01.01.03
Location: Wilmington, DE
Sales: $1.2 billion
Description: Key Personnel
Mark Vergnano, vice president and general manager DuPont Nonwovens; Tom Schuler, global business director—Tyvek/Typar; Carl Lukach, global business director—Sontara
Plants
Richmond, VA (Tyvek); Old Hickory, TN (Sontara); Luxembourg (Tyvek, Typar); Asturias, Spain (Sontara); Shenzhen, China (Tyvek and Sontara converting facility); Workington, U.K. (Cambrelle)
ISO Status
All plants ISO 9002 certified; Luxembourg facility also 9001 certified
Processes
Flash spun (Tyvek), spunbond (Typar), spunlaced (Sontara)
Brand Names
Tyvek, Sontara, ComforMax, Typar (worldwide except North, Central and South America), Cambrelle, Acturel, Softess
Major Markets
Medical, general and protective apparel, industrial, construction, absorbents, home furnishings, envelopes, geotextiles, graphics, packaging, footwear
With a new leader and a new processing technology, DuPont Nonwovens, Wilmington, DE, has a lot to be proud of this year. Former head of the Tyvek/Typar business, Mark Vergnano took over the role of vice president/general manager in February. One month later, the division unveiled its new Advanced Composite Technology (ACT), which is being produced on a new line at DuPont’s Old Hickory, TN manufacturing facility. Reportedly under development for more than six years, ACT will initially target medical apparel applications but there are many other market opportunities in development.
The new technology, reportedly covered by more than 50 patents, allows for the combination of multiple polymers in a variety of structures. While initially DuPont Suprel nonwovens will target the medical gowns segment, applications for the material are limitless, according to company executives. “It is our heritage to come up with new applications to displace woven materials, paper or film and creating all-together new products,” explained Carl Lukach global business director of Sontara.
Looking at DuPont’s overall performance, total consolidated sales dropped slightly to $24 billion. Sales for the DuPont Safety & Protection platform, which include the nonwovens business, dropped 3% to $3.5 billion. While the company does not break out its nonwovens business’ sales, industry sources estimate them around $1.2 billion.
“We were happy with 2002 and the start of 2003,” Mr. Vergnano said. “If you look at DuPont as a corporation, we have a lot of which to be proud. We have a strong balance sheet, allowing us the cash for key investments. We also continue to drive our core values of safety, ethics and the environment.”
Despite this strength, executives recognize the difficult situation occurring in the nonwovens industry. These include overcapacity and increased raw material costs. To overcome these problems, DuPont relies on unique technology. “Much of today’s nonwovens technology is socialized,” Mr.Vergnano explained. “This is a large part of what’s causing such competitive issues within the industry.”
With a tradition of unique technology, DuPont has already contributed heavily to innovation in the nonwovens industry. DuPont was the first to commercialize “spunlace” hydroentangling technology more than 30 years ago with its DuPont Sontara branded products and pioneered “spunbond” technologies with its DuPont Typar branded products. Later it invented flashspinning and is the only manufacturer using this unique nonwovens technology for its DuPont Tyvek branded products. “End users are the key link in the value chain. That is the place where you can truly define unmet needs and target innovation to meet those needs. Our job is to define the unmet needs of the end user, develop unique solutions and then deliver those solutions through our strong network of value chain partners,” said Mr. Vergnano.
Looking at the company’s organization, DuPont was realigned into five market- and technology-focused growth platforms in February 2002. These five platforms include DuPont Electronic & Communication Technologies; DuPont Performance Materials; DuPont Coatings & Color Technologies; DuPont Safety & Protection and DuPont Agriculture & Nutrition. The nonwovens business, along with the Advanced Fiber Systems group, DuPont Chemical Solutions, the Safety Resources business and the Surfaces business including the Corian brand are grouped under the Safety & Protection platform. Since the formation of the new unit, DuPont Nonwovens has profited from internal synergies within its platform. Most recently this collaboration took the shape of an internal joint venture, named DuPont Personal Protection. Established in September 2002, this venture is focused on combining scientific innovation with material, garment and manufacturing expertise to create high performance protective apparel.
DuPont Nonwovens also underwent some reorganization this year with the appointment of Mr. Vergnano, who has worked at DuPont for 23 years, most recently as head of the Tyvek/Typar business. “It’s been a seamless transition. This business is not about any one person. We are still operating off of the same value-driven strategy with an end user market focus,” Mr. Vergnano explained.
Geographically, 50% of DuPont Nonwovens sales come from North American markets while Europe comprises 30%. The remaining 20% of sales are split among regions in the rest of the world. Recognizing the maturity of its major markets, DuPont has been examining strategies for increased global penetration. “We have been focusing on global market segments and analyzing product offerings to see if there’s a fit, depending on the nature of the market,” Mr. Vergnano explained. “For instance, in China we are trying to make products that are specific to the needs of the Chinese end user.”
Tyvek/Typar
Also under new leadership is the DuPont Tyvek/Typar business. Company veteran Thomas Schuler was appointed to the position of global business director in February after former director Mr. Vergnano was tapped to head DuPont Nonwovens. Mr. Schuler has worked for DuPont Nonwovens since 1994, holding positions both in the Tyvek and Sontara businesses.
According to Mr. Schuler, Tyvek, DuPont’s flashspun nonwoven product continues to enjoy strong growth in all of its end use markets, including personal protective apparel, construction, medical packaging, envelopes, packaging and graphics.
“We have really been strong in most of our segments,” Mr. Schuler explained. “A lot of this has been brought about by our focus on the end user and the brand promise.”
In construction, one of the fastest growing end use segments for Tyvek, the company has been working to increase the use of weather barriers (both housewrap and roof underlayments) globally. This is being achieved in two ways. For one, the company is touting the benefits of using a house wrap in areas where the practice is not yet widespread; for another, it is developing new products for specific applications such as DuPont FlexWrap for windows and a product to seal roofs. “Globally, our biggest competitor in the construction market is people who are not using anything,” Mr. Schuler explained. “Our big focus is to increase the penetration of the category in the market.”
For instance, education efforts are underway to teach builders how to use flashing systems to protect buildings from water damage. This includes Europe, Japan and South America where building codes and practices differ from the U.S. “We are looking at ways to provide solutions to fill builders’ needs that are unique to the construction industry,” Mr. Schuler explained.
Another core area for Tyvek that is seeing a great deal of action recently is personal protection, which has profited from a more focused approach to the global personal protection market. Recently DuPont Personal Protection has consolidated many DuPont products in the protective arena. These include DuPont Nomex for thermal hazards, Tyvek for dry particulate hazards, DuPont Tychem for liquid and gas chemical hazards, DuPont ProShield for general-purpose applications and DuPont Kevlar for cut-and-abrasion protection. Combining these products under one entity provides our customers with one source for all of their protective garment needs. “As we look to grow, it’s very important for us to form one area for customers to come to for all of their protective equipment-related needs,” Mr. Schuler explained. “It’s not just about nonwovens but about a full-scale solution.”
DuPont enlarged its protection portfolio in July through the acquisition of White Knight Engineered Products, a manufacturer of reusable and disposable textile products headquartered in Charlotte, NC. The purchase of the company’s nonwovens cleanroom apparel line is expected to bring the best possible protective garments and accessories to market using the talent and technology of both organizations. Products include a full line of cleanroom and controlled environment apparel including head gear, shoe covers, lab coats, frocks, coveralls and face masks. The assets of the acquisition are being managed by the DuPont Contamination Control segment of DuPont Nonwovens.
In recent years, a focus on brand building has been paramount to the success of DuPont across the board. For instance, Tyvek’s envelope division has completed an initiative whereby its customers, including the U.S. Postal Service, Federal Express and the French Postal Service, carry the DuPont Tyvek logo on their mailers, promoting the name around the world. Even though these agencies have been using Tyvek packaging for years, this initiative was started only recently as DuPont continues to harness the power of its brand names.
Also driving growth for Tyvek are events and market changes. DuPont Personal Protection business has been quick to respond to many world events in recent months. In fact, in April, DuPont announced that it has stepped up supply efforts for DuPont Tyvek protective disposable garments in China and Hong Kong to help healthcare responders to slow the spread of Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The Chinese government had requested one million protective Tyvek disposable garments for healthcare workers and other professionals. The structure of Tyvek flash spun, nonwoven fabric provides a strong barrier against a range of microscopic substances, including fine dust particles and fibers as well as non-hazardous, water-based liquids at low applied pressure.
From a manufacturing standpoint, Tyvek is produced at DuPont facilities in Richmond, VA, Luxembourg and Shenzhen, China. While the technology has not seen any major expansion since a new flash spinning line was added in Luxembourg last year, the company is constantly increasing the flexibility of its lines to create a broader performance range for its customers. “We are constantly challenging our ability to respond to changing market needs and demands,” Mr. Schuler explained.
Sontara
The big news from the DuPont Sontara business is the launch of a manufacturing facility implementing proprietary process technology called Advanced Composite Technology (ACT). DuPont will initially target medical applications for its DuPont Medical Fabrics business, an area where DuPont first blazed a trail three decades ago with its traditional Sontara spunlace product.
The first commercial product developed with this new technology taps the strength of polyester and the texture of polyethylene for surgical gowns and patient drapes. ACT produces bicomponent fabric that not only meets high standards for protection in operating rooms but also has a smooth and silky texture, enabling freedom of movement and comfort for patients and healthcare professionals.
“This is a core market for our total business and we continue to drive innovation with new composite fabrics,” explained Mr. Lukach. “The main benefits of our initial ACT medical fabric are its soft, silky texture when it touches the skin. The freedom of movement that it offers healthcare workers differentiates it from other fabrics.”
Suprel was created using the input of operating room nurses who participated in comfort studies conducted at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. This new technology has allowed DuPont Medical Fabrics to make a product with a high level of protection and uncompromising comfort. It has less surface friction than competitive products and it transfers heat away from the body quickly. Made from continuous filament fibers, Suprel is expected to be available for commercial distribution in late 2003. In the meantime, DuPont is conducting in-hospital trial evaluations and expects Suprel to be used by U.S. hospitals later this year.
Accompanying Suprel in the DuPont Medical Fabrics portfolio are Acturel, a new high-performance impervious fabric, and an improved Sontara spunlace fabric now rebranded Softesse.
“DuPont has a 25-year tradition as a leading supplier of nonwoven-based medical supplies. It set the standard with Sontara and now we are extending our leadership with Suprel, Acturel and Softesse,” Mr. Lukach explained.
DuPont’s spunlaced products for medical applications continue to be one of the nonwovens business’ core interest areas. The Sontara business received a boost recently when Arizant Healthcare, Eden Prairie, MN, chose Softesse as the gown fabric for its new Bair Paws patient adjustable warming system. Reportedly, the world’s first single-use patient warming gown and warming unit in one convenient system helps keep patients comfortable before and after surgery. Company executives expect this product to not only increase patient comfort but also decrease the effort it takes healthcare workers to make patients comfortable while waiting for surgery.
DuPont Medical Fabrics business recently announced the appointment of Paul Dewingaerden, former secretary general of EDANA, as business manager of DuPont Medical Fabrics, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Mr. Dewingaerden brings more than 25 years of diverse marketing and business experience in the European medical fabrics and healthcare industries to this new post. He has worked at American Hospital Supply and Dexter Corporation. At DuPont, he will manage the medical fabrics business in Europe.
Looking beyond medical applications, DuPont Sontara continues its strong focus on fabric innovation for its industrial and consumer market customers. One advantage Sontara has over competing material is that it is based on wood pulp and polyester, unlike most spunlace materials which are 100% synthetic. The combination of wood pulp and polyester provides strength, purity and higher absorption rates, which are features many end use manufacturers demand in spunlace nonwovens.
Additional markets for DuPont Sontara fabrics include consumer, contamination control and home furnishings, as well as critical cleaning applications for wipes products in aerospace, automotive, industrial, printing and food service markets.
Looking at the global business for Sontara, much of its growth has been achieved outside of the U.S. in recent years. This was largely the result of the installation of new manufacturing facilities in Asturias, Spain, Beijing, China and Cerquilo, Brazil. The Spanish facility has allowed DuPont to better target markets in eastern and western Europe, and the Beijing facility has enabled DuPont to better supply the growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region. Its South American business has been expanded through a joint venture with the leading Brazilian manufacturer of footwear components, Cipatex. Named DuPont-Cipatex, this venture started up a new spunlaced line in September 2002, which will mainly target footwear substrates and wipes applications. Company executives continue to place high value on the strength of their close working relationship with Cipatex, the leading supplier of footwear products to the rapidly growing Brazilian shoe industry. In late 2000, DuPont sold its Camtex needlepunch business in northern U.K. in a management buyout.
Down the road, the focus will be on key business acquisition and expansion. Identifying end user needs will continue to be an important part of the DuPont Nonwovens growth strategy. “In the future, we will drive three core strategies to achieve future growth: focusing on brand building at the end user level; alignments with value chain partners and developing new products with unique technology,” Mr. Vergnano explained. “You are never going to see us mortgage our future. We will continue to make investments that we deem proper in order to grow. It’s a very consistent strategy.”"
Sales: $1.2 billion
Description: Key Personnel
Mark Vergnano, vice president and general manager DuPont Nonwovens; Tom Schuler, global business director—Tyvek/Typar; Carl Lukach, global business director—Sontara
Plants
Richmond, VA (Tyvek); Old Hickory, TN (Sontara); Luxembourg (Tyvek, Typar); Asturias, Spain (Sontara); Shenzhen, China (Tyvek and Sontara converting facility); Workington, U.K. (Cambrelle)
ISO Status
All plants ISO 9002 certified; Luxembourg facility also 9001 certified
Processes
Flash spun (Tyvek), spunbond (Typar), spunlaced (Sontara)
Brand Names
Tyvek, Sontara, ComforMax, Typar (worldwide except North, Central and South America), Cambrelle, Acturel, Softess
Major Markets
Medical, general and protective apparel, industrial, construction, absorbents, home furnishings, envelopes, geotextiles, graphics, packaging, footwear
With a new leader and a new processing technology, DuPont Nonwovens, Wilmington, DE, has a lot to be proud of this year. Former head of the Tyvek/Typar business, Mark Vergnano took over the role of vice president/general manager in February. One month later, the division unveiled its new Advanced Composite Technology (ACT), which is being produced on a new line at DuPont’s Old Hickory, TN manufacturing facility. Reportedly under development for more than six years, ACT will initially target medical apparel applications but there are many other market opportunities in development.
The new technology, reportedly covered by more than 50 patents, allows for the combination of multiple polymers in a variety of structures. While initially DuPont Suprel nonwovens will target the medical gowns segment, applications for the material are limitless, according to company executives. “It is our heritage to come up with new applications to displace woven materials, paper or film and creating all-together new products,” explained Carl Lukach global business director of Sontara.
Looking at DuPont’s overall performance, total consolidated sales dropped slightly to $24 billion. Sales for the DuPont Safety & Protection platform, which include the nonwovens business, dropped 3% to $3.5 billion. While the company does not break out its nonwovens business’ sales, industry sources estimate them around $1.2 billion.
“We were happy with 2002 and the start of 2003,” Mr. Vergnano said. “If you look at DuPont as a corporation, we have a lot of which to be proud. We have a strong balance sheet, allowing us the cash for key investments. We also continue to drive our core values of safety, ethics and the environment.”
Despite this strength, executives recognize the difficult situation occurring in the nonwovens industry. These include overcapacity and increased raw material costs. To overcome these problems, DuPont relies on unique technology. “Much of today’s nonwovens technology is socialized,” Mr.Vergnano explained. “This is a large part of what’s causing such competitive issues within the industry.”
With a tradition of unique technology, DuPont has already contributed heavily to innovation in the nonwovens industry. DuPont was the first to commercialize “spunlace” hydroentangling technology more than 30 years ago with its DuPont Sontara branded products and pioneered “spunbond” technologies with its DuPont Typar branded products. Later it invented flashspinning and is the only manufacturer using this unique nonwovens technology for its DuPont Tyvek branded products. “End users are the key link in the value chain. That is the place where you can truly define unmet needs and target innovation to meet those needs. Our job is to define the unmet needs of the end user, develop unique solutions and then deliver those solutions through our strong network of value chain partners,” said Mr. Vergnano.
Looking at the company’s organization, DuPont was realigned into five market- and technology-focused growth platforms in February 2002. These five platforms include DuPont Electronic & Communication Technologies; DuPont Performance Materials; DuPont Coatings & Color Technologies; DuPont Safety & Protection and DuPont Agriculture & Nutrition. The nonwovens business, along with the Advanced Fiber Systems group, DuPont Chemical Solutions, the Safety Resources business and the Surfaces business including the Corian brand are grouped under the Safety & Protection platform. Since the formation of the new unit, DuPont Nonwovens has profited from internal synergies within its platform. Most recently this collaboration took the shape of an internal joint venture, named DuPont Personal Protection. Established in September 2002, this venture is focused on combining scientific innovation with material, garment and manufacturing expertise to create high performance protective apparel.
DuPont Nonwovens also underwent some reorganization this year with the appointment of Mr. Vergnano, who has worked at DuPont for 23 years, most recently as head of the Tyvek/Typar business. “It’s been a seamless transition. This business is not about any one person. We are still operating off of the same value-driven strategy with an end user market focus,” Mr. Vergnano explained.
Geographically, 50% of DuPont Nonwovens sales come from North American markets while Europe comprises 30%. The remaining 20% of sales are split among regions in the rest of the world. Recognizing the maturity of its major markets, DuPont has been examining strategies for increased global penetration. “We have been focusing on global market segments and analyzing product offerings to see if there’s a fit, depending on the nature of the market,” Mr. Vergnano explained. “For instance, in China we are trying to make products that are specific to the needs of the Chinese end user.”
Tyvek/Typar
Also under new leadership is the DuPont Tyvek/Typar business. Company veteran Thomas Schuler was appointed to the position of global business director in February after former director Mr. Vergnano was tapped to head DuPont Nonwovens. Mr. Schuler has worked for DuPont Nonwovens since 1994, holding positions both in the Tyvek and Sontara businesses.
According to Mr. Schuler, Tyvek, DuPont’s flashspun nonwoven product continues to enjoy strong growth in all of its end use markets, including personal protective apparel, construction, medical packaging, envelopes, packaging and graphics.
“We have really been strong in most of our segments,” Mr. Schuler explained. “A lot of this has been brought about by our focus on the end user and the brand promise.”
In construction, one of the fastest growing end use segments for Tyvek, the company has been working to increase the use of weather barriers (both housewrap and roof underlayments) globally. This is being achieved in two ways. For one, the company is touting the benefits of using a house wrap in areas where the practice is not yet widespread; for another, it is developing new products for specific applications such as DuPont FlexWrap for windows and a product to seal roofs. “Globally, our biggest competitor in the construction market is people who are not using anything,” Mr. Schuler explained. “Our big focus is to increase the penetration of the category in the market.”
For instance, education efforts are underway to teach builders how to use flashing systems to protect buildings from water damage. This includes Europe, Japan and South America where building codes and practices differ from the U.S. “We are looking at ways to provide solutions to fill builders’ needs that are unique to the construction industry,” Mr. Schuler explained.
Another core area for Tyvek that is seeing a great deal of action recently is personal protection, which has profited from a more focused approach to the global personal protection market. Recently DuPont Personal Protection has consolidated many DuPont products in the protective arena. These include DuPont Nomex for thermal hazards, Tyvek for dry particulate hazards, DuPont Tychem for liquid and gas chemical hazards, DuPont ProShield for general-purpose applications and DuPont Kevlar for cut-and-abrasion protection. Combining these products under one entity provides our customers with one source for all of their protective garment needs. “As we look to grow, it’s very important for us to form one area for customers to come to for all of their protective equipment-related needs,” Mr. Schuler explained. “It’s not just about nonwovens but about a full-scale solution.”
DuPont enlarged its protection portfolio in July through the acquisition of White Knight Engineered Products, a manufacturer of reusable and disposable textile products headquartered in Charlotte, NC. The purchase of the company’s nonwovens cleanroom apparel line is expected to bring the best possible protective garments and accessories to market using the talent and technology of both organizations. Products include a full line of cleanroom and controlled environment apparel including head gear, shoe covers, lab coats, frocks, coveralls and face masks. The assets of the acquisition are being managed by the DuPont Contamination Control segment of DuPont Nonwovens.
In recent years, a focus on brand building has been paramount to the success of DuPont across the board. For instance, Tyvek’s envelope division has completed an initiative whereby its customers, including the U.S. Postal Service, Federal Express and the French Postal Service, carry the DuPont Tyvek logo on their mailers, promoting the name around the world. Even though these agencies have been using Tyvek packaging for years, this initiative was started only recently as DuPont continues to harness the power of its brand names.
Also driving growth for Tyvek are events and market changes. DuPont Personal Protection business has been quick to respond to many world events in recent months. In fact, in April, DuPont announced that it has stepped up supply efforts for DuPont Tyvek protective disposable garments in China and Hong Kong to help healthcare responders to slow the spread of Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The Chinese government had requested one million protective Tyvek disposable garments for healthcare workers and other professionals. The structure of Tyvek flash spun, nonwoven fabric provides a strong barrier against a range of microscopic substances, including fine dust particles and fibers as well as non-hazardous, water-based liquids at low applied pressure.
From a manufacturing standpoint, Tyvek is produced at DuPont facilities in Richmond, VA, Luxembourg and Shenzhen, China. While the technology has not seen any major expansion since a new flash spinning line was added in Luxembourg last year, the company is constantly increasing the flexibility of its lines to create a broader performance range for its customers. “We are constantly challenging our ability to respond to changing market needs and demands,” Mr. Schuler explained.
Sontara
The big news from the DuPont Sontara business is the launch of a manufacturing facility implementing proprietary process technology called Advanced Composite Technology (ACT). DuPont will initially target medical applications for its DuPont Medical Fabrics business, an area where DuPont first blazed a trail three decades ago with its traditional Sontara spunlace product.
The first commercial product developed with this new technology taps the strength of polyester and the texture of polyethylene for surgical gowns and patient drapes. ACT produces bicomponent fabric that not only meets high standards for protection in operating rooms but also has a smooth and silky texture, enabling freedom of movement and comfort for patients and healthcare professionals.
“This is a core market for our total business and we continue to drive innovation with new composite fabrics,” explained Mr. Lukach. “The main benefits of our initial ACT medical fabric are its soft, silky texture when it touches the skin. The freedom of movement that it offers healthcare workers differentiates it from other fabrics.”
Suprel was created using the input of operating room nurses who participated in comfort studies conducted at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. This new technology has allowed DuPont Medical Fabrics to make a product with a high level of protection and uncompromising comfort. It has less surface friction than competitive products and it transfers heat away from the body quickly. Made from continuous filament fibers, Suprel is expected to be available for commercial distribution in late 2003. In the meantime, DuPont is conducting in-hospital trial evaluations and expects Suprel to be used by U.S. hospitals later this year.
Accompanying Suprel in the DuPont Medical Fabrics portfolio are Acturel, a new high-performance impervious fabric, and an improved Sontara spunlace fabric now rebranded Softesse.
“DuPont has a 25-year tradition as a leading supplier of nonwoven-based medical supplies. It set the standard with Sontara and now we are extending our leadership with Suprel, Acturel and Softesse,” Mr. Lukach explained.
DuPont’s spunlaced products for medical applications continue to be one of the nonwovens business’ core interest areas. The Sontara business received a boost recently when Arizant Healthcare, Eden Prairie, MN, chose Softesse as the gown fabric for its new Bair Paws patient adjustable warming system. Reportedly, the world’s first single-use patient warming gown and warming unit in one convenient system helps keep patients comfortable before and after surgery. Company executives expect this product to not only increase patient comfort but also decrease the effort it takes healthcare workers to make patients comfortable while waiting for surgery.
DuPont Medical Fabrics business recently announced the appointment of Paul Dewingaerden, former secretary general of EDANA, as business manager of DuPont Medical Fabrics, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Mr. Dewingaerden brings more than 25 years of diverse marketing and business experience in the European medical fabrics and healthcare industries to this new post. He has worked at American Hospital Supply and Dexter Corporation. At DuPont, he will manage the medical fabrics business in Europe.
Looking beyond medical applications, DuPont Sontara continues its strong focus on fabric innovation for its industrial and consumer market customers. One advantage Sontara has over competing material is that it is based on wood pulp and polyester, unlike most spunlace materials which are 100% synthetic. The combination of wood pulp and polyester provides strength, purity and higher absorption rates, which are features many end use manufacturers demand in spunlace nonwovens.
Additional markets for DuPont Sontara fabrics include consumer, contamination control and home furnishings, as well as critical cleaning applications for wipes products in aerospace, automotive, industrial, printing and food service markets.
Looking at the global business for Sontara, much of its growth has been achieved outside of the U.S. in recent years. This was largely the result of the installation of new manufacturing facilities in Asturias, Spain, Beijing, China and Cerquilo, Brazil. The Spanish facility has allowed DuPont to better target markets in eastern and western Europe, and the Beijing facility has enabled DuPont to better supply the growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region. Its South American business has been expanded through a joint venture with the leading Brazilian manufacturer of footwear components, Cipatex. Named DuPont-Cipatex, this venture started up a new spunlaced line in September 2002, which will mainly target footwear substrates and wipes applications. Company executives continue to place high value on the strength of their close working relationship with Cipatex, the leading supplier of footwear products to the rapidly growing Brazilian shoe industry. In late 2000, DuPont sold its Camtex needlepunch business in northern U.K. in a management buyout.
Down the road, the focus will be on key business acquisition and expansion. Identifying end user needs will continue to be an important part of the DuPont Nonwovens growth strategy. “In the future, we will drive three core strategies to achieve future growth: focusing on brand building at the end user level; alignments with value chain partners and developing new products with unique technology,” Mr. Vergnano explained. “You are never going to see us mortgage our future. We will continue to make investments that we deem proper in order to grow. It’s a very consistent strategy.”"