In the dynamic and global textile fiber industry with its various manufacturing processes and end-uses, news and information is breaking on a daily basis. International Fiber Journal is tracking stories relevant to our industry from manmade to natural to bio-based fibers, innovations in nonwoven, woven, braided and technical textiles, technologies for additives, bonding, coatings and polymers, and applications from apparel to hygiene to transportation, and more. Here we will post news stories relevant to textile fibers and their downstream applications on an ongoing basis. Please check back for regular updates. If you have news that you feel should be added to this summary report, please email it to Ken Norberg at ken@ifj.com.
Most recent update: May 12, 2025
Kimberly-Clark Announces Plans to Invest Over $2 Billion in US Manufacturing
Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced plans to invest over $2 billion over the next 5 years in its North America business, marking the company’s largest domestic expansion in more than 30 years. Amid rising demand for its consumer brands, which include Huggies® diapers, Kleenex® tissue, Depend® incontinence products, Scott® kitchen towels, and Cottonelle® bath tissue, these investments will significantly enhance its US manufacturing capacity, accelerate its innovation plans and support its ambitious growth targets.
This broad-based investment program centers on two transformative projects: a new advanced manufacturing facility in Warren, Ohio, and an expansion of its Beech Island, South Carolina, site with a state-of-the-art automated distribution center. It also includes additional capital expenditure linked to innovation and automation upgrades across its North America supply chain network.
These projects are expected to create more than 900 highly skilled jobs in industrial automation and advanced manufacturing.
A.Celli and Ahlstrom Sign Contract for Supply of Nonwoven Rewinder
A.Celli will deliver a rewinder destined for Ahlstrom’s new production line located in Chirnside, Scotland. The scope of supply includes a customized E-WIND® RAPID designed to produce 11- 40 gsm wetlaid reels with a maximum width of 3600 mm at a design speed of 850 m/min, with a shaft and reel handling system. The investment in Chirnisdie is a wetlaid nonwovens line targeting the food and beverage industry.
The agreement also included dedicated contracts for maintenance and spare parts supply to guarantee the highest level of machine availability and performance.
Stuart Nixon, Head of Projects/Managing Director of Ahlstrom Chirnside, said “this is not the first time we have partnered with A.Celli, and we’ve always reached great results together. We appreciate the company’s dedication in developing and delivering machinery to reach our specific production needs, and this is why we look forward to continuing our partnership in the coming years.”
Suominen Announces a Cost Saving Program
Finish nonwovens and roll goods producer Suominen has announced a cost-saving program to secure profitable growth and ensure long-term competitiveness.
“We are launching a cost saving program to address our structural costs across operations and global functions to secure profitable growth. This is a necessary step to improve our competitiveness and profitability, as we continue investing in innovation and sustainability, collaborating closely with our customers,” says President & CEO Tommi Björnman.
The program is expected to result in savings of approximately EUR 10 million. Savings are planned to realize over the next 24 months. The saving program is expected to affect up to 60 positions globally, subject to local consultation procedures.
Trützschler India Relocates to Ultra-Modern Manufacturing Plant in Sanand
Trützschler India recently celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Sanand, near Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. This strategic relocation from the previous Ahmedabad site to the new facility is set to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.
The Trützschler and Schürenkrämer families and the Trützschler Group management team, alongside Trützschler India CEO Joseph Thomson, welcomed a distinguished group of guests, including Shri Bhupendra Bhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Achim Fabig, Consulate General of Germany in India and Shri Parshottam Ji Rupala, Member of Parliament. In addition, many of Trützschler’s valued customers, long-time partners and dedicated colleagues joined the celebration for a day of inspiring speeches, networking and a lively cultural program.
The new Sanand facility spans 164,000 square meters, with a built-up area of 72,000 square meters, and employs over 1,000 people. This pioneering plant is designed to serve both Indian and global markets, driving continued growth and innovation in the production of spinning preparation machines, card clothing, and nonwoven equipment. Built with a focus on sustainability, the facility adheres to high environmental standards, including ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 50001:2018 certifications. It also aims to achieve a gold rating from the Indian Green Building Council. Key features of the plant include solar energy systems, rainwater collection, electric vehicle charging points, and AI-powered process optimization.
Rieter to Acquire Barmag from OC Oerlikon
Rieter has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Barmag from OC Oerlikon for an upfront equity purchase price of CHF 713 million. The acquisition will create a globally leading player in natural and manmade fibers, headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, and is highly complementary to Rieter’s short-staple fiber business.
Barmag is a provider of filament spinning systems used for manufacturing manmade fibers, texturing machines, BCF1 systems, staple fiber spinning and nonwovens solutions and – as an engineering services provider – offers solutions along the textile value chain. In the financial year 2024, the company generated sales of CHF 734 million with around 2600 employees.
Barmag comprises the established product brands Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven. The main markets for the Barmag product portfolio are China, India, Turkey and the U.S. The innovative and technologically advanced products are developed in Remscheid and Neumünster, Germany, as well as Suzhou and Wuxi in China.
As fiber consumption is projected to rise, most of the growth is expected to come from manmade fibers. The increase of natural fibers such as cotton and linen is limited due to natural boundaries. Manmade fibers will help to meet expanding demand for clothing, technical and home textiles. The strategic acquisition of Barmag will transform Rieter into a leading supplier for converting natural and manmade fibers into yarn.
www.rieter.com
General Nonwovens Announces €40 Million Investment
General Nonwovens in Turkey, a leading global manufacturer of nonwoven fabrics, announced they will invest €40 million in a new production line dedicated to technical textiles. This expansion aligns with the company’s long-term vision of diversifying its product portfolio while maintaining its strong presence in the hygiene sector.
Despite global economic slowdowns, General Nonwovens is moving forward with a state-of-the-art production line designed by its in-house project team. The line features multi-layer composite technology, uniquely designed for automotive, filtration, home care, and technical textile applications.
“This investment is a testament to our ongoing dedication to innovation and market expansion” said Alican Yilankirkan, board member of General Nonwovens. “The production line is a one-of-its-kind system that not only strengthens our presence in the technical textiles sector but also serves as a market-opening initiative that expands our portfolio. Production is expected to begin by mid 2025.”
General Nonwovens continues to integrate energy-efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes. By enabling lower basis weight fabric production, the company offers customers high-quality solutions with reduced material usage, contributing to circular economy.
