Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, which is based in the Chicago metro area, just invested in a new, streamlined, state-of-the-art US manufacturing plant to help reverse this trend.

New manufacturing plant

The leadership of the company made a decision to change and adapt to the industry by taking full advantage of new emerging textile markets five years ago, after assessing the ever-evolving textile industry landscape.

For the company this meant opening a new manufacturing plant and significant investments in new equipment and systems. But rather than move from their long-standing base near Chicago, the company stayed local and this year opened a new, multi-million dollar plant in Yorkville, IL, located a short drive from their old plant in Aurora.

In the process the company saved over 75 jobs, added five more, and preserved an enterprise that helps support local economies. This decision also better positioned the company to continue to be a strong supplier to the rapidly-growing US and global markets for print media, including wide-format.

Investing in team building

“We never considered going anywhere else because of our employee base,” said Dan LaTurno, President of ASTG. “We have a great team with little turnover, and many of our employees have been here 20 years plus.” In the 1990’s Aurora began investing in team building and the result was a highly skilled, stable, workforce. The company recognized that solid team work and low turnover were key ingredients of their success, plus would be needed to make a smooth transition to the new operation.

“When we decided to move, we roughly drew a circle 16 to 18 miles in radius from the existing plant, and soon found an unoccupied, former manufacturing plant in nearby Yorkville,” explained LaTurno.

New technology

In April of this year, the company began moving from its Aurora plant to the new 124,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing operation in Yorkville. A highlight of the plant is the company’s new fully automated EHWHA ultra wide width coating and finishing line, which works with a broad range of woven and non-woven materials up to 134” wide. 

ASTG’s investment in a new US manufacturing operation also reflects the commitment of Meridian Industries, ASTG’s parent company, to bringing business back to the United States. Aurora Specialty Textiles Group is one of five Meridian subsidiaries, and all are proud to be America-based manufacturers.

The US location is also said to reduce transportation time, eliminate customs costs and make it possible for the company’s customers to buy fabric in small batches, as opposed to having to buy an entire ship container load of fabric.

www.auroratextile.com