Ahlstrom invests in capability for production of cotton-containing spunlace products
Ahlstrom, a leader in high performance fiber-based materials, today announced its investment in new capabilities for the production of cotton-containing spunlace products at its Green Bay, WI, USA plant. As a quick reaction to market demand for cotton-containing materials, Ahlstrom upgraded current systems and installed capital equipment in order to manufacture materials that use the natural fiber.
Ahlstrom has become one of the leading suppliers to the wipes market mainly through organic growth with proprietary technology as demonstrated in the spunlace composites line at its Windsor Locks, CT, USA facility commercialized in 2004. The acquisition of the Green Bay Nonwovens plant later that same year has further increased Ahlstrom's wipes production capability.
Martin Davis, Vice President and General Manager of Ahlstrom's global wipes business said, "The marketplace continues to look for differentiated products. Ahlstrom is now positioned to differentiate its offerings even further and better serve its existing and potential customers. The investment widens our service and range of products and strengthens our position as a leading supplier to this market."
"By adding the new cotton capability to Ahlstrom's spunlace line, the company will be able to run different fibers which offer the material many improved properties" said Karen Castle, Global Director of Marketing, Wipes. "Product benefits derived from the investment include softness, increased tensile strength, improved absorbency, and better liquid retention. Demanding applications for cotton-containing spunlace products include baby wipes, personal care and cosmetic applications."
The wipes industry expects the North American market to continue to grow in the coming years. In addition, Ahlstrom continues to assess opportunities to further expand the sales and production of wipes products outside of North America.
Contacts:
Karen Castle, Director of Marketing, Wipes - +1 860 654 8328, karen.castle@ahlstrom.com or wipes.nonwovens@ahlstrom.com
Karen Renton, Marketing and Communications Manager, Nonwovens - +44 (0) 1890 819 341, karen.renton@ahlstrom.com
Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance fiber-based materials. Nonwovens and specialty papers, made by Ahlstrom, are used in a large variety of everyday products, e.g. in filters, wipes, flooring, labels and tapes. The company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates, built upon the company's unique fiber expertise and innovative approach. Ahlstrom's 5,600 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2005, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.55 billion. Ahlstrom's share is listed on the main list of the Helsinki Stock Exchange. The company website is www.ahlstrom.com.