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