Germany-based Perlon Monofil GmbH, a subsidiary of Lanxess AG, has added 350 tons to its annual production capacity for Perlon monofilaments with the startup of a new 3 million euro (US$4.6 million) manufacturing line at its Dormagen facility, boosting the company’s total annual Perlon capacity to well over 5,000 tons.

“By expanding our capacity, we are responding to the mounting demand — particularly in Asia — for monofilaments for paper machine clothing, and to the increasing trend towards small filament diameters on the European market,” said Frank Winkes, managing director, Perlon Monofil.

The new plant features high extrusion speed of up to 900 meters per minute, simplified process and increased capabilities for production — including easier, faster raw material and color changes. New winder technology enables production of monofilaments of less than 0.1 millimeter in diameter.

The company’s high-grade polyamide and polyester monofilaments are marketed under the Perlon, Atlas and Bayco brands. End uses include paper machine clothing; technical fabrics; mooring cables; sport-fishing lines; wire for fruit cultivation and vineyards; and tennis, badminton and squash racket strings.

March 11, 2008