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North American Nonwovens: Investment Continues

New lines keep coming

North American Nonwovens: Investment Continues

Suominen, Green Bay, WI

In February, Suominen announced plans to invest €6 million in an existing spunlace line in Green Bay. The addition of carding capabilities will expand the line's product range.

Glatfelter, Fort Smith, AR

In June, Glatfelter celebrated the completion of its latest U.S. investment, a 22,000-ton airlaid line in Fort Smith, AR. The new capacity will largely serve the specialty wipes markets.

Berry Global, Mooresville, NC

Berry Global is adding a new Spinlace line at its existing facility in Mooresville, NC. Spinlace is Berry's microfilament technology which largely targets the surface wipes market.

Albaad, Reidsville, NC

In June, Albaad, an Israeli-based maker of wipes and other hygiene products, said it would invest $45 million in its manufacturing site in Reidsville, NC. The investment will expand the company's scope in the personal care markets.

Norafin, Mills Rivers, SC

In June, Norafin opened its first U.S. site, dedicated to making high performance spunlace nonwovens. The line will help the German company meet demand for technical products in North America.

Kimberly-Clark, Hendersonville, NC

In May, Kimberly-Clark said it would invest $30 million in a plant in Hendersonville, NC to make nonwovens to supply its adult and feminine hygiene brands. The two-year project will add capacity and improve efficiency at the site.

06.21.18

Investment remains strong in North America with several new lines announced in the past few months. This investment comes after an impressive five-year growth period for the industry. According to INDA, the association of the nonwoven fabrics industry, North America added 663,000 tons of new nonwovens capacity between 2012 and 2017.