Industrial Opportunity Partners (IOP), an operations-focused private equity firm, has acquired High Point, NC-based Vita Nonwovens, LLC, a technical nonwoven solutions provider that serves the bedding, automotive, building products and medical segments. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
 
Vita Nonwovens specializes in the engineering and manufacturing of durable nonwoven products, including flame retardants, thermal/acoustical insulation, filtration, and medical products. Vita Nonwovens’ three manufacturing facilities–in Texas, North Carolina and Indiana–have approximately 339,000 square feet and 180 employees. The facilities are located in close proximity to customers and feature complimentary ISO-certified manufacturing capabilities, including thermal bonding, needlepunching, die cutting and laminating operations, as well as inspection and testing equipment that meets ISO standards.
 
Vita Nonwovens’ current management team has co-invested with IOP and will remain in place, with Kevin Womble serving as president and Jason Johnson serving as chief operating officer. IOP Operating Executive Phil Fioravante will serve as chairman. Fioravante, who has significant experience operating companies providing engiñneered materials into similar end markets, is a full-time member of IOP’s team of operating executives who provide leadership to the businesses in which IOP invests.
 
Womble says, “We are excited about the great opportunity this transaction represents for all of our stakeholders. We believe our partnership with IOP will enhance Vita Nonwovens’ ability to deliver value and differentiation to our customers while helping us to continue to evolve and grow as an organization.”
 
Bob Vedra, senior managing director of IOP, states, “We are very excited to announce our newest IOP platform focused on the nonwoven materials industry. We believe Vita Nonwovens is well-positioned, with an excellent reputation based on its innovative, high-quality products. We look forward to supporting the company with further investment as the market for durable nonwoven applications continues to expand.”
 
Fioravante added, “We look forward to partnering with Kevin Womble and the entire management team in continuing to serve our customers with product innovation and high levels of quality, delivery and service while enhancing the company’s culture of creativity.” 

Formerly a part of British Vita, Vita Nonwovens was bought by management in late 2012 when the former parent company decided to exit nonwovens. At that time, British Vita also sold its European operation, Libeltex, to TWE Group.