Xerium Breaks Ground on New Press Felt Plant in China

Print this Article | Send to Colleague

Xerium Technologies Inc., Youngstown, N.C., USA, held a groundbreaking ceremony this past week for its new state-of-the-art press felt manufacturing facility in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, China. The new plant will solidify the company's current and future capacity to address the growing Asian market for premium press felt product technology.

With an initial investment of approximately $35 to $40 million, the facility will employ the industry's most advanced press felt manufacturing technology capable of supplying Xerium's press felt product portfolio, such as Impact, Flomaxx, and Strata series. Once operational, the project is expected to generate about 100 new jobs.

Xerium is building the facility in the Bacheng Industry Zone, one of Kunshan's largest industrial zones, some 60 km west of Shanghai. Building construction is expected to be completed in early 2015, with production to start in mid-2015.

"We chose Kunshan because of its proximity to the markets these products will serve as well as its pool of educated workers, the availability of qualified subcontractors, and the exceptional work ethic of the area's people," said Harold Bevis, president and CEO of Xerium. "We are grateful for the efforts of all who have supported this project, and we look forward to being part of this community for the long term."

With 28 manufacturing facilities in 12 countries around the world, Xerium has approximately 3,200 employees.

Back to TAPPI: Over The Wire