Lydall's net sales of $210.3 million increased by $17 million, or 8.8% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Net of foreign exchange and tooling, consolidated sales were up 8.9%, led by 28.3% growth in Performance Materials (PM) on strong specialty filtration and sealing volumes, and 6% growth in Thermal Acoustical Solutions (TAS) on robust automotive demand, partially offset by softer demand in theTechnical Nonwovens (TNW) segment.

“Lydall’s solid financial results in the fourth quarter validate the tenets of our recently announced strategy and the strength of our attractive product portfolio. Adjusted EBITDA grew over 40% from the same period last year and strong cash flow enabled us to fund organic investments in the business while accelerating debt paydown” says Sara A. Greenstein, president and chief executive officer.

“Strong demand continued for Performance Materials specialty filtration products, and we saw a sharp recovery in sealing products,” comments Greenstein. PM specialty filtration sales grew 51% or $11.3 million, including $5 million of one-time purchases related to a previously announced facility closure; sealing and advanced solutions sales grew by 17.9%. Greenstein adds, “In late December we successfully commissioned a new fine fiber meltblown production line in Rochester, New Hampshire, and reached full capacity in January. Additional capacity at Rochester and St. Rivalain, France, is on schedule for production in early third quarter. All of these projects are expected to be strong profitable growth contributors in 2021."

Parts sales in the TAS segment grew 9.4% compared to last year, and 4.1% compared to the third quarter of 2020.

While the TNW segment saw a sales decline of 4.1%, adjusted EBITDA margin remained consistent at 11.8%, down only 20 basis points from prior year. Greenstein concludes, “The TNW business has done a great job throughout 2020 delivering consistent levels of profitability throughout a very dynamic and challenging market environment.”