Performance Fibers, a specialist manufacturer of industrial polyester fibres and fabrics with operations in The Americas, Europe and Asia, showed just some of its extensive product range at the recent Techtextil in Frankfurt.  The USA based company, which is owned by Sun Capital, serves some of the world's largest and most critical markets, including energy, transportation and safety.

Developing next-generation technologies and products for industry and consumer applications, from tyres and offshore mooring ropes to seat belts and sewing thread, Performance Fibers has a unique reputation for driving innovation that meet their customers' most challenging requirements.

Endless reach

The company is duly proud of its ‘endless reach' philosophy that puts manufacturing, R&D and sales where its customers need them - nine global sites serving customers in every corner of the world - equally relevant to local needs as well as to global players who require one worldwide manufacturing organization.

Performance Fibers' expansion plans mean more people, more products and more service capabilities and to this end it has appointed Greg vas Nunes as President Performance Fibers Europe. Greg has spent 10 years of his 31-year career in the fibres industry with DuPont, Invista and Hyosung. Speaking at Techtextil in Frankfurt, Greg said:

"I'm thrilled to be part of the Performance Fibers organization and look forward to growing our European business with a lean manufacturing footprint producing both the highest quality and offering the greatest value".

"Our global reach gives our customer a competitive advantage through an extensive supply of products, fast delivery, multi-plant sourcing and technical support for both regional and global needs," added Greg, who is based at the company's European headquarters in Luxembourg.

Performance Fibers focussed on the following segments at Techtextil:

Tyre reinforcements - endless safety

Performance Fibers has a leading position in the tyre industry. Innovation, production and fabrication have enabled it to pioneer some of the world's most advanced fibres for reinforced tyres.  The company supplies fibres and fabrics for all sorts of car tyres, from passenger cars to light and medium trucks and racing cars, and is presently engaged in a continuous program of research and development to replace nylon and rayon with polyester for passenger car tyres. 

• DSP fibre is a high modulus, low shrinkage fibre with good dimensional, thermal and chemical stability that provides high-performance reinforcement with minimal moisture absorption, high strength, squirm resistance and crisp handling
• For use as a cap ply, Beltec fibre is designed for adhesion to rubber, good modulus, and low shrinkage, enabling a high-performance tyre that is more durable and secure, with better handling and less flat spotting
• Designed for high performance needs, PenTec fibre offers a unique balance of high modulus and strength with enhanced thermal properties.

Engineeed reinforcements - endless strength

Performance Fibers markets a versatile product line, offering reinforcement performance to many different end-use applications. These range from automotive power transmission belts, industrial and commercial conveyor belts, to heavy- and light-duty water and general hydraulic hoses, industrial tubing and high performance automotive hoses and air springs.

• Fibre property consistency and uniformity mean less variation in manufacturing and better productivity and yields - less rework and waste
• High Modulus Low Shrink (HMLS) brings dimensional stability and durability in extreme thermal conditions
• Thermal, chemical and dimensional stability means greater reliability and consistency while performing under stressful conditions across a wide variety of fluid-transport applications
• Adhesion Activated Finishes enhance the rubber adhesion properties of our yarns
• Coated fibres and fabrics - endless design performance

Performance Fibers time-tested treatment technologies and processes provide their customers and end users with the material needed to meet the most demanding and uncommon specifications. Roofings, awnings, tarpaulins, canopies, tents, sleeving, marine fabrics and sailcloth are some of the applications in this sector.

• For moisture management, Performance Fibers' LOWIK is a proprietary anti-wicking finish that prevents mildew as well as delamination and discolouring due to moisture
• Flame retardant fibre and fabric provides protection in applications where exposure to heat or flames is possible
• High tenacity and low shrinkage filament yarns help to maximize fabric width, yield and flatness after the coating process
• Dyeability for applications where colour and colour fastness is important keeps products looking new longer

The oil and gas industry is expanding and new offshore rigs are being commissioned across the globe. In this environment where safety and security are paramount, it takes a unique product to stand up to the challenging rigours of deepwater moorings.  Performance Fibers meets those challenges with heavy duty yarns that are designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions.

Performance Fibers has a global presence with three factories in Europe (France, Germany), two in the United States, one in Mexico and two in Asia (China). The company is specialized in industrial fibres, mainly polyester and polyamide and has three polyester product families: PET, PEEK and PEN.