Western Nonwovens Inc. Announces Major Capital Spending Plan for HiLoft Business Unit

Furniture World Magazine

Western Nonwovens, Inc. (WNI), a leading producer of durable nonwovens products in the U.S., announced that the WNI board of directors has approved plans for additional projects within the major capital-spending plan announced in May. As part of the plan, nearly $8 million dollars in capital spending will be directed at WNI’s HiLoft business. Emphasis will be focused on improving and/or expanding the company’s manufacturing technology and capacity within its Thermal Bond and Resin Bond operations. Company officials are enthusiastic about the plan. “We are committed to the future growth and performance of our HiLoft business,” says Ken Hardin, President and CEO of WNI. “Implementing this capital plan will enable WNI to provide superior products to the marketplace, strengthening our position as ‘The Nation’s Nonwoven Leader®.’” Dan Dobbins, VP of HiLoft Business states, “We are excited by the opportunity to supply our customers in both niche and commodity markets with current and next generation products and technology solutions on a national basis.” “And,” adds Matt Schrantz, VP of Operations, “we will do it more efficiently, enhancing our ability to be the high quality, low cost supplier in each of our operating regions.” The work is progressing. The company recently completed major improvement projects to both its resin and thermal bond operations at its Orlando, Florida facility, which services Florida and the Southeast United States. Significant renovations will be made to the resin bond operation at the Sauget, Illinois facility to enhance its ability to supply the high-end filtration market. A new 4.5-meter wide thermal bond line will be installed at the Carson, California plant along with upgrades to the resin bond operation. Plans call for all projects to be completed in 2003. As communicated earlier, WNI continues to deploy significant capital expanding its nylon spunbond operation, Cerex Advanced Fabrics, located in Pensacola, Florida. Project engineering is in progress and start-up of the new line is anticipated by year-end 2003. Company Background: Western Nonwovens, Inc. (WNI) is the nation’s largest producer of durable nonwovens products, with nine manufacturing facilities in the U.S. WNI is the largest producer of HiLoft products in the United States, provides high quality Needlepunch products to industrial markets, is the only spunbond nylon producer (Cerex Advanced Fabrics) in the Western Hemisphere, and is a leading supplier of synthetic, continuous filament insulation products. WNI has facilities in Carson, CA (2), Commerce, CA, Oakland, CA, Clearfield, UT, St. Louis, MO, Sauget, IL, Pensacola, FL and Orlando, FL. For more information about the company and its products, please visit us on the web at www.westernnonwovens.com or call (310) 767-1000.