01.01.04
Location: Dierdorf, Germany
Sales: $158 MILLION
Description: Key Personnel
Michael Haddon, managing director
Plant
Dierdorf, Germany
ISO Status
ISO 9001
Processes
Drylaid, chemical bonded, thermal bonded, needlepunched, air through bonded
Brand Names
Paratherm, Paramoll, Paraskin, Paraprint, Parabond, Parafil, Paratherm loft, Paraform
After making considerable investments in 2002 and into 2003, Lohmann Vliesstoffe GmbH, along with sister company TWE Group, has spent recent months examining synergies between its new businesses and establishing a plan for the future. After merging in 2002, Lohmann and TWE purchased the Kahnes Group, a Germany-based producer of 5000 tons of needlepunched material, in 2003, as well as needlepunch and spunlaced producer Hildener Filz.
These acquisitions as well as a steady stream of growth initiatives have allowed the company to grow its sales to E140 million in 2003, a significant jump compared to the slightly more than E100 million reported in 2002. The majority of this business was conducted in Europe; the company operates all of its production facilities within Germany.
Lohmann has been lucky to acquire companies that have little crossover in end use markets. While its largest market continues to be hygiene, comprising about 40% of the division’s sales, much of TWE’s business centers around consumer household products and some technical markets. “This means there is little crossover in the market for the companies in the group, and we are pleased to have this wide product portfolio in order to minimize risk,” said Michael Haddon, managing director. “It is our intention to pursue this strategy and grow in all of our core markets.”
Lohmann produces 13,000 tons of nonwoven materials annually. Of this capacity, needlepunch and resin bonding comprise 30% each while air through bonding represents the remaining 40%. Meanwhile, 100% of the 10,000 tons of nonwovens TWE produces annually are needlepunched, Kahnes can produce 5000 tons of needlepunched nonwovens and Hildener Filz’s capacity is split between needlepunched and spunlaced nonwovens.
The company’s success has largely been attributed to a sharp focus on the market segments in which it chooses to participate and a clear technology plan in sync with this focus. In addition to hygiene and household, core markets include automotives, interior decoration, filtration, medical, hygiene, footwear and conveyor belts.
While acquisition and investment activity has cooled, for now, Lohmann executives are making plans for the future. While specifics could not be named, Mr. Haddon would say that they would continue focus on its existing business and how it stacks up with market demands.
Sales: $158 MILLION
Description: Key Personnel
Michael Haddon, managing director
Plant
Dierdorf, Germany
ISO Status
ISO 9001
Processes
Drylaid, chemical bonded, thermal bonded, needlepunched, air through bonded
Brand Names
Paratherm, Paramoll, Paraskin, Paraprint, Parabond, Parafil, Paratherm loft, Paraform
After making considerable investments in 2002 and into 2003, Lohmann Vliesstoffe GmbH, along with sister company TWE Group, has spent recent months examining synergies between its new businesses and establishing a plan for the future. After merging in 2002, Lohmann and TWE purchased the Kahnes Group, a Germany-based producer of 5000 tons of needlepunched material, in 2003, as well as needlepunch and spunlaced producer Hildener Filz.
These acquisitions as well as a steady stream of growth initiatives have allowed the company to grow its sales to E140 million in 2003, a significant jump compared to the slightly more than E100 million reported in 2002. The majority of this business was conducted in Europe; the company operates all of its production facilities within Germany.
Lohmann has been lucky to acquire companies that have little crossover in end use markets. While its largest market continues to be hygiene, comprising about 40% of the division’s sales, much of TWE’s business centers around consumer household products and some technical markets. “This means there is little crossover in the market for the companies in the group, and we are pleased to have this wide product portfolio in order to minimize risk,” said Michael Haddon, managing director. “It is our intention to pursue this strategy and grow in all of our core markets.”
Lohmann produces 13,000 tons of nonwoven materials annually. Of this capacity, needlepunch and resin bonding comprise 30% each while air through bonding represents the remaining 40%. Meanwhile, 100% of the 10,000 tons of nonwovens TWE produces annually are needlepunched, Kahnes can produce 5000 tons of needlepunched nonwovens and Hildener Filz’s capacity is split between needlepunched and spunlaced nonwovens.
The company’s success has largely been attributed to a sharp focus on the market segments in which it chooses to participate and a clear technology plan in sync with this focus. In addition to hygiene and household, core markets include automotives, interior decoration, filtration, medical, hygiene, footwear and conveyor belts.
While acquisition and investment activity has cooled, for now, Lohmann executives are making plans for the future. While specifics could not be named, Mr. Haddon would say that they would continue focus on its existing business and how it stacks up with market demands.
