As part of the U.S.-based Glatfelter Company, two long-established players in the European paper industry, Schoeller & Hoesch and Lydney (formerly JR Crompton), are operating jointly as Glatfelter Composite Fibers effective of last month. “The aim of this move is to pool the expertise of the mills in Germany, France and the U.K. in order to provide even better service to long-standing customers throughout the world by enhancing our products and services,” said Martin Rapp, vice president and general manager of the business unit. Following its acquisition of Schoeller & Hoesch in 1998, Glatfelter has demonstrated its confidence in its European operations by making major investments in a new plant and equipment and by acquiring another business.
   
Glatfelter Composite Fibers holds leading global positions in long-fiber papers and wetlaid nonwovens. In the technical specialties segment it offers a variety of products for use in general industry and in the medical and consumer goods sectors. These include nonwovens and specialty papers for the manufacture of car batteries, wet wipes and adhesive tapes. The range also covers materials for further automotive applications, the air and liquid filtration market, the apparel and consumer textiles industry and surgical masks.