PFNonwovens is to install a new Reicofil RF spunmelt nonwovens line at its Cape Town site in South Africa.

The company will invest at least R600 million (€35.5 million) in the further development of the site, which will lead to the creation of up to 40 new jobs.

PFN first established it Atlantis, Cape Town operation in 2017, originally investing over R1.3 billion and creating much needed local employment. PFN collaborated with Wesgro and Into SA to successfully complete the largest manufacturing foreign direct investment that the two organisations had secured since 2011.

With this latest investment, PFN’s market leading position as the largest spunmelt producer in the hygiene market in South Africa will be reinforced. It will give the company will have the capacity to meet the growing local market needs for high value and speciality products with increasing levels of softness, comfort, and sustainability.

“We are the first company to invest in the latest Reicofil’s R5 machinery in South Africa, and thie expansion will not only localise manufacturing, it will also allow for more sustainable and flexible production which is required to meet the growing needs of both our global and local clients,” said Wilhelm Cronje, director for PFN South Africa.

“This investment aligns with our global strategy to grow our hygiene and medical markets on the African continent, as well as providing a base for exports to neighbouring regions,” added Mariann Forsström, PFN’s newly appointed EMEA commercial director.

The new line is expected to be operational by the end of 2022.

www.pfnonwovens.com