Israel-based Avgol Nonwoven Industries — a manufacturer and supplier of nonwoven fabrics for baby diapers and hygiene products — will invest $35 million to expand its Mocksville, N.C., facility, with the expectation of adding 42 jobs. The company will add a fourth production line to the plant, which currently has three state-of-the-art 4.2-meter Reicofil 3 SMS lines that represent more than 50 percent of Avgol's total global production capacity. Avgol established its North Carolina operations in 2001 and currently employs 132 people at the facility.

In addition to the Mocksville plant, Avgol has manufacturing operations in Israel, China and Russia. The company recently announced plans to acquire Wayne, Pa.-based Cleaver Associates Inc., its exclusive distributor in North America and a nonexclusive distributor in other territories (See " Avgol To Acquire Cleaver Associates," www. TextileWorldAsia.com, Jan. 21, 2011).

"Our strategy is to continue to grow our business in our largest market here in the USA," said Ronnie Batchler, COO, Avgol Nonwoven Industries. "Our customers continue to challenge us for more unique and innovative products that are cost effective. We have been able to meet those challenges over the past ten years. This has hastened our growth in Mocksville."

February 16, 2011