Foss Performance Materials, a division of AstenJohnson Nonwovens business, announces its investment in a new needlepunch line that will substantially increase its production capacity in the Hampton, NH, location. This new state-of-the-art line is being purchased from Dilo, a world leader in manufacturing of needlepunch equipment for the automotive and industrial fabrics industry.

Steve Polston, president – Nonwovens for AstenJohnson, notes: “We acquired Foss Performance Materials in 2017 as part of an overall strategy to build a significant second segment to the Company. Foss has a long history of service and innovations within the automotive, technical, fiber and felt markets. AstenJohnson Nonwovens is known for our high service standards and operational excellence. This investment will further our mandate for growth and our ability to leverage the strengths of Foss with our AstenJohnson Nonwovens business.” 

Jim Porterfield, vice president - Sales and Marketing for AstenJohnson Nonwovens, also comments: “Clearly, AstenJohnson’s continued investment in our Foss Performance Materials facility demonstrates our commitment to our customers in the automotive, decorative, and technical markets. In addition, this state of the art line will allow us to expand upon our already robust product capabilities by offering innovative new products while providing the superior quality, consistency, and delivery our customers have long grown to expect.”

Components for the new line will begin arriving in New Hampshire in the second half of 2019 and commissioning is expected in early 2020.

Foss Performance Materials is one of the industry’s leading providers and pioneers in the use of needlepunch nonwoven fabrics and specialty synthetic fibers. AstenJohnson Nonwovens includes Foss Performance Materials and Eagle Nonwonves in St. Louis; together these sites place AstenJohnson Nonwovens as one of the largest producers of needlepunch nonwovens in the world.