#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles
Sandler to commence production in the US
Opening a plant in Perry, Houston County, Georgia in 2016 is the consequence of years of successfully serving the North American markets from Sandler’s Schwarzenbach, Bavaria headquarters. Sandler’s first plant abroad is founded with the intention to develop also their North American plant into a nonwovens powerhouse.
Family-owned and operated Sandler AG is active in both durable applications such as automotive and filtration as well as disposable uses including personal hygiene and wipes. Founded in 1879, Sandler today runs one of the largest production sites for nonwovens in Europe, employing 650 staff and reporting a sales volume of $ 346 million (Euro 286 million) for 2014. For decades, Sandler has successfully shipped materials to clients around the globe from their Bavarian HQ.
“Establishing a new nonwovens manufacturing plant in the US is an important decision from a strategic point of view and one of the most important steps in our company history,” says CEO Dr. Christian Heinrich Sandler. “Establishing a presence in Perry will allow us to answer to the increasing importance of the North American markets and to account for the growing demand from outside Europe. Many of our clients are themselves global players, working on either side of the Atlantic”, says Dr. Sandler. “In this context, nonwovens for hygiene products are as important as our strongly growing involvement in acoustics, automotive and filtration.
„We deliberately took our time in choosing a location“, explains Tobias Baumgaertel, designated president of Sandler Nonwoven Corporation. „Perry offers ideal conditions for our expansion into the American market: Here, we are close to our American customers, enabling us to react quicker and to further enhance our service. In Perry, we find qualified, motivated personnel and our new property fulfils all the requirements for further expansion in the long-term. There is a great network between local businesses, into which I am sure we will integrate optimally. You might say we are on the same wavelength with the people in Perry. We are excited about the support from both the municipality and the State of Georgia. Together, we are planning a programme geared towards training new US employees to become nonwovens experts. All in all, Perry offers ideal conditions for assembling a team that will maintain Sandler’s high quality standards, our comprehensive service and live our philosophy also in the US. I am looking forward to starting this new chapter in our company’s history together with my team“.
At the same time, Sandler continues to set the course for the future in Schwarzenbach. “This year alone, 48 million Euros are put towards new buildings and a new production line” says Dr. Sandler. “The years to come will hold various challenges in store for us. But owing to our committed, motivated staff, long-term planning and our excellent partnerships in the industry we are very well-equipped to handle them.”
