Home / News / Johns Manville to upgrade Ohio nonwovens glass mat plant

Johns Manville to upgrade Ohio nonwovens glass mat plant

14 Feb '15

2 min read

US based nonwovens producer, Johns Manville said it will significantly upgrade its nonwovens glass mat production plant in Waterville, Ohio.

Beginning in late 2015, JM will upgrade an existing nonwoven mat line with advanced manufacturing technology that will allow the company to better serve customers in the specialty glass mat market.

JM anticipates that the upgraded production line will be fully operational in early 2016.

JM is the largest producer of specialty glass mat in North America and its glass nonwoven products are used in applications like roofing shingles, carpet tile, vinyl flooring, office panels, ceiling tile, duct liner, etc.

In addition to providing strength and reinforcement, specialty glass mat is used to support surface aesthetics, acoustical performance, mold and mildew resistance and sustainability performance of end-use products.

“This investment positions JM for business in new and evolving markets,” said Enno Henze, general manager for JM Engineered Products.

He added, “For example, in the energy storage space, fuel economy standards are driving new battery technologies.”

“Our upgraded plant will enable JM to provide global product capability between Europe and the Americas and to deliver consistency with regional availability,” said Tanya Bradby, portfolio leader, Nonwovens America.

She too added, “JM has a 157-year history of building science and product innovation, and this investment represents our latest commitment to the future of the industries we serve.”

Last year, JM announced the merger of its Engineered Products divisions in America, Europe and Asia into one global business unit.

The company’s investment in its Waterville manufacturing plant supports this reorganisation and bolsters the company’s global manufacturing footprint.

In addition to its Waterville plant, JM operates Engineered Products production facilities in China, Germany, Slovakia and in other areas of the US.

Johns Manville serves markets that include aerospace, automotive and transportation, air handling, appliance, HVAC, pipe and equipment, filtration, waterproofing, building, flooring, interiors and wind energy.

In business since 1858, the Denver-based company has annual sales of approximately $2.6 billion and holds leadership positions in all of the key markets that it serves.

JM employs approximately 7,000 people and operates 44 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. (AR)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India