#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2025-03-06

Acquisition of majority shareholding in Jiangsu Huanyu Group by Autoneum successfully completed

The acquisition of a majority stake of 70 percent in the Chinese automotive supplier Jiangsu Huanyu Group, which was announced in November 2024, was completed with effect from February 28, 2025, following approval by the authorities. As a result, Business Group Asia secures access to all major Chinese manufacturers and significantly increases its annual revenue.

The agreement to acquire 70 percent of the shares of Jiangsu Huanyu Group, which was signed on November 19, 2024, was executed today. All necessary approvals by the authorities for the take-over have been granted. As a result, Autoneum is acquiring a majority stake in one of the leading suppliers of lightweight components for light and commercial vehicles in China as of February 28, 2025. Autoneum also has the option to purchase the remaining 30 percent of the share capital in 2028. As previously announced, the Jiangsu Huanyu Group will continue to operate under its Chinese name.

Established in 2001, Jiangsu Huanyu Group operates 13 production facilities* with approximately 1 200 employees in close proximity to local vehicle manufacturers in the north, west and southeast of China, including the booming automotive hubs of Anhui and Shaanxi. The Group’s product portfolio includes components for the vehicle interior such as carpets, inner and outer dashes, headliners, trunk and interior trim, wheelhouse outer liners as well as insulation for the engine bay and the underbody, offering strong potential for synergies with Autoneum’s current product offerings. In the 2023 financial year, Jiangsu Huanyu Group generated revenue of around CHF 130 million with a significant increase in 2024.

The takeover marks another milestone on the way to generating 20 percent of Group revenue in Asia in the medium term. Autoneum Chief Executive Officer Eelco Spoelder explains: “Jiangsu Huanyu Group achieves over 90 percent of its revenue with Chinese customers, making it an excellent strategic fit for Autoneum. We are gaining access to an established customer base in China, including several major Chinese vehicle manufacturers such as BYD, BAIC and GAC, and are thus significantly strengthening our position in the world’s largest automotive market. Jiangsu Huanyu Group’s presence and diversified product portfolio will also support the expansion of our commercial vehicle business in China and enable us to leverage further synergies in the areas of technology, manufacturing processes and purchasing.”

* The plant in Wuhan is operated by several companies of the Jiangsu Huanyu Group, but officially counts as only one site. Therefore, a total of 13 production facilities were acquired with the Jiangsu Huanyu Group, and not 14 as announced on November 19, 2024.

N-Join1: an innovative, adhesive-free carpet that supports the circular economy

Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly looking for recycling solutions for end-of-life vehicles to meet sustainability targets and comply with new regulations that are accelerating the automotive industry’s transition toward a circular economy. In response, Autoneum has developed the N-Join1 carpet. This innovative, monomaterial carpet system, made from recycled materials, eliminates the need for latex and adhesives, thereby offering an eco-friendly solution for vehicle interiors.

Autoneum again achieves revenue growth in the 2024 financial year

In the 2024 financial year, the global automotive industry recorded a slight decline in production of –1.1%* compared to the previous year. In this weakening environment, Autoneum increased its consolidated revenue in Swiss francs by CHF 36.4 million to CHF 2 338.7 million. Excluding translational effects from the conversion of local currencies into Swiss francs, revenue rose by CHF 96.1 million or 4.2% to CHF 2 398.5 million, which is in the middle of the guidance of CHF 2.3 billion to CHF 2.5 billion.

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.

Navis TubeTex announces U.S. partnership with Icomatex

Navis TubeTex, a global leader in advanced dyeing and finishing machinery solutions, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Icomatex (www.icomatex.com), a respected European manufacturer of high-quality stenters and textile finishing equipment. Under this agreement, Navis TubeTex will exclusively represent the Icomatex stenter line in the United States.

ADVANSA launches ADVA®tex: A new step toward textile-to-textile recycling

ADVANSA has introduced ADVA®tex, a new filling fibre made entirely from recycled pre-consumer textile waste, positioning the material as a significant step forward in textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling. The fibre is designed for use in duvets, pillows, mattresses, and furniture applications and is available in three versions.

KARL MAYER celebrates 35 years of EL pattern drive

KARL MAYER is celebrating an anniversary this year: on 30 November 1990, the first warp knitting machine with electronic guide bar control, the KS 4 EL, was delivered – another milestone for patterning. As early as 1980, the SU gearbox with the MRS42SU had initiated the transition from mechanical chains to digital data.