PGI To Shutter New Jersey Plant

Charlotte-based nonwovens producer Polymer Group Inc. (PGI) has announced plans to close its manufacturing facility in Landisville, N.J., by the end of the third quarter of 2008. The plant employs approximately 85 workers in the manufacture of carded thermal bond and chemical bond products for hygiene and medical applications. Those employees will be offered severance and displacement assistance. The company plans to move the manufacture of certain product lines to other PGI facilities in the United States, while it will discontinue other lines as a result of changing market demand.

“PGI’s focus on leading market positions and global growth requires a constant assessment of our capabilities compared to the market needs,” said CEO Veronica “Ronee” Hagen. “The consolidation of the Landisville facility is a function of market demand shifting away from the technological capabilities of the plant and is consistent with our efforts to focus resources on best-in-class technology and product offerings.”

PGI will continue to operate seven other plants in the United States, including Benton and Mooresville, N.C.; North Little Rock, Ark.; Waynesboro, Va.; Kingman, Kan.; Clearfield, Utah; Guntown, Miss.; and Clackamas, Ore.

June 3, 2008