Ahlstrom launches new glass fiber tissue line for high-performance building materials in Madisonville, U.S.
Bellmer is one of the main machinery suppliers
On October 4, Ahlstrom proudly launched the new glass fiber tissue line for high-performance building materials in Madisonville, U.S. The grand opening was celebrated by Ahlstrom’s representatives and key stakeholders, including customers, together with Governor Andy Beshear and Mayor Kevin Cotton.
As market demand for high-performance, sustainable building materials is increasing, Ahlstrom continues to grow its glass fiber tissue business and strengthen its manufacturing platform globally by completing a major investment at its plant in Madisonville, KY, U.S.
With this investment announced in May 2021, Ahlstrom expands its building materials manufacturing capabilities to support customers globally. During the past five years, Ahlstrom has invested over USD 100 million on the Madisonville site.
”We can be proud of what we have accomplished in Madisonville, successfully delivering this major investment,” says Emmanuelle Picard, EVP, Building Materials. “This investment significantly strengthens our technical capabilities in the region, supporting the industry with sustainable solutions for building materials and increasing our production capacity in North America. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project,” Emmanuelle Picard concludes.
Innovative technology for sustainable production
Bellmer was one of the main machinery suppliers for the production line. The main scope of supplies included headbox, forming wire and binding sections, quality inspection part, tension control units and turning as well guide rolls. Further, Center winding technology based TurboReeler was delivered by Bellmer with slitter unit. In this case, this is already installed upstream of the poperoller and thus enables the material cut to size to be wound directly onto the core sleeve. Up to five cuts in different widths can be made. This eliminates the need for rewinding and another cutting section. Finally, in the area of separation technology, the WinklePress belt press for sludge dewatering was supplied.
“This new platform will further strengthen our leadership in this field by consolidating our global position in flooring applications but also by giving us a unique platform to expand into other glass fiber tissue applications, in particular for the Industrial Filtration portfolio,” says Pekka Helynranta, Vice President, Glass Fiber Tissue business.
Ahlstrom’s product portfolio for the construction industry, FibRoc®, offers carriers, facings, and backing solutions protecting against fire, flame spread, moisture, and water. All of Ahlstrom’s glass fiber tissue solutions are fluorocarbon-free and have formaldehyde-free options.
Ahlstrom’s Building Materials portfolio includes highly engineered building material applications for every face of the building. It produces glass fiber media for flooring, ceiling, and plasterboard applications and makes nonwoven materials for automotive, abrasive, construction, textile, and hygiene applications, as well as wallcover materials.
Bellmer and Ahlstrom-Munksjö have a long joint history of successful projects at the A-M plants in Tver, Karhula and Billingsfors. The successful start-up in Madisonville has continued this great teamwork.
We thank Ahlstrom for the trust placed in us and look forward to further projects together!
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You can get further information about the Bellmer Paper Technology TurboLine here.
Or just contact us: paper@bellmer.com
