PFN announces major expansion in South Africa
R600m investment dedicated towards state of the art facility strengthens market leading position
Hazle Township, PA, June 22, 2021 – PFNonwovens, a leading global producer of nonwoven fabrics with operations in Europe, USA, and Africa, is expanding its Cape Town site in South Africa.
PFN has committed to invest at least R600 million in order to further develop its manufacturing facility, which will lead to the creation of up to 40 new jobs.
PFN first came to Atlantis in 2017, originally investing over R1.3billion and creating much needed local employment. PFN collaborated with Wesgro and Into SA to successfully complete the largest manufacturing foreign direct investment that the two organisations had secured since 2011.
With this latest investment, PFN’s market leading position as the largest spunmelt producer in hygiene market in South Africa will be reinforced. As a result, the company will have the capacity to meet the growing local market needs for high value and speciality products with increasing levels of softness, comfort, and sustainability. “We are the first company to invest in the latest Reicofil’s R5 machinery in South Africa, and this exciting expansion will not only localise manufacturing, it will also allow for more sustainable and flexible production which is required to meet the growing needs of both our global and local clients,” said Wilhelm Cronje, Director for PFN South Africa.
The Western Cape is a natural choice to base the company’s African expansion, with a world class infrastructure and access to the rest of the continent. Mariann Forsström, PFN’s newly appointed EMEA Commercial Director, commented that “this investment aligns with our global strategy to grow our hygiene and medical markets on the African continent as well as providing a base for exports to neighbouring regions.”
The new capacity is planned for the end of 2022.
PFN continues to support the economy and welfare of the local community. The latest initiative has been welcomed by Alderman James Vos, the mayoral committee member for investment, who stated “the new investment will provide much needed economic stimulus to the area and will create exciting new employment opportunities for the local population. PFN have invested heavily in building the skills and capabilities of the local workforce, providing international training and development, and has secured the future careers for many.”
For more information please contact Wilhelm Cronje, Director for PFN South Africa
wcronje@pfnonwovens.com; tel. +27827839995
About PFN
PFNonwovens is a leading global producer of customized nonwoven fabrics. We make innovative products across multiple key markets;
Baby Care: delighting moms, dads and babies alike
Medical: protecting medical professionals
Adult Incontinence & Fem Care: providing discreet protection and comfort
PFNonwovens is headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, and operates five production plants worldwide: two in the Czech Republic, and one each in the United States, Egypt, and South Africa.
PFN’s mission is to lead in material innovation and break down barriers to sustainability. By combining state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities with best-in-class quality and customer-service culture, we develop and commercialize superior nonwoven fabrics that improve quality of life, deliver exceptional value and a brighter future for our planet. We continuously advance to create the future of nonwovens for personal care and healthcare industries.
