Bonar to construct plant in Changzhou

BONAR, Low & Bonar’s division specializing in high-performance technical textiles, held a foundation ceremony to start the construction of the new factory that will be built in Changzhou, China. 

Marc Krauth (left) and Brett Simpson at ceremony to mark the opening of a new Bonar factory in Changzhou, China

The expansion in China is consistent with the Low & Bonar strategy to consolidate the company's position as global leader in the carpet tile backing and automotive markets.

Brett Simpson, CEO of Low & Bonar, said the new factory in China is meant to support the fast growing Asian markets. “The new factory will facilitate from the start one production line for 60 million m2 of Colback. This is a unique technology to supply the fast growing and important carpet tile backing and automotive markets in China and the Asian region,” Mr. Simpson said.

Colback is widely used as a primary backing in carpet tiles, high-grade patterned wall-to-wall carpeting and walk-off mats. 

Marc Krauth, Bonar global business director for Interior and Transportation, explained that the state-of-the-art production facility will provide a strong platform for our further growth. “This investment is an exciting opportunity to capitalize on our unique technology base both domestically and in Asia and to follow, and support, our strategic US customers moving into the Asian Pacific region,” Mr Krauth said.

Alex Xu, country manager China for Bonar, said: “Production is expected to commence in 2016 and sales and technical support will be provided by the team located in Shanghai.”

Bonar is expected to invest about €32 million spread over two years, which will be funded in-house. The new facility will be enough space for a second production line of Colback in anticipation of demand.