Fiberweb To Close S.C. Facility By Year’s End

London-based Fiberweb plc plans to
close its spunbond polyester production facility in Gray Court, S.C., by the end of this year. The
production line will continue to run through the third quarter, and perhaps beyond, as Fiberweb
fulfills customer orders and moves its business to similar lines at the company’s Old Hickory,
Tenn., operation. Fifty associates at Gray Court will be affected.

This closure follows the sale earlier this year of Fiberweb’s consumer wipes business to
Finland-based Ahlstrom Corp. Four plants – one of which is in the United States – were included in
the sale, valued at $86.9 million.

“This closure will enable Fiberweb to focus capital and technical resources on more
promising projects,” said Dave Rousse, president, Fiberweb Americas. “We are actively pursuing
finalization of new investments for the Simpsonville, S.C., site. While details of these
investments must await this finalization, we are undertaking significant work to reinvest in
Fiberweb’s North American manufacturing capability in the important area of hygiene products.”<
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July/August 2007

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