Karen McIntyre, Editor10.09.17
The airlaid market, at least in North America, will receive a boost early next year when a long-awaited new production line begins operation in Fort Smith, AR. Being added by Glatfelter, who is already the world’s largest manufacturer of airlaid nonwovens, the new line will add 22,000 short tons of capacity to the market representing the largest single investment in North America in more than 15 years.
“Our plan to build this new facility is in direct response to customer needs for increased capacity in a tightening North American airlaid market,” says CEO Dante Parrini.
The new facility was also the result of a major customer order, according to the company. When it announced the $80 million facility two years ago, Glatfelter indicated that growth in lighter weight hygiene and disposable wipes products—a market already in growth mode, increasing 12% last year—was a priority.
In 2015, feminine hygiene applications dominated Glatfelter’s sales, representing 74%, while wipes comprised less than 10% of sales. CFO John Jacunski recently told analysts that the investm
“Our plan to build this new facility is in direct response to customer needs for increased capacity in a tightening North American airlaid market,” says CEO Dante Parrini.
The new facility was also the result of a major customer order, according to the company. When it announced the $80 million facility two years ago, Glatfelter indicated that growth in lighter weight hygiene and disposable wipes products—a market already in growth mode, increasing 12% last year—was a priority.
In 2015, feminine hygiene applications dominated Glatfelter’s sales, representing 74%, while wipes comprised less than 10% of sales. CFO John Jacunski recently told analysts that the investm
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