Steven F. Nielsen, co-founder of Southeast Nonwovens, has announced his retirement.

Nielsen began his nonwoven journey with Manning Paper Company. It is here that he learned how to make specialty papers and wet-lay nonwovens. Eight years later he was recruited by Celanese to help develop polyester fiber for wet-lay nonwovens. One of the primary activities was the creation of a wet-lay pilot line as a marketing tool. Here Nielsen worked with potential customers to develop new products using Celanese polyester fiber. This was to become the genesis of the idea for SENW.

After the merger of Celanese with Hoechst AG, Nielsen was recruited to take a position in the newly formed Innovation Group who were charged with developing new businesses for the corporation. There he led two different teams through the stage-gate process from conception to commercialization.  

In 1995, Hoechst AG started a divestment program which included the Fibers, Films and Chemicals divisions. Rather than move with the newly divested entities, the idea of combining the experience working with customers to develop new products with his knowledge of new business development was far more attractive. It was time to start what was to become SENW.

With the decision made, Nielsen called one of his friends at Manning Paper, Bryan Thomas. Thomas was also keen on the idea of starting a privately-owned R&D company for nonwovens. A few months later in October of 1997, Southeast Nonwovens, Inc. was born.

The past 21 years as president of Southeast Nonwovens has been filled with interesting and stimulating challenges as Nielsen watched the industry evolve. “I’ve enjoyed every day. I especially enjoyed meeting and working with so many of the great people associated with the nonwovens industry,” Nielsen says. “The time at SENW has been a great experience I would not trade for anything. At this stage in my career and time in my life I’ve done all I set out to do at SENW. I want to see the company continue and prosper so I believe it’s time for some new blood to come aboard. Bryan will take over the day to day leadership activities as president. I know he will do a great job.”

Nielsen remains a major share-holder and chairman of the board of Southeast Nonwovens. He will be working on special projects in an advisory role.