Bonar, a division of leading performance materials manufacturer Low & Bonar, which specialises in high performance technical textiles, has celebrated the start of the construction of its new factory in Changzhou.

“Our decision to invest in a new factory in China to support the fast growing Asian markets is consistent with our strategy and will consolidate our position as global leader in the carpet tile backing and automotive markets,” explained Brett Simpson, CEO of Low & Bonar.

Unique technology

From the start, the new factory is expected to facilitate one production line for 60 million m2 of Colback. According to Brett Simpson, it is a unique technology to supply the fast growing and important carpet tile backing and automotive markets in China and the Asian region.

“In the flooring industry, Colback is widely used as a primary backing in carpet tiles, high-grade patterned wall to wall carpeting and walk-off mats. The dimensional and thermal stability of Colback prevents carpets from bowing and skewing during processing and makes installation, especially pattern repeat, easier. In the new factory, there will be enough space for a second production line of Colback,” he said.

Investment

“This investment is an exciting opportunity to capitalise 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,” commented Marc Krauth, Bonar's Global Business Director Interior & Transportation.

“This state-of-the-art production facility will provide a strong platform for our further growth. The Changzhou Government and Changzhou National High-Tech District (CND) have been very supportive to make our new investment in CND possible.”

Future plans

The total cost of the investment will be around EUR 32 million spread over two years and is funded by Bonar's own resources.

According to Alex Xu, Country Manager China for Bonar, the production is expected to commence in 2016 and sales and technical support will be provided by the team located in Shanghai.

www.lowandbonar.com