Heimbach and AstenJohnson are planning to merge their Paper Machine Clothing (PMC) and Advanced Fabric businesses.

The Heimbach Technical Textiles and Filtration businesses and the AstenJohnson Eagle Nonwovens and Foss Performance Materials businesses will not be part of the transaction.

The companies’ partnership began almost 40 years ago. Both companies are supported by family shareholders and operate internally with a family-oriented culture. The roots of the companies date back to the late 1800s and early 1900’s. 

Together, Heimbach and AstenJohnson will have a significant market share in forming, pressing and drying on all continents. 

AstenJohnson is headquartered in Charleston, SC in the United States with 2,100 employees located across three continents. 

"Together with AstenJohnson, Heimbach has an even more solid foundation for the future," says Peter Michels, managing director of Heimbach GmbH. "We have put ourselves in a better position to grow and compete for decades. We believe this is the start of an exciting journey."

The merger is subject to further due diligence and approval by competition law authorities and is expected to close in the second half of 2019.