PGI has begun construction and installation of its new state-of-the-art, custom-designed, spunmelt machine at its plant in Waynesboro, VA.

The project, previously announced by Governor Bob McDonnell in March 2010, is expected to create 41 highly-skilled jobs at the Waynesboro site and represents an investment of over $65 million. The company’s decision to invest at this site was supported by incentives received from the Commonwealth of Virginia to promote economic development in the area. The new capacity is expected to be available to customers in the second half of 2011.

“This expansion continues to build upon PGI’s ability to employ industry-leading technologies, combined with recent proprietary technological development. The installation of this advanced equipment enables PGI to deliver differentiated products to customers that will achieve enhanced and improved barrier, softness and opacity compared to the current marketplace capabilities for use in such products as diapers, and surgical gowns and drapes,” stated Daniel Guerrero, vice president and general manager of the U.S. region.

This investment is part of the company’s continuing global growth strategy that includes its recent capacity investment in Mexico that was commercialized in 2009 and, most recently, the installation work initiated in China to install proprietary, high-barrier technology to serve the high-grade medical and hygiene markets.