Nanofibre filters at PGI

Polymer Group (PGI) is to carry out an $8 million upgrade to its plant in Waynesboro, Virginia, to both expand its spunmelt output and also add two nanofibre technologies.

Once the investment is complete, PGI says it will be one of the only nonwovens companies equipped to produce every component needed to make synthetic composites for enhanced mechanical filtration applications. Using these synthetic composites, PGI will initially target the HVAC, facemask, fluid power and automotive cabin air markets.

“Filtration is a core business for PGI, and we’re dedicated to accelerating growth in this critical segment,” said J. Joel Hackney Jr., PGI’s CEO.

By the end of Q2 2014, PGI will refurbish more than 20,000 square feet of the Waynesboro plant, upgrade an existing research and development machine used to create proprietary filtration technology, install two additional units and improve the existing quality lab with state-of-the-art equipment.

Last year, PGI acquired Fiberweb to become the world’s leading manufacturer of nonwovens with an established presence across hygiene, healthcare, wipes and industrial segments. Fiberweb has unique offerings in filtration, with more than two decades of experience creating innovative products. With the acquisition and the investment, PGI's filtration segment is now one of the strongest in the industry.

The City of Waynesboro is providing tax reimbursement incentives for all new machinery and tools purchased for the project. The new additions are scheduled to be completed by July 2014.