Manifattura Fontana, founded in 1704, was the first manufacturer of needlefelt in Italy. It is a strong player in the geotextile market, with a solid quality reputation. Manifattura Fontana will be included in the Sioen Group as from the second quarter of 2016.

The company started the acquisition process earlier this year, aiming to reinforce its nonwoven business with the new application serving the civil engineering market – geotextiles. Under the terms of the acquisition, Mr Francesco Fontana will remain as Managing Director. The company will be integrated in the Sioen nonwovens business.

Sales figures

The company has also reported a 3% increase in net sales over the first quarter 2016. The sales amounted to EUR 88.6 million compared to EUR 86.0 million for the same period last year.

During the first quarter of 2016 the Coating division realized net consolidated sales of EUR 53.5 million, compared to EUR 49.9 million in the first quarter of 2015, or an increase with 7.3%. The Coating division, as a whole, has performed very well in all markets and all countries.

Net consolidated sales of the Apparel division amounted to EUR 24.1 million in the first quarter of 2016 versus EUR 26.2 million in the first quarter of 2015, or a sales decrease of 8.0%.

In the Chemicals division, an increased demand in pigment pastes has led to a boost in sales of 10.8% compared to the same reference period last year. Over the first quarter of 2016 this division realized EUR 10.9 million of sales against EUR 9.9 million in the first quarter of last year.

Outlook

In this actual economic environment Sioen aims to pursue growth through the development of new and complementary business lines in technical textiles without sacrificing profitability.

The company has developed a strong focus on innovation, customer intimacy, an extensive product portfolio and sustained cost efficiency.

Sioen Industries

Sioen Industries has an extensive portfolio of products and activities, which include spinning, weaving and coating, manufacturing of garments, production of fine chemicals and processing of technical textiles.

Sioen believes that vertical and horizontal integration, diversification and permanent growth provide the company with a major technical advantage and better R&D. The company’s main focuses are on customised products, high end, specialised products, recyclable/recycled products, integrated features, and intelligent textiles.

www.sioen.com