Home / News / Czech Republic’s PFNonwovens announces expansion in South Africa

Czech Republic's PFNonwovens announces expansion in South Africa

31 Aug '21

2 min read

PFNonwovens, Czech Republic’s nonwoven fabrics producer with operations in Europe, USA, and Africa, is expanding its Cape Town site in South Africa. PFN has committed to invest at least R600 million in order to further develop its manufacturing facility, which will lead to the creation of up to 40 new jobs. The new capacity is planned for the end of 2022.

PFNonwovens first came to Atlantis in 2017, originally investing over R1.3 billion and creating much needed local employment. The company collaborated with Wesgro and Into SA to successfully complete the largest manufacturing foreign direct investment that the two organisations had secured since 2011, according to a press release.

With this latest investment, PFNonwoven’s market leading position as the largest spunmelt producer in the hygiene market in South Africa will be reinforced. As a result, the company will have the capacity to meet the growing local market needs for high value and specialty products with increasing levels of softness, comfort, and sustainability. The Western Cape is a natural choice to base the company’s African expansion, with world class infrastructure and access to the rest of the continent.

PFNonwovens continues to support the economy and welfare of the local community. The latest initiative has been welcomed by Alderman James Vos, the mayoral committee member for investment, who stated the new investment will provide much needed economic stimulus to the area and will create exciting new employment opportunities for the local population. PFNonwovens have invested heavily in building the skills and capabilities of the local workforce, providing international training and development, and has secured the future careers for many.

“We are the first company to invest in the latest Reicofil’s R5 machinery in South Africa, and this exciting expansion will not only localise manufacturing, it will also allow for more sustainable and flexible production which is required to meet the growing needs of both our global and local clients,” Wilhelm Cronje, director for PFNonwovens South Africa said in a statement.

“The investment aligns with our global strategy to grow our hygiene and medical markets on the African continent as well as providing a base for exports to neighbouring regions,” Mariann Forsström, PFNonwoven’s newly appointed EMEA commercial director said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)

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