As part of its European flooring business restructuring, Wichita, Kan.-based Invista — a global
integrated fibers and polymers manufacturer — will discontinue flooring operations at its
Östringen, Germany, site, and nylon processing operations at its Kerkrade site in the Netherlands.
The company plans to end production at the Östringen site by the end of 2010 and at the Kerkrade
site by the end of the first quarter 2011. Approximately 400 employees at Östringen and 60
employees at Kerkrade will be affected. Invista will continue apparel activities, which include
distribution activities, as well as Lycra® fiber beaming, rewinding and knitting at the Kerkrade
site.
“We understand that this announcement will come as a disappointment to the affected employees
and we recognize that our employees have made considerable contributions over the years,” said Dan
Stone, president, Performance Surfaces and Materials, Invista. “Invista has attempted to streamline
its European flooring business and to reduce costs, however, we continue to have a high cost
position compared to other producers and because of poor fibre and yarn demand in the European
flooring markets, our efforts and actions have not been enough to put us in a position of
profitability. Our vision is to create a healthy and successful business in Europe by sourcing
products from other sites around the world.”
Customers in other regions who purchase Invista’s European nylon 6,6 products will be offered
alternatives from the company’s North American manufacturing sites.
June 15, 2010
