DNA Technical Fabrics Welcomes Doug McBurney As Vice President Of Operations

COLUMBUS, GA — September 29, 2026 — DNA Technical Fabrics is pleased to announce the addition of Doug McBurney as Vice President of Operations, bringing extensive textile industry experience and leadership to the DNA team.

Doug McBurney

Doug is a textile industry veteran whose career includes leadership roles with Milliken, Russell/Fruit of the Loom, Polartec, VELCRO, and MMI Textiles.

A native of the Southeast, he holds degrees from both Auburn University and Clemson University.

In his role, Doug is responsible for advancing DNA’s strategic objectives through operational excellence, customer satisfaction, workforce development, and innovation. Doug will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure DNA continues to deliver the quality, reliability, and responsiveness they expect while supporting the talented employees whose dedication and expertise drive the company’s success every day.

Posted: October 5, 2026

Source: DNA Technical Fabrics

Sukano Polymers Corp. And Poddar Pigments Ltd Partner To Set New Standards In Fiber Coloration

SCHINDELLEGI, Switzerland — September 22, 2026 — Sukano Polymers Corporation, a specialist in color and additive masterbatches for polyesters, biopolymers, and specialty resins, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Poddar Pigments Limited, an ISO 9001:2015-certified masterbatch manufacturer specializing in solution dyed nylon, polyester BCF, and multifilament yarn and fiber applications.

Through this collaboration, Sukano becomes the exclusive techno-commercial partner for direct sales and distribution, including local stock, of Poddar’s single pigment dispersion (SPD) black, white, and color portfolio across the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

The partnership significantly expands Sukano’s offering for fiber applications, providing customers with access to a comprehensive range of SPD masterbatches specifically engineered for highly concentrated solution dyed fibers. Custom color developments and customer-specific formulations will continue to be developed and supplied directly by Sukano.

Delivering More Value to Fiber Manufacturers
The collaboration combines Poddar’s manufacturing expertise and advanced color technology with Sukano’s strong regional presence, technical know-how, and customer support network throughout the Americas.

With dedicated commercial and technical teams, Sukano will serve as the primary contact for customers, ensuring a seamless experience from product selection through implementation. Customers will benefit from an extensive portfolio of proven fiber color products, local stock, technical support, reliable supply, and streamlined customer service across the Americas.

The partnership is particularly focused on polyester, polyolefin, and nylon fiber applications, where lot-to-lot color consistency, high-accuracy color matching, purity, process stability, and product performance are critical.

Supported by advanced color development, in-house fiber sampling, and testing capabilties, customers benefit from reliable solutions that meet demanding visual and mechanical requirements while maximizing production efficiency, speed to market, and yield.

In their in-house technical center, Sukano conducts comprehensive testing for polymer and high-performance fibers, using state-of-the-art laboratory fiber extrusion equipment. Capabilities include yarn feasibility testing, sample production for different spinning processes, small-batch manufacturing, and the development of fibers for specialized applications. Precise color matching services further ensure optimal alignment with customer requests.

“This partnership strengthens our ability to offer customers a robust and reliable supply of high-quality single pigment dispersions and tailormade colors, backed by local technical support and exceptional service,” said Mark Fessler, CEO at Sukano Polymers Corporation “By combining our market and technical expertise with Poddar’s manufacturing excellence, we are creating a compelling value proposition for fiber producers across the Americas.”

“As India’s oldest and largest fiber masterbatch company, we have built decades of expertise in fiber coloration and processing to deliver the right solution for every customer,” said Gaurav Goenka, CEO of Poddar Pigments. “By partnering with Sukano, we combine technical excellence, expert support, and market ready capabilities in a reliable one-stop solution for even the most specialized and demanding fiber applications across the United States, Canada and Latin America.”

Shared Commitment to Innovation and the Environment
Both companies share a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. While Sukano has pioneered technologies that maximize the use of environmentally responsible polymer solutions such as PET and biopolymers, Poddar has revolutionized the color business in India with innovative synthesized coloration technologies that provide an alternative to conventional, harmful fiber dyeing processes.

Sustainability extends beyond the products themselves and is also reflected in the operations of both companies. Poddar powers its production facility entirely with renewable solar energy through rooftop solar installations and a dedicated solar power plant. Sukano is also advancing its commitment to renewable energy through solar panel installations at its facilities in Switzerland and Malaysia, supporting progress towards net-zero emissions.

Posted: October 5, 2026

Source: Sukano

Premex Solutions Acquisition By Media One Accelerates Next Phase Of US Growth

MANCHESTER, UK / ATLANTA, GA — September 22, 2026 — Premex Solutions, the Georgia-based digital textile fabrics business, has been acquired by Media One, marking the next phase of its growth in the US market.

Premex was established to meet growing US demand for digitally printable textiles. It carries the product expertise, technical knowledge and textile heritage of its parent company, Premier Textiles Group, a Manchester-based, family-run business founded in 1981, serving customers across North West England and beyond.

A key part of Premex’s success has been its focus on innovation, with the business bringing new fabric developments to the US market. This combination of textile expertise, technical knowledge and commitment to innovation has helped establish Premex as a strong and respected supplier in the digital textile market.

Nick Smith, Director, Premier Textiles Group, said: “Premex has developed into an exciting business with real potential in the US market. This acquisition puts it in the best position to reach that potential, with an owner able to give it the focus, resource and investment it needs.

“Media One is exactly that owner. We’re excited to see what the business achieves as it enters this next chapter.”

Premex joins Media One’s existing portfolio alongside Fisher Textiles and Hyperflex Vinyls, bringing print-ready fabrics together with printing equipment, inks, finishing solutions and nationwide technical service under one roof. Premex customers will continue working with the same people and products, now backed by Media One’s wider capabilities.

Jake Feldman, Chief Executive Officer of Media One, said: “Premex has developed best-in-class print-ready and pre-treated fabrics, along with real technical depth in natural and specialty textiles that complements our own printing technology and service expertise.”
The acquisition also frees Premier Textiles Group to put its full resources and expertise into growing Premier Textiles and Premier Digital Textiles across its core UK and European markets.

Nick Smith added: “This is about focus, not a lack of opportunity. Premex’s US potential is real, and that’s exactly why it needs an owner who can give it full attention. We can then put ours into growing our core UK and European businesses.”

Ashok Kallumpram, Managing Director of Premier Textiles, said: “Premier Textiles has been my family’s business for more than four decades, and we are extremely proud of the reputation, relationships and textile expertise we have built over that time.

“Premex Solutions represents an important extension of that legacy into the US digital printing market, so finding the right long-term home for the business was very important to us.

“We believe Media One shares our commitment to customers, people and the textile industry, and has the capabilities and vision to build on that legacy for many years to come.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Posted: October 5, 2026

Source: Media One Digital Imaging, LLC

Change Of Leadership At Rieter

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — September 30, 2026 — Thomas Oetterli has decided to step down from his function as CEO, effective October 31, 2026, and hand over the Chairmanship of the Board of Directors.

“After the successful implementation of the Next Level performance program, the structural measures initiated to consolidate the sites and the acquisition of Barmag, the time has come to hand over responsibility to new hands,” explains Thomas Oetterli.

Thomas Oetterli

The eventual separation of the functions of CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors was planned since Thomas Oetterli took office.

The Board of Directors thanks Thomas Oetterli for his great commitment and his important contributions to the strategic and operational development of Rieter. It is convinced that the measures initiated will strengthen the competitiveness of the Group and create a solid foundation to benefit from a future market recovery.

Daniel Lippuner will take over as CEO of Rieter on November 1, 2026. He combines broad international leadership experience with in-depth knowledge of the textile machinery and components industry. As former CEO of the Saurer Group and previously as Head of Oerlikon Textile Components, he led businesses along the value chain of spinning machines, yarn processing and textile components.

Daniel Lippuner

As Chairman of the Board and co-owner of Heberlein Technology, he also remained closely connected to the chemical fiber industry. His experience in transformation, technology and quality management, operational leadership and Asian markets is particularly relevant for Rieter with its established short-staple fiber business and the newly acquired man-made fiber business.

Carl Illi will assume the role of Chairman of the Board until the next Annual General Meeting on April 14, 2027. Carl Illi has been a member of the Rieter Board of Directors since 2017 and is a recognized textile industry expert.

With the acquisition of Barmag in February 2026, Rieter has expanded its traditional business focused on short-staple fibers to include the attractive man-made fibers segment. The transaction strengthens the focus on the technology leadership of the Rieter Group, opens up additional growth opportunities and creates a broader basis for digital solutions in the textile industry.

Posted: September 30, 2026

Source: Rieter

Albany Engineered Composites Awarded $21.2 Million IBAS Contract To Advance Hypersonic And Solid Rocket Motor Thermal Protection Manufacturing

ROCHESTER, N.H. — September 29, 2026 — Albany Engineered Composites, a segment of Albany International Corp., announced today that its AEC Advanced Programs, Inc. business has received a new contract, with a total value of $21.2 million over the 30-month period of performance, through the U.S. government’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program for Strengthening America’s Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base (SAMDIB).

The award, through the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Rock Island and Cornerstone Other Transaction Authority (OTA), supports the development of carbon-carbon composite thermal protection systems (TPS) for hypersonic vehicles and solid rocket motors (SRM). The effort focuses on advancing, scalable manufacturing capabilities for critical extreme-environment defense applications.

Albany will leverage its experience in advanced composite manufacturing, including 3D-woven, near-net-shape preforms and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), together with carbon-carbon densification capabilities.

“Hypersonic systems and solid rocket motors place extraordinary demands on the material systems used and the manufacturing processes required to produce them,” said Chris Stone, president of Albany Engineered Composites. “This award brings together Albany’s advanced composite expertise and production-focused capabilities to address an important challenge for the U.S. defense industrial base: establishing the manufacturing capacity required to support next-generation hypersonic and solid rocket motor systems at scale.”

The program focuses on establishing a vertically integrated production facility for carbon-carbon composite manufacturing, creating critical domestic industrial base capacity for the continued development and scalable production of cost-effective thermal protection solutions for hypersonic weapons and SRMs.

“Production readiness is a critical element of both hypersonic and solid rocket motor missions,” said Brent Stevenson, vice president, emerging markets & technology at Albany Engineered Composites. “Albany’s proven experience in 3D-woven near-net-shape composite preforms and RTM provides a strong foundation for advancing scalable manufacturing solutions for these critical missions.”

The effort expands Albany’s capabilities for extreme-environment applications, combining advanced materials technology with manufacturing infrastructure and production engineering. The program includes engineering studies, facility planning, supplier selection, procurement and installation of key manufacturing equipment and development of the infrastructure required to support carbon-carbon composite thermal protection system production.

Advancing Hypersonic and Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing at Scale

Hypersonic vehicles and solid rocket motors operate in some of the most demanding aerospace and defense environments. Their thermal protection systems must withstand extreme conditions while also meeting increasingly important cost objectives with scalable production.

Through this IBAS effort, Albany applies its advanced composite manufacturing expertise to help strengthen the U.S. industrial base and establish the vertically integrated infrastructure needed to support future hypersonic and SRM production. The award reinforces Albany’s commitment to advanced composite solutions for extreme environments and to expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities for critical aerospace and defense applications.

Posted: September 29, 2026

Source: Albany Engineered Composites

How A New Textile Fabric Could Triple Production In Strawberry Plants

RALEIGH, N.C.— September 29, 2026 — A new textile used to cover strawberry plants more than tripled strawberry yields in tunnel field tests, without negatively impacting plant health. The technology could also significantly reduce water and pesticide usage in strawberry fields.

The cover, known as Plant Armor, is a carefully designed fabric that is draped over strawberry plants. The material’s three-dimensional structure prevents insects from reaching the plants beneath. But its multiple layers allow sunlight, rain and airflow to reach the plant.

Strawberries grown with and without the Plant Armor textile cover. The new technology raised berry yields by as much as 3.56 times in tunnel field tests. Photo credit: Gabriel Olawuyi

Tunnel field tests found that Plant Armor increased strawberry yields by as much as 3.56 times, without negatively impacting relative humidity or light access.

“To produce fruit, plants need sunlight,” said Gabriel Olawuyi, a graduate research assistant at North Carolina State University and lead author of a paper on Plant Armor. “We expected that Plant Armor’s seemingly opaque fabric would lead to an increase in vegetative biomass at the expense of fruiting — because reduced sunlight would trigger a ‘shade-avoidance’ response, making the plant divert energy toward stem and leaf growth rather than fruit production. However, we found the fabric did not impede access to light at all, and fruit production increased significantly.”

Plant Armor also provided a consistent warming effect over the three seasons that the plant grows, which Olawuyi said helped the bushes reach the fruiting stage earlier than those without the cover.

“Plants require a certain amount of accumulated heat, calculated as ‘growing degree-days,’ to progress through developmental stages including fruiting. Our plant cover has proven to enhance these,” Olawuyi said. “The plants were in a condition whereby the warmth they need to go through each phenological stage to their production was given to them optimally, and they produced far more than the uncovered plants.”

Plant Armor Gen 2. The fabric’s 3-D structure makes it difficult for insects to reach plants beneath it, while still allowing light, rain and airflow to pass through. Photo credit: Loganathan Ponnusamy.

By deterring insects, Plant Armor could also reduce the need for traditional pesticides in agriculture, Olawuyi said.

Plant Armor was created as a spinoff of efforts to make military uniforms resistant to mosquito bites and more comfortable when wearing body armor – highlighting the importance of collaborative research, said co-author R. Michael Roe, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor at NC State.

“The path to Plant Armor started with trying to make a cloth to go on a soldier’s chest to make body armor more comfortable,” said Roe. “Then, through trial and error, we arrive at a product which could triple the output of strawberry farms here in North Carolina.

“We couldn’t have predicted that when we started. Without all these people here doing research and following the science, we wouldn’t have arrived at this product.”

The paper, “Knitted 3-D, Porous Textile Cover to Enhance Strawberry Fruit Production and Prevent Insect Feeding,” is published in the journal, Agriculture. Co-authors include James Clothier, Matthew Bertone, Grayson Cave, Reuben Garshong, Andre West, Loganathan Ponnusamy and Clyde Sorenson of NC State University.

This project was supported by a grant from the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation (grant number AG00463770). The work was also supported by the Research Capacity Fund (HATCH), project award no. 02853, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The Plant Armor Gen 2 fabric studied in this paper was patented by North Carolina State University (US Patent No. 11,582,968 B2; 21 February 2023) and is licensed for commercial development by the University. This work was a collaborative project between the NC State College of Natural Resources, Wilson College of Textiles and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Posted: September 29, 2026

Source: NC State University / Joey Pitchford

ELFA: CapEx Finance Index August 2026 — Demand Cools from Record High And Financial Conditions Improve

WASHINGTON, DC — September 29, 2026 — The latest CapEx Finance Index (CFI), released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA), showed that demand cooled in August after an extraordinary July but remained historically strong. Even after the decline, August was the second strongest month in the survey’s history, and the full-year forecast edged up to a new high. Financial conditions also improved, with the average loss rate falling to its lowest level in ten months. Fed rate hikes and elevated energy prices remain risks, but they are likely to have a minimal effect on equipment demand in 2026.

  • Total new business volume (NBV) among surveyed ELFA member companies was $11.8 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis.
  • Year-to-date NBV rose by 17.3% relative to the same period in 2025.
  • Year-over-year, NBV rose by 19.1% on a non-seasonally adjusted basis.

“Cooler demand in August was unsurprising given the strength of demand in July,” said James Cress, Acting President & CEO of ELFA. “July’s volume was nearly 25% above the previous all-time monthly high due to a surge in AI spending. August was still the second strongest month ever, further validating our forecast that 2026 will be, by far, the best year ever for new deal volumes. Credit quality improved as well, with the average loss rate falling to its lowest level in ten months and delinquencies holding near the low end of their two-year range. Higher borrowing costs from additional Fed hikes would put modest upward pressure on delinquencies and losses, but with credit quality this healthy, the industry would face some chop rather than a full-blown storm.”

Demand cooled from a record high but remained strong. Total NBV was $11.8 billion in August, a decrease of 17.3% from July’s all-time high of $14.3 billion. The total new volume series tracks the amount of new activity added by banks, independents, and captives in a given month. August was the second-highest month on record, 3.1% above the previous all-time high set in January 2026. Equipment deal volume is forecasted to reach $137.7 billion in 2026, the highest level recorded in any year since the survey began in 2006 and 14.4% above the previous record set in 2024.

Small ticket volume growth tracks broader economic conditions and is an important barometer of aggregate demand for equipment. Small ticket deals totaled $4.2 billion, down 34.5% from July’s record high. Even so, August was tied for the fifth-highest month on record and 10.9% above the average monthly pace over the 12 months ending in June, before the July spike. Year to date, small ticket deal activity is up 25.9% from the same period in 2025.

Activity at banks reached an all-time high of $6.0 billion, up 9.7% from July and surpassing the previous record set in March 2022. Activity at captives fell 37.2% to $3.6 billion, but that decline reflects the unwinding of July’s surge. Captive volume was still above its average monthly pace over the 12 months ending in June. Activity at independents was $2.2 billion, down 1.2% from July and slightly below its average over the same 12-month period.

Credit approval rate declined for a second month. The industry-wide average fell 2.0 percentage points to 75.4% in August, its lowest level since February 2025. The average small ticket approval rate fell 1.5 percentage points to 78.2%. The rates at captives and independents fell by 3.8 and 4.8 percentage points, respectively, while the rate at banks rose by 0.5 percentage points.

Delinquencies held steady, and losses fell. The overall delinquency rate held steady at 1.8% in August, near the low end of its two-year range and down 0.4 percentage points from a year earlier. The rate at banks fell by 0.09 percentage points, and the rate at captives fell to 1.9%, its lowest level since April 2019. The rate at independents edged up.

The overall loss rate decreased by 0.02 percentage points to 0.44%, its lowest level in ten months. The average loss rate for small ticket deals fell by 0.08 percentage points to 0.65%. The rate at banks fell to 0.28%, its lowest level since January 2023, and the rate at captives fell by 0.10 percentage points. The rate at independents ticked higher.

Industry Confidence

The Monthly Confidence Index tracks the sentiment of executives in the industry. The index in September was 62.4, unchanged from the previous month.

“Over the past quarter, many of our partners and customers have been impacted by various means of uncertainty, geopolitical developments and continued pressure to manage costs in a changing economic environment,” said Mike Janse, General Manager – U.S., DLL. “Amid these headwinds, businesses recognize the need to modernize equipment and invest in technology that drives productivity and resilience. Looking ahead, interest rate trends, regulatory developments and overall business confidence will play an important role in asset finance demand, but we expect our partners and customers to remain focused on strategic investments that support long-term performance.”

Technical Note

New business volume data are concurrently seasonally adjusted each month to capture the latest seasonal patterns. Data in previous months and years may change due to updated seasonal factors.

Posted: September 29, 2026

Source: The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA)

blc TEXTILES Names Jonathan Simon Chief Executive Officer

NASHVILLE, TN — September 24, 2026 — blc TEXTILES, a supplier of textile products to commercial laundries, healthcare organizations, hospitality businesses, and textile service providers, today announced that Jon Simon has joined the company as Chief Executive Officer.

Simon joins blc one year after 1888 Mills, in partnership with Sapphire USA LLC, acquired a majority stake in blc TEXTILES and its Cambodian manufacturing subsidiary, Cambodian Textiles Worldwide (CTW). He will lead blc as it builds on that partnership, drawing on the group’s manufacturing in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Cambodia to broaden its product offering and strengthen supply for its customers.

Simon spent 37 years building 1888 Mills, beginning with its predecessor companies, Eastern Imports and Shelnor Mills. He served as President beginning in 1989, became President and CEO in 2005, and led the company through 2020 before joining its board. Most recently, he was Executive Vice President of Global Growth & Strategy at Standard Textile.

“blc has built its reputation on consistent quality and on products that deliver value over their full life, not just on the day they’re purchased,” said Simon. “For a laundry, a hospital, or a hotel, the real cost of a textile is measured over hundreds of wash cycles. With blc’s own manufacturing in Cambodia and the strength of our partners at 1888 Mills and Sapphire, we can build on that reputation and bring it to more products and more customers.”

“Jon knows this business and these manufacturing operations as well as anyone. He’s the right leader to turn this partnership into results for blc’s customers. With years of industry expertise, Jon ensures that our focus remains exactly where it belongs: on our clients,” said Adil Rashid, Executive Chairman of blc TEXTILES and Cambodian Textiles Worldwide.

Simon holds a B.S. from Indiana University and completed the Advanced Management Program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Posted: September 29, 2026

Source: blc TEXTILES

François Desné Appointed Arkema’s Senior Vice President High Performance Polymers And Fluorogases And Member Of The Executive Committee

PARIS LA DÉFENSE — September 28, 2026 — François Desné joins Arkema as Senior Vice President High Performance Polymers and Fluorogases and a member of the Group’s Executive Committee, effective 12 October 2026. He succeeds Laurent Tellier, who was appointed Arkema’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) last July.

François Desné

With nearly 30 years of international experience in the industry, François Desné has recognized expertise in transforming global industrial businesses, accelerating growth and strategic repositioning of companies toward more sustainable business models. His career has been built within leading companies in materials and chemicals.

François Desné had been Chief Executive Officer of the Steel Wire Solutions (SWS) and Bekaert Bridon Ropes Group (BBRG) divisions, and member of the Executive Committee of the Bekaert Group since 2022.

François Desné holds a Master’s degree in Physics from the Université of Paris-Cité (ex-Paris VII Denis Diderot), France, an MBA from the Wharton School, and a Master’s degree in International Business from the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. He began his career within Rhodia in China and then in France, holding positions in quality management and application development (silicones). He subsequently joined BASF’s Coatings and Performance Chemicals divisions. Based in Germany and across the Asia-Pacific region (Japan, China, and Singapore), he held various positions in controlling, general management, and Senior Vice President roles across several businesses, including Coatings, Leather & Textile Chemicals, and Water, Oil Field & Mining Solutions. Before joining the Bekaert Group, François Desné served as Chief Executive Officer of the Engineered Foams business and was a member of the Executive Committee at Recticel.

Building on its unique set of expertise in materials science, Arkema offers a portfolio of first-class technologies to address ever-growing demand for new and more sustainable materials. With the ambition to become a world leader in Specialty Materials, the Group is structured into three complementary, resilient and highly innovative segments dedicated to Specialty Materials – Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials, and Coating Solutions – accounting for some 85% of Group sales in 2025, and a Primary Materials segment regrouping well-positioned large scale industrials activities. Arkema offers cutting-edge technological solutions to meet the challenges of, among other things, new energies, access to water, recycling, urbanization and mobility, and fosters a permanent dialogue with all its stakeholders. The Group reported sales of around €9.1 billion in 2025 and operates in some 55 countries with 20,700 employees worldwide.

Posted: September 28, 2026

Source: Arkema

Pirelli To Invest $1.2 Billion In Rome, Georgia Facility Expansion

ATLANTA, GA — September 22, 2026 — “For over two decades, Pirelli has been a valued presence in our state, and I’m thankful that our efforts to grow this partnership are paying off with even more jobs for hardworking Georgians,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “This historic investment will expand Pirelli’s footprint with roughly five times more positions than they currently employ across the region, and we wish them continued success here in the No. 1 state for business.”

Headquartered in Italy, Pirelli located its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Rome, Georgia, in 2002. Pirelli currently employs 234 Georgians through its manufacturing, innovation, and headquarters operations in the state.

“The U.S. is one of Pirelli’s most important markets and offers significant opportunities for growth,” said Claudio Zanardo, CEO of Pirelli North America. “The expansion of our Rome facility strengthens our ‘local for local’ strategy, increasing our manufacturing capacity in the U.S. while introducing the latest-generation technologies, such as the Cyber Tyre, and advanced robotics. This investment will allow us to better serve the needs of the local market, create new jobs, and further strengthen Pirelli’s presence in North America.”

Pirelli’s Georgia facility is located at 100 Pirelli Drive in Rome. The company plans to expand the factory in two phases: first adding latest-generation Pirelli robotics equipment, followed by the addition of a traditional manufacturing process which will require more hiring. Pirelli expects to begin the bulk of hiring in 2029, with the facility projected to be at full operations in 2033.

“While we always enjoy news of new business and industry coming to Floyd County, it is even more meaningful when an existing industry announces an expansion,” said Chairwoman Rhonda Wallace, Floyd County Commission. “Pirelli has been a tremendous community partner for more than 20 years, and their new investment and job creation is incredible news for the citizens of Floyd County. We are grateful for Pirelli’s continued partnership and commitment to our community.”

Senior Regional Project Manager Lori Dowdy represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Rome-Floyd Development Authority, Georgia Quick Start, and Georgia Power.

“Pirelli’s expansion in Rome is a tremendous investment in northwest Georgia and a powerful example of what can happen when a company and a state build a relationship for the long term,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Pirelli was one of the early companies to help build Georgia’s automotive supply chain, and more than two decades later, they are continuing to believe in Georgia and invest in their future here. I have had the opportunity to visit Pirelli’s operations in Floyd County and Italy and see firsthand the innovation and advanced technology driving their vision for the future of mobility. This investment brings that future to Georgia, with advanced robotics, next-generation manufacturing, and technologies that are making the automobile increasingly connected and intelligent. Pirelli has been an important part of Georgia’s automotive story for more than 20 years, and we are proud to partner with them as they help write the next chapter.”

Posted: September 28, 2026

Source: State of Georgia, Office of the Governor

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