Thibeau, part of international technology Group, Andritz, has received an order from Autotech Nonwovens, India, to supply a complete needlepunch line for flexible production of nonwovens for automotive, filtration, and coating substrate applications.

It is the first complete needlepunch line to be supplied by Andritz to India. Start-up of the line and personnel training are scheduled for mid-2016.

The Andritz neXline needlepunch solution is designed for high production capacities and integrates fibre opening and blending, chute feed, carding, crosslapping, drafting, needle loom, and winding technologies. The complete process is controlled by the ProDyn closed loop system and allows for extremely demanding profile requirements. The highly reliable Andritz needlepunch technology meets the most stringent quality demands, according to a press release.

Autotech Nonwovens, based in the automotive hub of Gujarat state, is one of the leading suppliers of high-quality nonwovens to the automotive industry in India. The line ordered from Andritz will be the first integrated, single-source needlepunch line investment purchased in Europe by an Indian company in over seven years, according to Indian sources. Using the Andritz high-quality needlepunch technology will result in a huge leap forward in the range of nonwoven technical textiles available in India.

Andritz is a globally leading supplier of plants, equipment, and services for hydropower stations, the pulp and paper industry, the metalworking and steel industries, and for solid/liquid separation in the municipal and industrial sectors. (GK)