Lydall’s net sales of $207.1 million increased by $1.8 million, or 0.9% compared to the third quarter of 2019. Organically, sales were up 0.3%, led by 11.4% organic growth in Performance Materials (PM), offset by softer demand in the Technical Nonwovens (TNW) segment and a modest year over year decline in Thermal Acoustical Solutions (TAS).

“Robust demand for specialty filtration products continued, with sales in Performance Materials’ Filtration sub-segment up 38% compared to prior year, driving an adjusted EBITDA margin of almost 21% in the segment,” says Sara A. Greenstein, president and chief executive officer. “Our global meltblown assets are at full capacity, and we are on schedule to be fully operational early next year on the first of two new domestic meltblown assets. This is expected to be a strong and immediate contributor to 2021 EBITDA as its capacity has been fully committed under long term contracts.”

Greenstein also reports that global auto demand rebounded sharply in the third quarter driving a surge in Lydall’s Thermal Acoustical Solutions business, which more than doubled sales from the second quarter. “Volumes in North America were up over 150% sequentially as a result of Lydall’s exposure to light truck and SUV platforms,” she says.

At the same time, she added, the company began to experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, particularly at its North American operation, resulting in workforce shortages and other operational inefficiencies causing higher overtime, outsourcing costs, and logistics costs, some of which will continue through the fourth quarter. “We continue to be vigilant in protecting the health, safety and well-being of our entire workforce while balancing the increasing demands of our automotive customers,” Greenstein says.