Rosemont, Ill.-based Wynnchurch Capital Ltd. has announced a growth equity investment in Foss Manufacturing Co. LLC, a Hampton, N.H.-based manufacturer of specialty fibers and needlepunch nonwoven fabrics.

Foss Manufacturing has significantly expanded its automotive business unit, which manufactures headliners, upholstery, seating, carpet and other such products for original equipment manufacturers. The company also produces and markets Fosshield® antimicrobial products, Eco-Fi® polyester fiber made using recycled polyethylene terephthalate bottles, and a range of other products. The company has been expanding operations at its facility in Hampton, and last year announced plans to open a 220,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Rome, Ga. (See " Foss Manufacturing To Open Facility In Rome, Ga., Create 150 Jobs," TextileWorld.com, October 2, 2012).

"With the support of Wynnchurch, Foss is well positioned to succeed on our strategic growth plan and continue to deliver innovative and responsive solutions to help our customers grow," said AJ Nassar, CEO, Foss Manufacturing. "Our management team is looking forward to partnering with Wynnchurch to continue to grow our business."

"We look forward to partnering with AJ Nassar and his team to support the Company's growth plans and continue its long history of innovation and technical leadership," said John Hatherly, president, Wynnchurch Capital.

January 15, 2013