[pageLogInLogOut]

#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

Ahlstrom-Munksjö strengthens manufacturing platform for high performance filtration and energy storage applications

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has completed the initial analysis and design phase of its ongoing project to strengthen manufacturing platform for high performance filtration and energy storage applications. In response to growing customer demand, the company has now decided to proceed with the second phase of the project, which consists of a significant expansion of its micro glass capacity and a further growth in industrial filtration capacity.

Actions in the second phase include: 

  • Industrial filtration production capacity expansion at the Malmedy plant, Belgium, that will be implemented without affecting our ability to continue to serve existing
  • Micro-glass based media production capacity expansion at the Fabriano plant, Italy
  • Micro-glass based media fully dedicated new line at the Turin plant, Italy. This line will be specifically designed to serve applications where micro-glass is required, supporting our growth initiatives in industrial and automotive filtration as well as energy storage applications, such as Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM)
  • A machine rebuild at the Binzhou plant, China, adding capabilities and production capacity that will enable further development of our offering for the Asian industrial and transportation filtration markets

“The investment supports Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s strategic ambition to maintain a leading position in selected niches of the global fiber-based solutions market that offer positive growth outlook and are supported by sustainable market drivers,” says Daniele Borlatto, Executive Vice President of Filtration & Performance Solutions business area. “The company has responded to growing customer demand by successively expanding its filtration manufacturing capabilities globally through several new and expansionary investments in the past few years.”



The total investment will be approximately EUR 28 million, as announced in June 2018, and the entire project is expected to be fully completed in the second half of 2021.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Filtration business develops and produces filtration materials for engine oils, fuels and air, as well as industrial air, used in vehicles or for industrial purposes. The Filtration business also has applications and is further developing filtration solutions for hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Close to 20% of sales are generated in industrial applications and around 80% of sales derive from transportation applications, both for passenger cars and heavier duty applications such as truck and heavy machineries. In transportation applications, sales come primarily from the aftermarket.

More News from TEXDATA International

#Texprocess 2026

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

#Techtextil 2026

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

#Techtextil 2026

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

#Texprocess 2026

Between investment restraint and modernization pressure

Texprocess 2026 takes place in a complex market environment shaped by uncertainty and innovation pressure. In this interview, Elgar Straub (VDMA) explains why the trade fair is particularly relevant this year and which technologies are driving efficiency and competitiveness.

More News on Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

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.

#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

Dilo Group at ITMA ASIA Singapore 2025

At ITMA ASIA Singapore, the Dilo Group will exhibit at Booth No. H2 – D202. Together with Kansan Materials, Izmir, the company will present its latest developments and looks forward to welcoming visitors to exchange ideas and explore innovations in needling technology.

#Nonwovens

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.

#Nonwovens

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.

Latest News

#Techtextil 2026

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

#INDEX 2026

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.

#Textile processing

Vivien Altmann-Morelli new Director of Texcare

As of May 1, 2026, Vivien Altmann-Morelli will take over as Director of Texcare International and the associated brand Textile Care & Cleaning Technologies. In addition, the Food Technologies brand will also fall under her responsibility.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

Efficient recycling of textile PET

At the upcoming Plastics Recycling Show Europe in Amsterdam on May 5–6, BB Engineering will present its portfolio of PET recycling technologies. The German machinery manufacturer will once again focus on textile recycling and melt filtration.

TOP