AstenJohnson, a global textile manufacturer headquartered in Charleston, SC, with roots dating back to 1790, has selected Waco, TX, as the location for its eighth North American location. The company will reportedly invest $40 million over the next two years to build the 220,000 square foot facility.

Kevin Frank, CEO and president says, “We are excited to add a new AstenJohnson facility in Waco, TX. The long-term prospects for our nonwovens business are excellent. Customer demand for our products has only been growing. This investment will allow us to satisfy the increasing demand and continue to offer more products and innovation. We are delighted to welcome future Waco associates to the AstenJohnson family.”

The plant will focus on nonwoven fabrics for growth markets including auto light-weighting and composite manufacturing. In addition to the latest needlepunch nonwoven technology in the world, the Waco plant will be clean, air-conditioned, and will have a strong focus on sustainable business practices.

“Waco is a unique location for AstenJohnson. It’s close to our customers, but more importantly, the spirit of innovation, integrity, inclusion, and teamwork is infused in the people of this region,” says Neil Johnson, president, Nonwovens. “These values are at the core of AstenJohnson and have made Waco feel like home as we begin our partnership. We’re here for the long haul and excited to offer stable career options to members of the community, along with competitive wages and a commitment to extensive training and development.”

AstenJohnson’s decision to locate in Greater Waco represents a regional economic development collaboration between Waco, McLennan County, and the Waco Industrial Foundation. Waco and McLennan County strategically partnered to provide incentives supporting the project. In addition, the Waco Industrial Foundation partnered with the project regarding the land necessary to sustain the AstenJohnson operation.

“The City of Waco is pleased to welcome AstenJohnson to our community. This is an exciting announcement, bringing quality jobs, significant capital investment and advanced technologies to Waco,” says Dillon Meek, mayor, City of Waco. “This announcement reinforces what we know is true: Waco’s economy is continuing to grow and is a great city for business.”

Jim Porterfield, VP of Sales and Marketing, adds, “This facility will allow us to better serve both our existing and new customers for our Eagle Nonwovens and Foss Performance Materials business units.  Those customers in the automotive, aerospace, filtration, Cure in Place Pipe, and other technical industrial segments will be among those we plan to support from our new Texas site.”

AstenJohnson is planning to begin operations in early 2023.