown nonwoven fabric production line with an annual output of 3000 tons of polypropylene or polyester.
Meanwhile, Jofo has introduced a Küsters hot rolling mill compound facilities and adopted the unique one-and-a-halfstep processing techniques to provide world-class SMS compound nonwoven fabrics to its clients. In addition to the hygiene market, where Jofo offers lightweight, soft spunmelt nonwovens, other core markets include medical and industrial protective apparel, automotive, furniture and bedding materials, filtration media, agricultural and horticultural and geotextiles.
www.jofo.com.cn
2012 Nonwovens Sales: $125 million
Plants: Guangzhou, Weifang, Shandong, China
Processes: Spunbond, meltblown, SMS
Major Markets: Hygiene, medical, industrial
Sales will receive a big boost in 2013 for China’s the Jofo Group. The company started up its new 3.2-meter wide, multi-beam Reicofil-4 spunmelt line and a separate finishing line in its Weifang plant in Shandong, China during the final months of 2012 and the line should start contributing to sales this year.
Representing a reported $60 million investment, the new line will join an existing 4.2 meter Reicofil-4 multibeam line at the Weifang plant, which will be able to make more than 30,000 tons of material after the second line is complete. Jofo will target the rapidly growing disposable hygiene and medical application areas in Asia with the new capacity.
Jofo’s current nonwovens capacity is more than 55,000 tons, and the company has production facilities in Guangdong, Shandong and some other areas in China. The second Weifang line and other ongoing projects will bring the company’s total capacity above 100,000 tons by the end of 2012.
Jofo plans to continue investing in adding new capacity as well as research and development in the nonwovens areas to forge core competence in supplying premium nonwovens to disposable hygiene, medical, geotextile, industrial and other application areas, according to executives. The Jofo Group was established in 2000 with the goal of becoming one of the world’s largest nonwovens producers.
The company currently owns 10 subsidiary companies in Guangdong, Shandong, Hubei, Sichuan and Hong Kong and has annual sales of about RMB 800 million ($125 million). Based in China, Jofo sells its nonwovens all over the world. Processes include composite, meltblown, SMS and spunbond for hygiene, industrial and geotextile applications.
Through a joint venture agreement with Weifang Investment Corporation, established in 2007, Jofo spent a reported $50 million on a 4.2-meter Reicofi l 4 SS line capable of making 16,000 tons of nonwovens per year. According to the companies, Jofo Weifang ultimately plans to operate at least eight advanced spunmelt lines with a total production capacity of more than 150,000 tons, making it one of the largest nonwovens producers in Asia for the hygiene, medical and protective apparel markets. Additionally, the venture plans to set up a research and development center for hygiene and medical applications in Weifang with financial support from the Chinese government.
Since 2000, the company has operated Shandong Jofo Nonwoven Co., a maker of spunbond, meltblown and SMS composite nonwovens located in the New & High Technology Industrial Development Zone in Dongying, Shandong Province. In 2001, the company introduced the STP third-generation, improved twin-engine production line from Italy and the matching Kusters hot rolling mill from Germany. Its annual production capacity for spunbond polypropylene silk nonwoven fabrics is 7000 tons; in 2004 Shandong Jofo introduced a Reifenhauser meltblown nonwoven fabric production line with an annual output of 3000 tons of polypropylene or polyester.
Meanwhile, Jofo has introduced a Küsters hot rolling mill compound facilities and adopted the unique one-and-a-halfstep processing techniques to provide world-class SMS compound nonwoven fabrics to its clients. In addition to the hygiene market, where Jofo offers lightweight, soft spunmelt nonwovens, other core markets include medical and industrial protective apparel, automotive, furniture and bedding materials, filtration media, agricultural and horticultural and geotextiles.
Guangzhou, China
www.jofo.com.cn
2013 Nonwovens Sales: $162 million
Plants
Guangzhou, Weifang, Shandong, China
Processes
Spunbond, meltblown, SMS
Major Markets
Hygiene, medical, industrial
In fiscal 2013, Jofo Nonwovens sold more than RMB1biliion ($161.6 million) of nonwoven roll goods worldwide, with most of its revenues coming from plants located in Zhaoqing, Guangdong; Weifang; and Dongying, Shandong in China.
Three existing production lines—one meltblown and two SMS—in Jofo’s Weifang plant generated about RMB380million ($62mn) sales in 2013. Roughly 60-70% of these hygiene and personal care products based material went to overseas markets. The company says that when 100% of its capacity is reached in 2015, the single plant is expected to contribute RMB500-600million per year in sales for Jofo Group.
The Dongying plant boasts to have the most diversified nonwovens product portfolio including spunbond, meltblown and SMS composite nonwovens capability in the Jofo Group and the materials are widely used in industrial, medical and protective applications, as well as filtration, agriculture, packaging and construction sectors.
One of its six existing spunbond lines were imported from STP, Italy, while the company reports the other five were sourced locally. The plant also operates five melt-blown lines with variable capacities, i.e., one is close to 10,000 tons per year, while the smaller one that was put into operation recently could yield about 600-1,000 tons per year.
In addition, five production lines are installed in the Jofo’s Zhaoqing, Guangdong plant, while another is under installation in a Jiangxi facility. These two plants are focused on high-tech geotextiles applications and the household nonwovens market, with capacity above 20,000 tons per year.
While discussing the current market environment the company says that 2013 and the next three to five years will be a little tough for the industry as a whole. While there are uncertainties in the macro-economies, several big production lines with capacities of between 15,000-20,000 tons per year each, which were invested three to four years ago, are coming into operation in 2014, including PGI in Jiujiang, Jiangxi; Toray in Nantong, Jiangsu; and Mitsui Chemicals in Tianjin. Jofo says the market needs time to digest all these newly added capacities, which surely will drive competition into even more fierce conditions.
Nevertheless, Jofo is optimistic to keep its growing pace at about 25-30% with focused strategy on innovation, product upgrading and cost-efficiency optimization. As one of the leading nonwovens manufacturers in China, Jofo owns strong R&D capabilities. The company boasts that most of its locally made production lines are incorporated elements from the company itself, based on its understanding of equipment, processes optimization and product development, which features additional competitiveness on cost-efficiency and flexibility.
Currently, R&D investment accounts for about 5% of its revenues, with multiple projects underway in-house and with close cooperation with institutions. The company will introduce more high value-added, special functional nonwovens that suit different market needs in the future, including biomedical products for the aging population and high-tech geotextiles, among others.
Jofo also says it expects a better regulatory and legal operating environment to encourage innovation and IP protection moving forward in the years ahead.
www.jofo.com.cn
2013 Nonwovens Sales: $162 million
Plants
Guangzhou, Weifang, Shandong, China
Processes
Spunbond, meltblown, SMS
Major Markets
Hygiene, medical, industrial
In fiscal 2013, Jofo Nonwovens sold more than RMB1biliion ($161.6 million) of nonwoven roll goods worldwide, with most of its revenues coming from plants located in Zhaoqing, Guangdong; Weifang; and Dongying, Shandong in China.
Three existing production lines—one meltblown and two SMS—in Jofo’s Weifang plant generated about RMB380million ($62mn) sales in 2013. Roughly 60-70% of these hygiene and personal care products based material went to overseas markets. The company says that when 100% of its capacity is reached in 2015, the single plant is expected to contribute RMB500-600million per year in sales for Jofo Group.
The Dongying plant boasts to have the most diversified nonwovens product portfolio including spunbond, meltblown and SMS composite nonwovens capability in the Jofo Group and the materials are widely used in industrial, medical and protective applications, as well as filtration, agriculture, packaging and construction sectors.
One of its six existing spunbond lines were imported from STP, Italy, while the company reports the other five were sourced locally. The plant also operates five melt-blown lines with variable capacities, i.e., one is close to 10,000 tons per year, while the smaller one that was put into operation recently could yield about 600-1,000 tons per year.
In addition, five production lines are installed in the Jofo’s Zhaoqing, Guangdong plant, while another is under installation in a Jiangxi facility. These two plants are focused on high-tech geotextiles applications and the household nonwovens market, with capacity above 20,000 tons per year.
While discussing the current market environment the company says that 2013 and the next three to five years will be a little tough for the industry as a whole. While there are uncertainties in the macro-economies, several big production lines with capacities of between 15,000-20,000 tons per year each, which were invested three to four years ago, are coming into operation in 2014, including PGI in Jiujiang, Jiangxi; Toray in Nantong, Jiangsu; and Mitsui Chemicals in Tianjin. Jofo says the market needs time to digest all these newly added capacities, which surely will drive competition into even more fierce conditions.
Nevertheless, Jofo is optimistic to keep its growing pace at about 25-30% with focused strategy on innovation, product upgrading and cost-efficiency optimization. As one of the leading nonwovens manufacturers in China, Jofo owns strong R&D capabilities. The company boasts that most of its locally made production lines are incorporated elements from the company itself, based on its understanding of equipment, processes optimization and product development, which features additional competitiveness on cost-efficiency and flexibility.
Currently, R&D investment accounts for about 5% of its revenues, with multiple projects underway in-house and with close cooperation with institutions. The company will introduce more high value-added, special functional nonwovens that suit different market needs in the future, including biomedical products for the aging population and high-tech geotextiles, among others.
Jofo also says it expects a better regulatory and legal operating environment to encourage innovation and IP protection moving forward in the years ahead.
Jofo Nonwovens
Guangzhou, China
www.jofo.com.cn
2014 Nonwovens Sales: $151million
Plants
Guangzhou, Weifang, Shandong, China
Processes
Spunbond, meltblown, SMS
Major Markets
Hygiene, medical, industrial
In fiscal 2014, Jofo Nonwovens faced a challenging year with sales mostly down. Most of its revenues came from plants located in Zhaoqing, Guangdong; Weifang; and Dongying, Shandong in China. Three existing production lines—one meltblown and two SMS—in Jofo’s Weifang plant generated about $62 million sales in 2013.
Roughly 60-70% of ots hygiene and personal care products based material went to overseas markets and the company is hoping to achieve full capacity by the end of 2015.
One of its six existing spunbond lines were imported from STP, Italy, while the company reports the other five were sourced locally. The plant also operates five meltblown lines with variable capacities, i.e., one is close to 10,000 tons per year, while the smaller one that was put into operation recently could yield about 600-1,000 tons per year.
In addition, five production lines are installed in the Jofo’s Zhaoqing, Guangdong plant, while another is under installation in a Jiangxi facility. These two plants are focused on high-tech geotextiles applications and the household nonwovens market, with capacity above 20,000 tons per year. While discussing the current market environment the company says that the next three to five years will be a little tough for the industry as a whole.
The company will introduce more high value-added, special functional nonwovens that suit different market needs in the future, including biomedical products for the aging population and high-tech geotextiles, among others.
Jofo also says it expects a better regulatory and legal operating environment to encourage innovation and IP protection moving forward in the years ahead.
Guangzhou, China
www.jofo.com.cn
2014 Nonwovens Sales: $151million
Plants
Guangzhou, Weifang, Shandong, China
Processes
Spunbond, meltblown, SMS
Major Markets
Hygiene, medical, industrial
In fiscal 2014, Jofo Nonwovens faced a challenging year with sales mostly down. Most of its revenues came from plants located in Zhaoqing, Guangdong; Weifang; and Dongying, Shandong in China. Three existing production lines—one meltblown and two SMS—in Jofo’s Weifang plant generated about $62 million sales in 2013.
Roughly 60-70% of ots hygiene and personal care products based material went to overseas markets and the company is hoping to achieve full capacity by the end of 2015.
One of its six existing spunbond lines were imported from STP, Italy, while the company reports the other five were sourced locally. The plant also operates five meltblown lines with variable capacities, i.e., one is close to 10,000 tons per year, while the smaller one that was put into operation recently could yield about 600-1,000 tons per year.
In addition, five production lines are installed in the Jofo’s Zhaoqing, Guangdong plant, while another is under installation in a Jiangxi facility. These two plants are focused on high-tech geotextiles applications and the household nonwovens market, with capacity above 20,000 tons per year. While discussing the current market environment the company says that the next three to five years will be a little tough for the industry as a whole.
The company will introduce more high value-added, special functional nonwovens that suit different market needs in the future, including biomedical products for the aging population and high-tech geotextiles, among others.
Jofo also says it expects a better regulatory and legal operating environment to encourage innovation and IP protection moving forward in the years ahead.
Guangzhou, China
www.jofo.com.cn
2015 Nonwovens Sales: $140 million
Plants
Guangzhou, Weifang, Shandong, China
Processes
Spunbond, meltblown, SMS
Major Markets
Hygiene, medical, industrial
Jofo Nonwovens continues to face a challenges in its nonwovens business. Most of its revenues came from plants located in Zhaoqing, Guangdong; Weifang; and Dongying, Shandong in China. Three existing production lines—one meltblown and two SMS—in Jofo’s Weifang plant generated about $62 million in sales in 2013. Roughly 60-70% of its hygiene and personal care products based material went to overseas markets and the company is hoping to achieve full capacity by the end of 2016. One of its six existing spunbond lines were imported from STP, Italy, while the company reports the other five were sourced locally. The plant also operates five meltblown lines with variable capacities, i.e., one is close to 10,000 tons per year, while the smaller one that was put into operation recently could yield about 600-1000 tons per year.
In addition, five production lines are installed in the Jofo’s Zhaoqing, Guangdong plant, while another is under installation in a Jiangxi facility. These two plants are focused on high-tech geotextiles applications and the household nonwovens market, with capacity above 20,000 tons per year. While discussing the current market environment, the company says that the next three to five years will be a little tough for the industry as a whole. The company will introduce more high value-added, special functional nonwovens that suit different market needs in the future, including biomedical products for the aging population and high-tech geotextiles, among others. Jofo also says it expects a better regulatory and legal operating environment to encourage innovation and IP protection moving forward in the years ahead.
www.jofo.com.cn
2015 Nonwovens Sales: $140 million
Plants
Guangzhou, Weifang, Shandong, China
Processes
Spunbond, meltblown, SMS
Major Markets
Hygiene, medical, industrial
Jofo Nonwovens continues to face a challenges in its nonwovens business. Most of its revenues came from plants located in Zhaoqing, Guangdong; Weifang; and Dongying, Shandong in China. Three existing production lines—one meltblown and two SMS—in Jofo’s Weifang plant generated about $62 million in sales in 2013. Roughly 60-70% of its hygiene and personal care products based material went to overseas markets and the company is hoping to achieve full capacity by the end of 2016. One of its six existing spunbond lines were imported from STP, Italy, while the company reports the other five were sourced locally. The plant also operates five meltblown lines with variable capacities, i.e., one is close to 10,000 tons per year, while the smaller one that was put into operation recently could yield about 600-1000 tons per year.
In addition, five production lines are installed in the Jofo’s Zhaoqing, Guangdong plant, while another is under installation in a Jiangxi facility. These two plants are focused on high-tech geotextiles applications and the household nonwovens market, with capacity above 20,000 tons per year. While discussing the current market environment, the company says that the next three to five years will be a little tough for the industry as a whole. The company will introduce more high value-added, special functional nonwovens that suit different market needs in the future, including biomedical products for the aging population and high-tech geotextiles, among others. Jofo also says it expects a better regulatory and legal operating environment to encourage innovation and IP protection moving forward in the years ahead.
Shandong, China
www.jofo.com
2018 Nonwovens Sales: $80 million
Key Personnel
Minzhong Zhao, chairman, Rain Tan, CEO
Plants
Shandong, Guangdong, China
Processes
Spunmelt, spunbond, needlepunch, air through bonded
Major Markets
Hygiene, geotextiles, automotives, furniture
Chinese nonwovens producer Jofo Group announced a new leader and a new partnership in 2019. Rain Tan, former president of Fineness Technology, was named CEO of the Jofo after the creation of a strategic alliance between the two companies in March.
Tian has more than 25 years of experience in the nonwovens and engineered fiber industries including international exposure gained while working for large multinational companies and spending more than five years living and working in the U.S. at a major nonwovens producer. Before joining Fineness, he was vice president of global strategic accounts, vice president of global hygiene and vice president of the Asian commercial sales organizations for Berry Global.
“I am honored to join Jofo, a nonwoven industry leader with state of the art assets, strategic location coverage and a strong product portfolio. I look forward to working with my joint management team to execute on growing the business globally and provide value added nonwoven solutions to our valued customers,” says Mr. Tian.
Meanwhile, the partnership with Fineness provides access to air through bonding and thermal bonded technology located in eastern China. Jofo operates a plant in Shandong in northern China housing two Reicofil lines and a site in Guangdong in southern China which has three needlepunch lines targeting industrial markets including geotextiles, automotives and furniture.
The Shandong site was last improved this year when a decade-old Reicofil 4 spunbond line was modified with the addition of a third spunbond bean. The site also has a five-beam Reicofil 4 spunmelt line that was added in 2012.
“We are planning to expand more and this will inlcude new world’s leading technology and also strategic global layouts,” says Derek Tsang. “Our sales were $80 million in 2019 but in the next coming years it is our aim to grow with high double digits.”
Minzhong Zhao, chairman of JOFO Group says, “Through our recent strategic alliance with Fineness, we have gained new capabilities in air through technology and a new strategic location in the east China to better serve the customers in that region.
But most importantly, we will gain the experiences and capabilities of a strong and experienced team. This will be of great help to the JOFO Nonwovens division as we target further strong domestic and global growth.”
www.jofo.com
2018 Nonwovens Sales: $80 million
Key Personnel
Minzhong Zhao, chairman, Rain Tan, CEO
Plants
Shandong, Guangdong, China
Processes
Spunmelt, spunbond, needlepunch, air through bonded
Major Markets
Hygiene, geotextiles, automotives, furniture
Chinese nonwovens producer Jofo Group announced a new leader and a new partnership in 2019. Rain Tan, former president of Fineness Technology, was named CEO of the Jofo after the creation of a strategic alliance between the two companies in March.
Tian has more than 25 years of experience in the nonwovens and engineered fiber industries including international exposure gained while working for large multinational companies and spending more than five years living and working in the U.S. at a major nonwovens producer. Before joining Fineness, he was vice president of global strategic accounts, vice president of global hygiene and vice president of the Asian commercial sales organizations for Berry Global.
“I am honored to join Jofo, a nonwoven industry leader with state of the art assets, strategic location coverage and a strong product portfolio. I look forward to working with my joint management team to execute on growing the business globally and provide value added nonwoven solutions to our valued customers,” says Mr. Tian.
Meanwhile, the partnership with Fineness provides access to air through bonding and thermal bonded technology located in eastern China. Jofo operates a plant in Shandong in northern China housing two Reicofil lines and a site in Guangdong in southern China which has three needlepunch lines targeting industrial markets including geotextiles, automotives and furniture.
The Shandong site was last improved this year when a decade-old Reicofil 4 spunbond line was modified with the addition of a third spunbond bean. The site also has a five-beam Reicofil 4 spunmelt line that was added in 2012.
“We are planning to expand more and this will inlcude new world’s leading technology and also strategic global layouts,” says Derek Tsang. “Our sales were $80 million in 2019 but in the next coming years it is our aim to grow with high double digits.”
Minzhong Zhao, chairman of JOFO Group says, “Through our recent strategic alliance with Fineness, we have gained new capabilities in air through technology and a new strategic location in the east China to better serve the customers in that region.
But most importantly, we will gain the experiences and capabilities of a strong and experienced team. This will be of great help to the JOFO Nonwovens division as we target further strong domestic and global growth.”
Shandong, China
www.jofo.com
2019 Nonwovens Sales: $108 million
Key Personnel
Minzhong Zhao, chairman; Rain Tan, CEO
Plants
Shandong, Guangdong, China
Processes
Spunmelt, spunbond, needlepunch, air through bonded
Major Markets
Hygiene, geotextiles, automotives, furniture
Jofo Nonwovens continues to focus on growth, both through acquisition and investment. In May, the Weifang, Shandong, China-based company announced it would acquire PFNonwovens’ Wuxi, China-based nonwovens operation. PFNonwovens acquired the operation, which makes spunmelt materials, from First Quality Nonwovens in 2018. It reportedly makes 24,000 tons of nonwovens per year.
“PFN Wuxi is a very well managed site with a strong team and very good location,” says Rain Tian, CEO of Jofo. “This transaction takes Jofo entering into medical nonwovens market in Asia and provides more capacity to address the growing demand of our existing customers. Also, a strong logistic position in East China region will enable Jofo to support the customers in those region better. We commit to invest strongly in Wuxi site to make it a strong manufacturing base with more new capacities and technologies to better serve our customers.”
Additionally, the company has confirmed media reports that it is in discussions to purchase a 70% share in Saudi Arabia Advanced Fabrics (SAAF) from Takween Advanced Industries. SAAF manufactures recycled polypropylene granules and nonwoven fabric at two plants in Saudi Arabia. The nonwovens target the hygiene and medical segments. It is reportedly valued at about $82 million.
In mid 2019, the company forged a partnership with fellow Chinese nonwovens producer Fineness Technology, which gave it additional capabilities in the air through bonding and carding space as well as a new strategic location in the east of China to better serve customers in that region.
Jofo’s organic operation includes plants in Shandong and Guangdong, China. In 2019, its sales reached RMB700mm ($108 million). Jofo operates a plant in Shandong in northern China housing two Reicofil lines and a site in Guangdong in southern China which has three needlepunch lines targeting industrial markets.
The Shandong site was last improved this year when a decade-old Reicofil 4 spunbond line was modified with the addition of a third spunbond beam, which has allowed the company to benefit from added capacity as well as better quality nonwovens. The site also has a five-beam Reicofil 4 spunmelt line that was added in 2012.
www.jofo.com
2019 Nonwovens Sales: $108 million
Key Personnel
Minzhong Zhao, chairman; Rain Tan, CEO
Plants
Shandong, Guangdong, China
Processes
Spunmelt, spunbond, needlepunch, air through bonded
Major Markets
Hygiene, geotextiles, automotives, furniture
Jofo Nonwovens continues to focus on growth, both through acquisition and investment. In May, the Weifang, Shandong, China-based company announced it would acquire PFNonwovens’ Wuxi, China-based nonwovens operation. PFNonwovens acquired the operation, which makes spunmelt materials, from First Quality Nonwovens in 2018. It reportedly makes 24,000 tons of nonwovens per year.
“PFN Wuxi is a very well managed site with a strong team and very good location,” says Rain Tian, CEO of Jofo. “This transaction takes Jofo entering into medical nonwovens market in Asia and provides more capacity to address the growing demand of our existing customers. Also, a strong logistic position in East China region will enable Jofo to support the customers in those region better. We commit to invest strongly in Wuxi site to make it a strong manufacturing base with more new capacities and technologies to better serve our customers.”
Additionally, the company has confirmed media reports that it is in discussions to purchase a 70% share in Saudi Arabia Advanced Fabrics (SAAF) from Takween Advanced Industries. SAAF manufactures recycled polypropylene granules and nonwoven fabric at two plants in Saudi Arabia. The nonwovens target the hygiene and medical segments. It is reportedly valued at about $82 million.
In mid 2019, the company forged a partnership with fellow Chinese nonwovens producer Fineness Technology, which gave it additional capabilities in the air through bonding and carding space as well as a new strategic location in the east of China to better serve customers in that region.
Jofo’s organic operation includes plants in Shandong and Guangdong, China. In 2019, its sales reached RMB700mm ($108 million). Jofo operates a plant in Shandong in northern China housing two Reicofil lines and a site in Guangdong in southern China which has three needlepunch lines targeting industrial markets.
The Shandong site was last improved this year when a decade-old Reicofil 4 spunbond line was modified with the addition of a third spunbond beam, which has allowed the company to benefit from added capacity as well as better quality nonwovens. The site also has a five-beam Reicofil 4 spunmelt line that was added in 2012.
Shandong, China
www.jofo.com
2020 Nonwovens Sales: $230 million
Key Personnel
Minzhong Zhao, chairman; Rain Tan, CEO
Plants
Shandong, Guangdong, China
Processes
Spunmelt, spunbond, needlepunch, air through bonded
Major Markets
Hygiene, geotextiles, automotives, furniture
Acquisition coupled with increased demand for nonwovens helped drive sales higher at Jofo Nonwovens. The Shanghai, China-based nonwovens producer reported sales reached $230 million in 2020.
“We were all impacted by Covid-19 but in general the pandemic had a positive impact on our business,” says CEO Rian Tain. “We made some small adjustments for this special period. Originally, we had a comparatively fixed product line, but we adjusted the product line and product mix for the pandemic situation to meet the market demand to some extent.”
As it prepares for its next chapter for growth, Jofo has made a number of acquisitions and partnerships—both within and outside of China—that have not only added capacity but have expanded the company’s global scope.
The first of these in May 2020 in Wuxi, China, was a spunbond manufacturing site started by First Quality Nonwovens and later acquired by PFNonwovens, which has been in operation since 2009. “The acquisition of the PFN Wuxi site allowed us to enter the medical market as a new player,” Tian says. “This new location allows us to cover the needs of the East China market and respond more quickly in the market and logistics.”
Just five months after acquiring the site, Jofo has already begun construction on a second spunbond line there which is scheduled to begin production in the first half of next year.
In addition to the Wuxi site, a second acquisition—a spunbond operation in Saudi Arabia—is helping Jofo increase its role in the global medical and hygiene markets while expanding its global footprint. In July, Jofo purchased a 70% stake in Saudi Arabia Advanced Fabrics (SAAF) including two nonwovens manufacturing sites in Saudi Arabia.
“The acquisition of PFN Wuxi made us enter the medical non-woven fabric market, and then the acquisition of SAAF made us become an important nonwoven fabric manufacturer in the world, a competitive player in the world nonwoven fabric market and the largest medium and high-end manufacturer of medical nonwoven fabrics,” Tian says.
Having an operating site outside of China is also allowing the company to shorten its supply chain to its international customer bases. “Global expansion has brought great advantages of global geography to our strategy. The global layout makes our global supply chain service more efficient and convenient, while reducing transportation costs,” Tian says.
Back in Asia, Jofo Nonwovens has partnered with Soshio Industrial Co., a Hong Kong-based contract manufacturer for wipes maker Rockline Industries, to begin contract manufacturing finished products.
“This strategic step enables Jofo to promote its process of vertical integration of the industrial chain, expand the scope of business and most importantly enter into the OEM field on the basis of existing material production,” says Tian. “It also builds a solid foundation for Jofo to provide comprehensive service to global customers.”
The partnership will also allow Jofo to expand usage of its JoForm materials, which is made using P&G’s Phantom technology, of which Jofo is a licensed supplier.
“If we want to realize phantom technology and enter a new market, Soshio helps us make it happen and achieve mass production of this technology. The partnership between Jofo and Soshio can provide our customers with better, cheaper and faster products/services.”
In terms of greenfield investments, Jofo has added a manufacturing site in Thailand to better serve its customers all over the world and increase its role particularly in Southeast Asia.
www.jofo.com
2020 Nonwovens Sales: $230 million
Key Personnel
Minzhong Zhao, chairman; Rain Tan, CEO
Plants
Shandong, Guangdong, China
Processes
Spunmelt, spunbond, needlepunch, air through bonded
Major Markets
Hygiene, geotextiles, automotives, furniture
Acquisition coupled with increased demand for nonwovens helped drive sales higher at Jofo Nonwovens. The Shanghai, China-based nonwovens producer reported sales reached $230 million in 2020.
“We were all impacted by Covid-19 but in general the pandemic had a positive impact on our business,” says CEO Rian Tain. “We made some small adjustments for this special period. Originally, we had a comparatively fixed product line, but we adjusted the product line and product mix for the pandemic situation to meet the market demand to some extent.”
As it prepares for its next chapter for growth, Jofo has made a number of acquisitions and partnerships—both within and outside of China—that have not only added capacity but have expanded the company’s global scope.
The first of these in May 2020 in Wuxi, China, was a spunbond manufacturing site started by First Quality Nonwovens and later acquired by PFNonwovens, which has been in operation since 2009. “The acquisition of the PFN Wuxi site allowed us to enter the medical market as a new player,” Tian says. “This new location allows us to cover the needs of the East China market and respond more quickly in the market and logistics.”
Just five months after acquiring the site, Jofo has already begun construction on a second spunbond line there which is scheduled to begin production in the first half of next year.
In addition to the Wuxi site, a second acquisition—a spunbond operation in Saudi Arabia—is helping Jofo increase its role in the global medical and hygiene markets while expanding its global footprint. In July, Jofo purchased a 70% stake in Saudi Arabia Advanced Fabrics (SAAF) including two nonwovens manufacturing sites in Saudi Arabia.
“The acquisition of PFN Wuxi made us enter the medical non-woven fabric market, and then the acquisition of SAAF made us become an important nonwoven fabric manufacturer in the world, a competitive player in the world nonwoven fabric market and the largest medium and high-end manufacturer of medical nonwoven fabrics,” Tian says.
Having an operating site outside of China is also allowing the company to shorten its supply chain to its international customer bases. “Global expansion has brought great advantages of global geography to our strategy. The global layout makes our global supply chain service more efficient and convenient, while reducing transportation costs,” Tian says.
Back in Asia, Jofo Nonwovens has partnered with Soshio Industrial Co., a Hong Kong-based contract manufacturer for wipes maker Rockline Industries, to begin contract manufacturing finished products.
“This strategic step enables Jofo to promote its process of vertical integration of the industrial chain, expand the scope of business and most importantly enter into the OEM field on the basis of existing material production,” says Tian. “It also builds a solid foundation for Jofo to provide comprehensive service to global customers.”
The partnership will also allow Jofo to expand usage of its JoForm materials, which is made using P&G’s Phantom technology, of which Jofo is a licensed supplier.
“If we want to realize phantom technology and enter a new market, Soshio helps us make it happen and achieve mass production of this technology. The partnership between Jofo and Soshio can provide our customers with better, cheaper and faster products/services.”
In terms of greenfield investments, Jofo has added a manufacturing site in Thailand to better serve its customers all over the world and increase its role particularly in Southeast Asia.
Weifang, Shandong, China
www.jofo.com.cn
2021 Nonwovens Sales: $300 million
Key Personnel
Minzhong Zhao, chairman; Rain Tian, CEO; Sven Krister Erlandsson, global VP of R&D
Plants
Weifang, Zhaoqing, Guanzhou, Wuxi, Hong Kong - China
Al-Ahsa, Rabigh, - KSA, Chonburi - Thailand
Processes
Spunmelt, spunbond, needlepunch, air through bonded, Joform wipes, converted medical products
Major Markets
Medical, hygiene, geotextiles, automotive, furniture, wipes
Sales increased from $230 million to $300 million at Jofo Nonwovens, largely due to the integration of two acquisitions—SAAF, a Saudi Arabian spunmelt manufacturer, and Soshio, a wipes converter based in Hong Kong.
Jofo acquired a 70% stake in SAAF, including two sites in Saudi Arabia, in July 2021, a move that not only gave the company its first operation outside of China but also increased its exposure to the global medical and hygiene markets. Back in Asia, Jofo’s partnership with Soshio Industrial Co., a contract manufacturer for wipes maker Rockline Industries, is allowing the company to expand into finished product manufacturing.
The partnership with Soshio has also allowed the company to expand the scope of its Joform technology, which is in the later stages of commissioning at its Weifang site. This process develops substrate material without water using primarily pulp to create green alternatives for both the manufacturer and the final product of the wipe. Joform materials are made using P&G’s Phantom technology, of which Jofo is a licensed supplier.
These two deals follow an earlier acquisition, in China, of a Wuxi-based manufacturing facility from PFNonwovens in May 2020. This acquisition gave Jofo what it needed to initially enter the medical market and its location provides it with better exposure to East China. Five months after acquiring the site, Jofo began construction on a second spunbond line, a state-of-the-art Reicofil 5 line, in Wuxi.
The latest technology from Reicofil focuses on the high end medical nonwovens market and is combined with Jofo developments in both raw materials and technology,” says Krister Erlandsson, global vice president of research and development. “This combination will provide superior comfort, protection and cost structure for the medical markets.”
The line is already producing material and in the process of qualification for several major medical customers.
“As the first ‘dedicated’ and designed R5 medical line, the focus is to improve and enhance current medical products,” Erlandsson adds. “We are seeing a significant improvement in barrier properties and comfort in products from this line versus current market offerings. Up to 20%+ improvements in barrier properties which can be utilized to improve current products or as a cost savings by reduced basis weights.”
Acquisitions and investments have helped propel Jofo to a position of leadership in the global market supply market, giving it the ability to supply high end medical fabrics from several locations, supplying several regions. It is also investing in downstream “value add” through converting into finished goods.
For Jofo's 2020 top company profile, click here.
www.jofo.com.cn
2021 Nonwovens Sales: $300 million
Key Personnel
Minzhong Zhao, chairman; Rain Tian, CEO; Sven Krister Erlandsson, global VP of R&D
Plants
Weifang, Zhaoqing, Guanzhou, Wuxi, Hong Kong - China
Al-Ahsa, Rabigh, - KSA, Chonburi - Thailand
Processes
Spunmelt, spunbond, needlepunch, air through bonded, Joform wipes, converted medical products
Major Markets
Medical, hygiene, geotextiles, automotive, furniture, wipes
Sales increased from $230 million to $300 million at Jofo Nonwovens, largely due to the integration of two acquisitions—SAAF, a Saudi Arabian spunmelt manufacturer, and Soshio, a wipes converter based in Hong Kong.
Jofo acquired a 70% stake in SAAF, including two sites in Saudi Arabia, in July 2021, a move that not only gave the company its first operation outside of China but also increased its exposure to the global medical and hygiene markets. Back in Asia, Jofo’s partnership with Soshio Industrial Co., a contract manufacturer for wipes maker Rockline Industries, is allowing the company to expand into finished product manufacturing.
The partnership with Soshio has also allowed the company to expand the scope of its Joform technology, which is in the later stages of commissioning at its Weifang site. This process develops substrate material without water using primarily pulp to create green alternatives for both the manufacturer and the final product of the wipe. Joform materials are made using P&G’s Phantom technology, of which Jofo is a licensed supplier.
These two deals follow an earlier acquisition, in China, of a Wuxi-based manufacturing facility from PFNonwovens in May 2020. This acquisition gave Jofo what it needed to initially enter the medical market and its location provides it with better exposure to East China. Five months after acquiring the site, Jofo began construction on a second spunbond line, a state-of-the-art Reicofil 5 line, in Wuxi.
The latest technology from Reicofil focuses on the high end medical nonwovens market and is combined with Jofo developments in both raw materials and technology,” says Krister Erlandsson, global vice president of research and development. “This combination will provide superior comfort, protection and cost structure for the medical markets.”
The line is already producing material and in the process of qualification for several major medical customers.
“As the first ‘dedicated’ and designed R5 medical line, the focus is to improve and enhance current medical products,” Erlandsson adds. “We are seeing a significant improvement in barrier properties and comfort in products from this line versus current market offerings. Up to 20%+ improvements in barrier properties which can be utilized to improve current products or as a cost savings by reduced basis weights.”
Acquisitions and investments have helped propel Jofo to a position of leadership in the global market supply market, giving it the ability to supply high end medical fabrics from several locations, supplying several regions. It is also investing in downstream “value add” through converting into finished goods.
For Jofo's 2020 top company profile, click here.
Weifang, Shandong, China
www.jofo.com.cn
2022 Nonwovens Sales: $300 million
Key Personnel
Minzhong Zhao, chairman; John Cai, CEO; Michael Wong, Senior VP- sales; Sven Krister Erlandsson, vice president, - R&D & BD
Plants
Weifang-Shandong, China; Guangzhou-Guangdong, China; Wuxi-Jiangsu, China; Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia; Rabigh, Saudi Arabia; Rayong, Thailand
Processes
Spunmelt, spunbond, needlepunch, air through bonded, Joform wipes, converted medical products
Major Markets
Medical, hygiene, geotextiles, automotive, furniture, wipes
The integration of two acquisitions, SAAF, a Saudi Arabian spunmelt manufacturer, and Soshio, a wipes converter based in Hong Kong, were completed successfully in 2022 for Jofo Nonwovens.
Jofo acquired a 70% stake in SAAF, including two sites in Saudi Arabia, in July 2021, a move that not only gave the company its first operation outside of China but also increased its exposure to the global medical and hygiene markets. Not long after the acquisition, Jofo installed a medical wrap converting line at one of the SAAF sites, allowing it to supply finished goods to the medical market.
Back in Asia, Jofo’s partnership with Soshio Industrial Co., a contract manufacturer for wipes maker Rockline Industries, is allowing the company to expand into finished product manufacturing with its Joform technology which develops substrate material without water using primarily pulp to create green alternatives for both the manufacturer and the final producer. Joform materials are made using P&G’s Phantom technology, of which Jofo is a licensed supplier.
In other investment news, Jofo has commercialized a new Reicofil 5 line at its Wuxi, China facility, which it acquired from PFNonwovens in 2019. Products made on this line provide superior performance of the medical fabric field including much improved quality for barrier performance and comfort is achieved.
“The latest, and the first “dedicated” and designed R5 medical line technology from Reicofil, and the focused technology design effort to fit the high end medical nonwovens, is combined with Jofo developments in both raw materials and technology,” says Sven Krister Erlandsson, global vice president of R&D and BD.
This combination provides superior comfort, protection and cost structure for the medical markets as well as a lower carbon footprint due to opportunity to lower basis weights while improving quality. The line is producing products for most major medical customers, according to Michael Wong, senior sales VP.
Amidst these investments, market conditions including oversupply, made 2022 a challenging year for Jofo, and the company reports sales remained flat at $300 million.
“However due to the close contact and support to major customers, Jofo has been able to keep all lines almost fully loaded and operating. This is a feat not shared by many competitors during the year,” says Wong.
www.jofo.com.cn
2022 Nonwovens Sales: $300 million
Key Personnel
Minzhong Zhao, chairman; John Cai, CEO; Michael Wong, Senior VP- sales; Sven Krister Erlandsson, vice president, - R&D & BD
Plants
Weifang-Shandong, China; Guangzhou-Guangdong, China; Wuxi-Jiangsu, China; Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia; Rabigh, Saudi Arabia; Rayong, Thailand
Processes
Spunmelt, spunbond, needlepunch, air through bonded, Joform wipes, converted medical products
Major Markets
Medical, hygiene, geotextiles, automotive, furniture, wipes
The integration of two acquisitions, SAAF, a Saudi Arabian spunmelt manufacturer, and Soshio, a wipes converter based in Hong Kong, were completed successfully in 2022 for Jofo Nonwovens.
Jofo acquired a 70% stake in SAAF, including two sites in Saudi Arabia, in July 2021, a move that not only gave the company its first operation outside of China but also increased its exposure to the global medical and hygiene markets. Not long after the acquisition, Jofo installed a medical wrap converting line at one of the SAAF sites, allowing it to supply finished goods to the medical market.
Back in Asia, Jofo’s partnership with Soshio Industrial Co., a contract manufacturer for wipes maker Rockline Industries, is allowing the company to expand into finished product manufacturing with its Joform technology which develops substrate material without water using primarily pulp to create green alternatives for both the manufacturer and the final producer. Joform materials are made using P&G’s Phantom technology, of which Jofo is a licensed supplier.
In other investment news, Jofo has commercialized a new Reicofil 5 line at its Wuxi, China facility, which it acquired from PFNonwovens in 2019. Products made on this line provide superior performance of the medical fabric field including much improved quality for barrier performance and comfort is achieved.
“The latest, and the first “dedicated” and designed R5 medical line technology from Reicofil, and the focused technology design effort to fit the high end medical nonwovens, is combined with Jofo developments in both raw materials and technology,” says Sven Krister Erlandsson, global vice president of R&D and BD.
This combination provides superior comfort, protection and cost structure for the medical markets as well as a lower carbon footprint due to opportunity to lower basis weights while improving quality. The line is producing products for most major medical customers, according to Michael Wong, senior sales VP.
Amidst these investments, market conditions including oversupply, made 2022 a challenging year for Jofo, and the company reports sales remained flat at $300 million.
“However due to the close contact and support to major customers, Jofo has been able to keep all lines almost fully loaded and operating. This is a feat not shared by many competitors during the year,” says Wong.
