Fiberweb To Close S.C. Facility By Year's End

London-based Fiberweb plc plans to close its spunbond polyester production facility in Gray Court, S.C., by the end of this year. The production line will continue to run through the third quarter, and perhaps beyond, as Fiberweb fulfills customer orders and moves its business to similar lines at the company’s Old Hickory, Tenn., operation. Fifty associates will be affected.

This closure follows the sale earlier this year of Fiberweb’s consumer wipes business to Finland-based Ahlstrom Corp., Four plants — one of which was in the United States — were included in the sale, valued at $86.9 million.

“This closure will enable Fiberweb to focus capital and technical resources on more promising projects,” said Dave Rousse, president, Fiberweb Americas. “We are actively pursuing finalization of new investments for the Simpsonville, S.C., site. While details of these investments must await this finalization, we are undertaking significant work to reinvest in Fiberweb’s North American manufacturing capability in the important area of hygiene products.”