Asahi Kasei Fibers Corp., Japan, has discontinued spandex production at its U.S. subsidiary, Asahi Kasei Spandex America Inc., Goose Creek, S.C. The action, which impacts 133 jobs, is part of a strategy influenced by a global oversupply of spandex in tandem with high feedstock prices, and by ongoing weak U.S. market demand.

Asahi Kasei Fibers acquired the Goose Creek site in 2006, when it purchased the Dorlastan® fibers business from Lanxess AG, Germany. It will continue to produce Dorlastan spandex at a facility in Germany. It also produces Roica™ spandex in Asia.

The closure leaves Invista, Wichita, Kan., as the sole spandex producer in the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement regions. Invista produces Lycra® spandex at facilities in Waynesboro, Va.; and Monterrey, Mexico.

September/October 2012