#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2019-09-26

Freudenberg submits offer for Low & Bonar PLC

Spunlaid production (c) 2019 Freudenberg

Freudenberg, the global technology group today made an offer to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Low & Bonar PLC, London, United Kingdom. Low & Bonar is a globally active manufacturer of technical textiles. The step would allow Freudenberg to further expand its technical expertise in spunlaid nonwovens. In addition, the acquisition would open up new areas of activity to Freudenberg.

Technology group wishes to strengthen nonwovens business

In the past financial year, Low & Bonar generated global sales of approximately 350 million British Pounds (equivalent to some 394 million euros at today’s exchange rate) with approximately 1,900 employees. The proposed acquisition is subject to, among other things, Low & Bonar shareholder approval and approval by the antitrust authorities. Low & Bonar is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a FTSE All Share Index company.

“With the acquisition, we would like to strengthen our performance materials business, and with Low & Bonar’s innovative technology we could further expand our technical know-how,” says Dr. Mohsen Sohi, Freudenberg Group CEO.

Further Expansion of its Spunlaid Business

“As a spunlaid production pioneer, Freudenberg has offered its customers solutions based on a one-step production process since 1968. Low & Bonar’s two-step process solution will give us greater flexibility and allow us to more individually tailor our solutions to customer requirements,” explains Dr. Frank Heislitz, Freudenberg Performance Materials CEO. In addition, Freudenberg would be able to offer its customers a broader product range, especially in existing applications for the construction, building interiors, home textiles and automotive sectors.

“We will also open up new areas of activity with new applications for Freudenberg thanks to Low & Bonar’s adjacent technologies,” says Heislitz.

Application Backings for carpet tiles (c) 2019 Freudenberg

Molded carpet for automotive (c) 2019 Freudenberg

International Presence

Founded in 1903 and headquartered in London, Low & Bonar has 11 production facilities in Asia, Europe and North America. The company’s aim is strong growth in its markets in the world regions, thus expanding its international footprint. Freudenberg has operated successfully in the USA and China for decades and is thus an ideal partner for the implementation of this strategy.

The Same Understanding of Quality and Sustainability

Like Low & Bonar, Freudenberg uses highly developed technologies in its fabric and textile development and production as well as for textile and material finishing. The products of both companies are known for their outstanding quality.

Freudenberg and Low & Bonar also share the same approach when it comes to sustainability. Both companies aim to act responsibly and sustainably. Sustainability is integrated in the product cycle: from raw material and energy usage to the entire manufacturing process. Not only are international standards met; they are also exceeded.

(1) In total, 431.9 million British Pounds minus disinvestment “Civil Engineering” business area (July 2019)

Freudenberg accelerates local production for apparel market by expanding its site in India

Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel) celebrates the grand opening of a major expansion at its manufacturing facility in Chennai, India, on October 14, adding 20,000 square feet of production space and introducing new production lines tailored to the Indian apparel market. This strategic investment is aimed at significantly reducing lead times and enhancing the availability of high-quality, locally produced interlinings for the fast-evolving apparel sector in India and South Asia.

Freudenberg Performance Materials publishes first Sustainability Report

With the publication of its first sustainability report, Freudenberg Performance Materials has reached a major milestone on its path toward greater environmental responsibility and corporate transparency. Until now, information about the company’s sustainability performance was only included in the sustainability report of its parent company, the Freudenberg Group. The newly released report, however, focuses specifically on the business of technical textiles.

Freudenberg to exhibit for the first time at CAMX 2025

Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) will be exhibiting for the first time at CAMX 2025 in Orlando, Florida, from September 9-11. This presence is a strong signal from the leading global supplier of technical textiles to support the North American composites industry with high-performance surfacing veils, flow media and spacers. Visitors can meet Freudenberg experts at booth D69 on the show floor.

Freudenberg PM unveils versatile innovative fine denier spunbond nonwovens for applications in construction, filtration and coating

The unique fine filament nonwoven technology from Freudenberg Performance Materials (Freudenberg) is made from a wide variety of polymers and blends using mono or bico fibers. The high flexibility and broad customization options provide benefits in a wide range of markets and applications – from roofing membranes to liquid filtration, as well as specific applications such as dehumidification products and artificial turf.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

Rieter reports stable order backlog and strategic progress – outlook for 2025 adjusted

In its Investor Update 2025, Rieter announced an order intake of CHF 203.9 million in the third quarter and CHF 559.3 million after nine months, reflecting a continued cautious investment climate in the textile machinery sector. Sales totaled CHF 121.5 million in the third quarter and CHF 457.7 million for the first nine months of the year, while the order backlog stood at around CHF 590 million as of September 30, 2025.