Nonwovens producer Fitesa is moving forward with a third U.S. line, according to the Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC). The county-chartered organization tasked with promoting and enhancing the economic growth of Greenville County, announced today that Fitesa will expand its existing facility in South Carolina to increase production capacity. The $52 million investment is expected to create an additional 38 jobs over the next five years.

Fitesa added its first spunmelt line in Simpsonville in 2010, when it was still involved in a joint venture agreement with Fiberweb. Line no. 2 was announced in 2013. Fiberweb had operated nonwovens production in Simpsonville since 1990.

“Our mission is to be the preferred choice for the supply of nonwoven fabrics to the global hygiene industry and to deliver high quality products with exceptional service and sustainable processes. We are pleased to continue to grow our operations here and appreciate the support of Greenville County in making this announcement a reality,” says gobal marketing director Ray Dunleavy.

The new line will feature state-of-the-art spunmelt technology and have an initial capacity of 24,000 tons, he adds. Commercial operation is planned for the second half of next year.

Calling it another great day in South Carolina, governor Nikki Haley says, “This $52 million expansion and the 38 new jobs it will create further show Fitesa’s fantastic commitment to our state and our people.”

“South Carolina’s robust manufacturing industry continues to drive economic success in our state, and today’s announcement from Fitesa is a testament to that. I’m excited to see what our loyal, world-class workforce will achieve with this expansion in the months and years to come,” says Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

While Fitesa has not commented on the size nor scope of the investment, it is speculated that the new line, like its two existing lines in Simpsonville, will be based on state-of-the-art spunmelt technology, which will target the global hygiene market. Fitesa confirmed in December that it would add a 20,000 spunmelt line in Peine, Germany, and has made similar investments in Brazil, Mexico and Sweden in recent years.