Bridgwater, UK-based Nonwovenn has announced it will invest a further £5 million of self-funded capex to support its next phase of expansion and development.

This follows the completion of the first phase of a transformation programme which has seen £13 million invested into a new ‘operational excellence model’ including manufacturing equipment, an end-to-end operational efficiency programme and an enhancement in R&D and innovation capability.

The second phase will focus on capacity increases and improved capability for chemical bonding production, including both a significant increase in volume through the conversion of existing lines as well as the purchase of a new line. The enhanced capability will support ambitious growth targets in the $5.5 billion global oral pouch delivery sector.

Investments in operational management have already started, with a new operations director and operations manager appointed to double the number of shift managers. There has also been a 50-person increase in manufacturing recruitment which, combined with the launch of a new multi-skilling programme, is further designed to underpin growth.

“We have seen substantial growth and transformation from our first phase of investment,” said Nonwovenn chairman David Lamb. “The shift to focus more on chemical bonding marks a significant milestone and the business is now truly evolving.”

www.nonwovenn.com