Foss Begins Construction On Nonwovens Facility In France

Foss Manufacturing Co. Inc., Hampton, N.H., has begun construction on a new nonwoven fabric
facility in Pulvershiem, France, with expected completion by October. Located in the Alsace region,
the 62,500-sq-ft facility will employ more than 80 people in the first 12 months and eventually
employ 200 people within five years.We chose the Alsace region because it is located in the heart
of Europe at the intersection of France, Germany and Switzerland, said Stephen W. Foss, chairman,
president and CEO. There is excellent infrastructure and easy access to international container
services. The area has a highly skilled and well-educated workforce and is poised for further
manufacturing growth.The facility will be capable of producing fabrics up to 160 inches in width in
a weight range from 80 to 800 grams per square meter, utilizing all synthetic fibers. Sheet
extrusion equipment will also be installed, allowing for production of fabrics up to 78 inches in
width with film thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 millimeters. Future plans include expanding the
facility to 225,000 sq ft to serve as a central distribution center to all of Europe for
FossFibres® specialty products including Healthshield antimicrobial and antifungal bicomponent and
binder fibers, high-ultraviolet, solution-dyed and fire-retardant fibers.

August 2000

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