Freudenberg Group’s Freudenberg Nonwovens, Germany based company is investing in nonwoven production in Brazil. The investment is part of a 40 million Brazilian Reais budget (around 13.2 million Euros) that Freudenberg had earmarked for the region in 2013 for innovations, capacity expansion and general process optimization.

Thanks to the new technology and production plant, the facility at Jacareí will to be strengthened for the future. Brazil is one of the Freudenberg Group's strategic growth markets where they would like to gain greater market share

In close cooperation with experts in Weinheim [Germany, location of Freudenberg Nonwovens’ headquarters and R&D center], they will be able to manufacture even better specialist hygiene products in the future using tried and tested nonwovens’ technology, said Juan Carlos Borchardt, Freudenberg’s regional representative for South America.

This will strengthen their competitiveness as a globally-active Group. Sales will rise significantly with the nonwovens manufactured in the new. Their existing product portfolio will be expanded. They will be able to manufacture quite special solutions — such as printed or especially light, cotton-like nonwovens.

Freudenberg Group is also expanding it automotive-related activities at its Diadema, Brazil, manufacturing facility. In partnership with Japan-based Nippon Oil Seal Industry Co. Ltd. (NOK), the company will bring online a new line for the production of thermoplastic high-performance components that will be customized for the Brazilian and South American automotive industry.

With the new manufacturing unit, it will be possible to manufacture additional products, customized for the region. Manufacturing locally will also enable the Freudenberg Group to develop even closer relationships to the customer and to win new customers, not only in Brazil but also throughout South America.