AUTEFA Solutions Germany GmbH — a company comprised of Fehrer, F.O.R., Octir and Autefa; and recently acquired by China-based China Hi-Tech Group Corp. (CHTC) — has announced plans to streamline and expand its European operations, and open a facility in China.

Autefa reports it will restructure its three locations in Europe — in Friedberg, Germany; Linz, Austria; and Biella, Italy — to more efficiently manage its operation. The Friedberg office will coordinate and execute all activities for Autefa's product lines — including bale presses, nonwovens equipment, wool processing machines and automation equipment — and will handle all orders placed with the Autefa Solutions Group. A new assembly building will be constructed to handle the new capacity in Friedberg. Autefa's Linz location will focus on needle looms and related components; and the company hopes to expand the Biella location, which remains the center for carding and fiber preparation technology.

The company's Fort Mill, S.C.-based sales and service center, Autefa Solutions North America Inc., will continue to operate its growing business.

Autefa's new facility in China will produce machines tailored to the Chinese market. That location also will work closely with its sister CHTC companies in China.

September 25, 2012