TEXTILES.ORG
Willacoochee Industrial Fabrics, Inc. (WINFAB) is investing in a new state-of-the-art nonwoven geotextile manufacturing production line in Nashville, Ga. Start-up of the ANDRITZ needlepunch line is planned for the second quarter of 2023.
“We’re excited to continue the growth of our industry-leading geosynthetic solutions, and to provide options to customers during a time of industry consolidation and supply chain challenges,” says Larry Booth, WINFAB president. “We have a hard-working culture within our company, our experience and knowledge in manufacturing construction materials is extensive, and we believe that building a better future involves not only the incorporation of solutions like geosynthetics for a ‘greener’ infrastructure build approach, but through revitalizing American manufacturing. Leveraging the successes of our past will further prepare us and our clients for the next generation of infrastructure opportunities while keeping manufacturing at home.”
“The ANDRITZ team is excited to deliver to WINFAB one complete needlepunch production line for nonwoven geotextiles in America, from a single source,” added Jean-Philippe Dumon, sales director of the ANDRITZ Needlepunch Nonwoven product group. “Traditionally, U.S. producers purchase the various components of a line from multiple suppliers, which does not allow one supplier to optimize the interface between sets of equipment. The state-of-the-art needlepunch production line includes the opening and blending system and the end-of-line equipment. The scope includes the supply of the newly released ProWin weight regulating system, which ensures more even weight distribution and consistent fabric quality. ANDRITZ is proud to start this cooperation with WINFAB.”
With the addition of the geotextile needlepunch line, WINFAB becomes the only domestic geosynthetic and erosion control manufacturer capable of producing the entire range of construction materials: woven geotextiles, nonwoven geotextiles, silt fence, rolled erosion control products (RECPs), sediment retention fiber rolls (SRFRs), and turf reinforcement mats (TRMs), specified by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for use on the majority of state Department of Transportation (DOT) projects.
WINFAB also recently announced the addition of a new erosion control manufacturing facility to expand and diversify the company’s capabilities in manufacturing erosion control products. It will primarily produce temporary erosion control blankets, wattles and compost filter socks that will help meet the high demand for erosion control solutions.
“These are exciting times for our company and the industry,” added Eric Booth, WINFAB vice president. “WINFAB remains dedicated to actively cultivating and fostering stronger customer partnerships and increasing demand for the products which we produce. Reinvestment in our company and future expansions will continue. The products we produce are gaining recognition more than ever as their value proposition is better understood every day. When compared to conventional materials, such as aggregate, woven and nonwoven geosynthetics save money, time, and significantly reduce the environmental impact of construction projects. Demand for our products will increase as worldwide government practices and compliance requirements change for infrastructure build. Budgets are lower, performance targets are higher, and roadways and waterways must be resilient and sustainable. WINFAB is committed to supporting future industry requirements for geosynthetic and erosion control products.”