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Suominen to set up new wetlaid line at Bethune plant

28 May '15

2 min read

Nonwovens producer Suominen has finalised plans to set up a new wetlaid production line in its Bethune plant, South Carolina, USA.

“Since negotiations with machinery and service suppliers are still pending, the total cost of the investment project will be disclosed later,” it said in a press release.

It added that the investment is expected to create at least 25 jobs at the Bethune plant and the new line is anticipated to be installed during the second half of 2016.

The investment constitutes the most significant single initiative in Suominen’s €30–50 million growth investment program launched at the end of 2014.

Through successful strategy execution, Suominen expects to become a company with net sales of roughly €500 million by the end of 2017.

“To achieve the targeted substantial growth, we seek to increase both our sales volumes and the share of products with higher value-added in our portfolio,” CEO Nina Kopola said.

“Therefore, the new production line will focus on supplying nonwovens with higher added value for household and industrial wiping as well as for flushable applications,” she observed.

According to Suominen, the demand for nonwovens is expected to continue to develop favourably, thanks to several global megatrends.

Global growth in the number of hospital-acquired infections, for example, boosts the demand for hygienic single-use industrial wipes for healthcare institutions.

“The consumers’ desire for top-notch cleanliness in housekeeping routines drives demand for antibacterial disposable wipes and flushable and dispersible toilet wipes,” Kopola added.

“These are just examples of the megatrends that accelerate the demand for nonwovens,” Kopola noted.

To celebrate the investment, Suominen will hold an event at the Bethune plant on June 2, 2015, which among others will be attended by Nikki Haley, governor of South Carolina.

Suominen manufactures nonwovens as roll goods for wipes as well as for medical and hygiene products for applications in wet wipes, feminine care products and swabs.

Suominen employs approximately 600 people in Europe and in the Americas and its net sales in 2014 amounted to €401.8 million and operating profit excluding non-recurring items to €26.9 million. (AR)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India