United States-based nonwovens manufacturer Polymer Group Inc. (PGI) has announced plans to expand and upgrade spunmelt operations in the United States and China with the installation of state-of-the-art, custom-designed machinery in PGI manufacturing facilities in both countries. The investment will enable the company to produce differentiated products that offer improved barrier function, softness and opacity for downstream hygiene and healthcare products including diapers, drapes and surgical gowns.

"This expansion in product capability and capacity is part of PGI's ongoing strategy to provide superior solutions to the marketplace and meet customers' stated needs for higher performing products with an optimum combination of barrier and comfort," said Veronica "Ronee" Hagen, CEO, PGI.

The company anticipates associated construction will begin early first-quarter 2010, with commercial availability of product expected in mid-2011.

In related company news, PGI plans to open a research center of excellence (COE) at its facility in Suzhou, China. The COE will focus on creating technologies to aid in the development of differentiated nonwoven products.

The new COE will work with other PGI research and development (R&D) facilities outside of China, as well as creating working relationships with customers, suppliers, universities, research companies and technology think tanks within Asia. In addition, the COE will support PGI's expansion plans in Asia and the United States.

"This newest regional Center of Excellence in China will be an extension of PGI's ongoing global R&D initiatives and continued investment in technology to deliver differentiated, higher-performing products to the market," said Mike Hale, COO, PGI. "Having dedicated research centers and teams around the world fosters creativity, promotes collaboration and serves as a best practice model for our company and customers."

January 20, 2010