Freudenberg Nonwovens To Shut Down Two Automotive Lines In Kentucky

Citing declining year-over-year production volume, Germany-based Freudenberg Nonwovens has
announced it will shut down two production lines in its Hopkinsville, Ky., facility effective March
15 and move business served by the two lines to its Durham, N.C., facility. Both lines — one for
the production of staple fiber/binderbond nonwovens and one for adhesive webs — serve the
automotive industry.


“We have been working with the affected customers developing supply alternatives,” said
Stephan Liozu, vice president and general manager, Spunlaid Division North America. “We stand
committed to servicing our customer base in the North American automotive market and to bringing
new nonwovens technologies and solutions to our customers.”

Freudenberg Vitech LP, which also serves the automotive industry, and the company’s
Filtration Division will continue to operate in Hopkinsville. The Durham site’s spunlaid and staple
fiber operations will continue to serve the automotive industry as well as building product,
industrial and interlining markets in North America.

February 26, 2008

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