Courtaulds to expand 'Tencel' capacity.

Nonwovens fiber supplier Courtaulds, Coventry, U.K., recently revealed plans to more than double capacity at its U.S. "Tencel" plant in Axis, AL. The expansion, which begins this month, will ultimately bring the final plant capacity to 100 million pounds of fiber; current capacity is 40 million pounds.

According to technical service manager Glyn Raven, the plant is completely oversold and the additional capacity will target existing as well as new markets for Tencel, with durable nonwovens a primary target. The expansion is expected to be completed by summer of 1995.

The company is also considering an expansion into the European an market, confirmed Mr. Raven. Discussions are underway regarding adding capacity at Courtaulds' U.K. facility, which currently has a 2.5 million pound pilot line. "We are expecting to bring a proposal before the board by mid-year," said Mr. Raven. "It is a question of whether we want to continue the aggressive strategy we have currently been following."

In other Courtaulds news, Mr. Raven has been appointed technical service manager-worldwide for Tencel. Now responsible for the development of Tencel into nonwoven applications is Nicholas Simpson, who also retains responsibility for rayon fibers in nonwovens.