Felix Schoeller Group to Invest Over $100 Million to Expand Capacity in North America
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The Felix Schoeller Group is systematically implementing its growth program for North America. Starting in 2023, capacities at the company's sites in the USA and Canada will be significantly expanded in three steps.
In the first step, a new silicone coater will be installed at the Pulaski, New York, site in mid-2023. This will enable the Felix Schoeller Group to supply the North American market with domestically produced siliconized papers and films. In doing so, the company is relying not only on solvent-free silicone technology, but adding solvent-based silicone technology to their portfolio while utilizing particularly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technological solutions.
The second step is the expansion of the paper machine capacity in Drummondville, Canada, from currently 32,000 tons to over 40,000 tons per year. This increase is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2023.
And finally, Felix Schoeller plans to invest in the construction of a second paper machine for the North American market. The plan is to add up to 50,000 tons of capacity for the decor and release liner markets. During project planning, the location and details of the technical equipment will be determined.
The total investment for the production of high-quality decor papers and release liners in the North American sites is expected to exceed US$100 million.
"With the significant expansion of our product capabilities and capacities in North America, we are following the plan of consistently expanding our local supply strategy. We are and always want to be present with our own productions in the markets where our customers are at home," says Hans-Christoph Gallenkamp, CEO of the Felix Schoeller Group.
According to the company, the decor paper market in North America is showing consistently good momentum and will continue to grow in the coming years, partly due to population growth, the resulting demand for housing and the associated investments by the wood-based materials industry.
"With the project for a new paper machine, we are opening a new chapter for Felix Schoeller in North America. In the future, we will be able to offer reliable supply with local service not only to our customers for high-quality decor papers, but in addition to our key market for release liners," said Michael Szidat, CEO of Felix Schoeller North America, and responsible for the business in North and South America.
"The COVID crisis has proven the importance of domestic manufacturing for the flexibility and reliability we promise our customers," Szidat added.
