Polymer Group Inc. Invests $7.4 Million in Research and Development at Waynesboro Facility
City of Waynesboro
Contact: Gregory E. Hitchin
Phone: (540) 942-6779
Email: HitchinGE@ci.waynesboro.va.us
On Behalf of Polymer Group Inc.
Contact: Mark VanHook
Phone: (919) 745-3689
Email: mvanhook@capstrat.com
WAYNESBORO, VA— Waynesboro Mayor Bruce Allen announced today that Polymer Group Inc. (PGI), a global leader in manufacturing nonwovens, will invest $7.4 million to upgrade machinery and expand its manufacturing plant. The improvements will enable PGI to hire up to 20 new employees and update more than 22,000 square feet of workspace.
“We are delighted that PGI has selected the Waynesboro facility for the continued research and development of this exciting new product line and the capital investment and new jobs the project brings,” said Mayor Allen.
PGI will hire technical resources for its research and development arm, as well as production operators and line leaders. The $7.4 million investment will be used to upgrade an existing research and development machine used to create proprietary technology, as well as purchase an additional R&D machine. The company will also refurbish a section of the Waynesboro plant including a new HVAC system, internal rooms and quality control equipment.
PGI is the world’s leading manufacturer of nonwovens with an established presence across hygiene, healthcare, wipes and industrial markets. The North Carolina-based company operates in 13 countries with an employee base of approximately 4,000 employees.
“This is an investment into PGI proprietary technology that will enhance and expand our product and process knowledge to bring new innovations to our customers,” said Scott Tracey, Senior Vice President and General Manager PGI Americas. “We are excited to increase our presence and provide more jobs to the citizens of Waynesboro.”
The City of Waynesboro is providing tax reimbursement incentives for all new machinery and tools purchased for this project. The new additions are scheduled to be completed by July 2014.
“PGI is an important member of our corporate community and we are looking forward to their continued success,” said Mayor Allen.
PGI is the world’s largest producer, marketer and developer of nonwoven materials. With the broadest range of process technologies in the nonwovens industry, PGI is a global supplier to leading consumer and industrial product manufacturers. The company operates twenty facilities in thirteen countries throughout the world.
