Fenner expanding coated textile operations in US 

Manheim, Pennsylvania – Fenner Precision Polymers, a Michelin company, continues to expand its coated textile market presence, this time investing $4 million (€3.4 million) to expand its operations in Manheim. 

The company is adding a treat line operation, which is scheduled to be completed by mid-2021, Fenner said in a 22 Sept release. 

The expansion, that comes several months after the acquisition of Los Angeles-based Fabri Cote, is aimed at “establishing a complete coated fabric and technical textile portfolio.”

Once operational, the Manheim site will improve lead time and allow Fenner to better meet growing demand for products. 

The company expects to add several new full-time positions at the site, which is expected to generate "seven-figure revenues" once the expansion is onstream.

The new line, according to Brian Slingluff, VP global sales and marketing, will help speed to market 'engineered solutions that allow clients to innovate.'

In February, Fenner acquired Fabir Cote which it said will help expand its reach in the coated textile market and aerospace industry.

The partnership will allow Fabri Cote, with its ISO:9001 and AS9100D QMS industry certifications, to gain traction in new markets such as the organic rubber-coated fabric space.

In turn, the acquisition allows Fenner access to Fabri Cote's knife- or blade-coating process, a way of applying an elastomer to a textile with a metered, angled blade that cuts excess coating to a fine measurement.

Fabri Cote's customers include Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed, Northrup, Bombardier, Embraer and Gulfstream.