Belgium-based Beaulieu Fibres International (B.F.I.) a renowned international group with headquarters in Belgium holding a solid market position both in producing raw materials and intermediate goods and in offering an extensive range of perfectly finished floorcoverings. To expand capacity for its Meraklon hygiene fiber as well as add new BICO products to the Meraklon portfolio at its Terni, Italy, plant has made investment to the tune of 30 million euros (approximately $33 million).

B.F.I. is constructing a building to house a new hygiene line featuring state-of-the-art long spin technology, which will allow the company to add BICO polyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate (PE/PET) and BICO polypropylene (PP)/PET fibers to its portfolio.

In addition, B.F.I. will be able to spin mono PP fibers on the new equipment. The company expects to start installing the new line mid-2017.

Having an additional production line at Terni will give them the capability to be more flexible in their support and to offer an even wider product range through new BICO products, said Karena Cancilleri, vice president, Engineered Products, B.F.I.

The fibers are used in nonwoven applications such as baby diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine care and wipes.

Beaulieu International Group has 4,325 employees in 29 plants, 11 sales offices and 8 distribution centres spread across 16 countries.