Fitesa has released additional details regarding its global investment initiative announced in May. The Brazilian nonwovens producer’s plans include the addition of new equipment and upgrades to existing lines, which will add 55,000 metric tons per year.

In Latin America, Fitesa will add a multibeam Reicofil line in Cosmoplis, Brazil.  Construction on the site is currently in an advanced stage and the line is scheduled to arrive in July 2021. Once this new line is installed, the site will become one of the most advanced spunmelt nonwovens lines in the region. Elsewhere in Brazil, Fitesa began operating an upgraded and redesigned meltblown line In Gravataí three months ago. This line is making N95 meltblown grades to help the fight against COVID19. Additionally, Fitesa is adding a state-of-the-art Reicofil meltblown line which is expected to be complete by the end of 2020. These investments will increase Fitesa’s production capacity in the region by 30,000 metric tons and triple the company’s pure meltblown supply availability, fulfilling the rising demand from the healthcare and hygiene markets.

Fitesa is also adding meltblown capacity in Trezzano Rosa, Italy, Peine, Germany and Simpsonville, SC, which should come onstream in November, December and January, respectively. These lines will also contribute to Fitesa’s product portfolio for surgical masks and respirators.

In addition to these new line investments, Fitesa is increasing production volumes, modernizing assets and enhancing the flexibility of the current asset base. These efforts will add another 20,000 metric tons of spunmelt capacity in the second and third quarters of 2021. The capacity, which will be split evenly between the U.S. and Europe will serve the healthcare and hygiene markets.

 “2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. I am pleased with our ability to respond fast in approving new investments that continue to expand our presence in the hygiene and healthcare markets, while also moving forward with important existing projects,” says Silverio Baranzano, Fitesa’s CEO.

These existing projects include the acquisition of Freudenberg Hygiene Brazil, Fiber Dynamics and Tredegar Personal Care, as well as the start-up of a new Reicofil 5 in November of 2020 in Thailand, which all together adds an additional 130,000 MT/year to the company’s portfolio.

Fitesa will by the end of 2020 have significantly increased its participation in the films and elastics market, while consolidating its position as one of the largest spunmelt manufacturers worldwide.