Welcome to the latest edition of Nonwovenn’s ‘A Day in the Life’ series, where we sit down with different members of the team, reflect on their career to date, gain insight into where they see the business and industry going over the coming months and into them as a person outside their role.
How did you get started in the industry?
After completing my degree, I originally moved to London for a year to improve my English. After that I returned home to Italy to complete a master’s in marketing and merchandising for the fashion industry. I started out my career as a store manager, but I was really looking for a role that would allow me to travel. That led me to an interview with a local company that produced nonwovens and needed an export manager. Initially, I didn’t have much knowledge of the nonwoven industry, but just a few days after signing the contract I was in Chicago attending an industry event! From there, my journey in the nonwoven industry continued. I stayed with the company until around 2015, when I moved to Nonwovenn.
What originally attracted you to Nonwovenn?
Nonwovenn was well-established, had ambitious growth plans and offered a chance to stay within the nonwoven world. It was also clear that the company was well structured. It was somewhere I could develop both professionally and personally while working in a technical sales environment, which I enjoyed.
What does a typical day look like for you at the moment?
My day is usually a mixture of internal and external communication, and I’m constantly on the phone. I always prefer speaking directly to people rather than relying on emails to avoid any misunderstandings and delays. I typically spend my time talking with customers to understand how they’re using our products and uncovering opportunities where we might be underselling. I also coordinate internally with procurement, costing, production and innovation to understand ongoing projects and challenge processes where necessary. I always want to expand my knowledge of the wider business, so I try to spend at least 50% of my time focussing on internal conversations and customer engagement.
Have you learnt anything new since being at Nonwovenn?
Definitely. Even though I had prior experience in the nonwoven industry, the production technologiesand processes here are different from my previous company. I’ve learned a huge amount over the last 10 years, from why certain fibres are used to how materials perform on specific machines. The knowledge available here is vast, and if you’re curious enough to ask you can learn something new every day.
What do you enjoy most about working for Nonwovenn?
What I enjoy most is the access to information and the ability to be confident in front of customers. I can find all the knowledge I need to provide technical solutions and advice, not just talk about price. That makes customer interactions much more engaging and rewarding, because I can genuinely offer expertise and guidance.
Where do you see Nonwovenn going in the future, and the overall industry?
Nonwovenn is experiencing significant growth business-wide. My focus is on elevating the industrial division to match the success of the wider business. As the industry continues to evolve, our challenge is to capture opportunities in industrial customer segments, ensuring sustainable growth across all divisions.
What do you consider your biggest career achievement or standout moment to date?
I think being placed in charge of the industrial division here at Nonwovenn is a definite standout moment. It represents major responsibility and an opportunity to shape a key part of the business, which I’m very proud of.
Aside from Nonwovenn and the industry, what else interests you?
Football is a big part of my life, I’m originally from Florence so I follow Fiorentina closely. I even fly back to watch games when I can. I also enjoy fishing as a way to relax and try to keep active by visiting the gym twice a week. I find balancing time with family and some ‘me’ time very important.
Welcome to the new Nonwovenn ‘A Day in the Life’ series, where we sit down with different members of the team, reflect on their career to date, gain insight into where they see the business and industry going over the coming months and into them as a person outside their role.
How did you get started in the industry?
I started over 30 years ago, I completed my bio-mechanical engineering degree while working at Biomet, then one of the largest US orthopaedic companies. This early experience immersed me in the heart of medical device innovation and gave me a deep appreciation for the intersection of engineering and healthcare. Following my time at Biomet, I transitioned into the supply chain sector working for another privately owned US company then called Symmetry Medical, where I gained a robust understanding of operations and logistics within the industry and even experienced taking them through IPO on the NYSE. Ultimately, my journey led me to the world of textiles, and I started my career in the medical textiles sector over two decades ago, drawn by the opportunity to work on products that had the same business model but in a new to me anyway sector. My background in commercial strategy and product development gave me a strong foundation, and I’ve always been passionate about translating technical innovation into real-world healthcare solutions.
What originally attracted you to Nonwovenn?
It was the commitment to innovation and the collaborative culture that I saw there at the time. The business was in a very similar stage in the development as my previous role and had a very similarbusiness model. Translating from the orthopaedic sector into advanced wound care and textiles was new, but the business being privately owned and experiencing dynamic growth was a parallel that really struck me. It was very fresh and exciting to work on a new product group, and the company’s focus on advanced wound care, haemostats and other products aligned perfectly with my experience and interests. I knew I’d have the opportunity to build on experience there, and when David Lamb made me an offer, I simply couldn’t turn it down.
What does a typical day look like for you at the moment?
There’s no such thing as a standard day here! No two days are the same, and it’s a mix of juggling strategic planning, consumer engagements, and coordination across both our Bridgwater and Bolton sites. It could be reviewing product pipelines, troubleshooting product challenges or preparing for meetings and trade fairs, it’s a very dynamic role that gives you the opportunity to wear multiple hats.
Have you learnt anything new since being at Nonwovenn?
I’m still learning and developing every day, but I’ve really deepened my understanding of the fibre chemistries and bonding technologies, and some valuable insights on top of what I already had coming from a technical medical background. I’ve also been working closely with the R&D and quality teams, which has broadened my perspective on how innovation and governance intersect, especially in the medical sector and manufacturing.
What do you enjoy most about working for Nonwovenn?
I know it’s always the cliché, but I think the best thing is the people you interact with. We’ve built a strong team here, not only people who are technically skilled and driven, but also incredibly supportive and collaborative. I genuinely value the opportunity to learn from both my peers and mentors alike, and that’s across the whole workforce really. There’s a lot of day-to-day problem solving, strategic decisions and just knowledge sharing. There’s a very strong culture of mutual respect and continuous improvement here, which is great to grow both professionally and personally.
Where do you see Nonwovenn going in the future, and the overall industry?
I think Nonwovenn is really well positioned to continue to lead in bespoke nonwoven materials, especially in high performance technical fabrics for the MediTech sector. Our newly comissionedmedical manufacturing facility has allowed us to create controlled environments that are purpose-built for precision manufacturing and includes a ‘Class 8’ standard performing cleanroom which is designed to meet even the most stringent of medical industry standards.
The research and development team have also delivered several high-impact innovations launched over the last year. These include x-ray detectable materials to enhance safety and traceability in surgical applications, and reinforced CMC hydrofibre for improved durability and absorption in wound care. The team have also developed a translucent nonwoven solution for use as a surgical site dressing scaffold to allow for visual inspection of incision sites without the need to remove the dressing. All three product innovations come as a direct result of world class research and development programmes to support client needs.
I think the wider industry is moving towards more sustainable and patient centric products, and we are able to support that shift from our UK based manufacturing and global network of partnerships.
What do you consider your biggest career achievement or standout moment to date?
I think just the longevity of my time here, and in the wider industry. I’m on my ninth year here which in itself is an achievement, as we’ve been dynamically changing year on year.
But I think one big standout for me was when I proactively flew out to meet a major fibre supplier over in Turkey who was planning to discontinue a niche fibre category that was critical to several of our MediTech devices. We had recognised that potential impact immediately, so I arranged a visit on short notice and successfully negotiated continued supply. This not only safeguarded the products integrity but also secured the customers business. If we had not achieved that we would have had to go through extensive regulatory hurdles and costly change control processes. So that moment underscored the value of swift action, product knowledge and building on strong supplier relationships.
Aside from Nonwovenn and the industry, what else interests you?
I’m a father of four, so that keeps me pretty busy! Outside of that I’m also a keen traveller, particularly by motorcycle. I find it incredibly rewarding to explore new places on two wheels, embracing the freedom and spontaneity that comes with that. I’ve been inspired by the round the world journeys by the likes of Ewan McGregor and similar, so I enjoy creating my own mini adventures. It’s a great way to recharge, stay curious and connect with the world in a more personal and immersive way.
Welcome to the latest addition to the Nonwovenn ‘A Day in the Life’ series, where we sit down with different members of the team, reflect on their career to date, gain insight into where they see the business and industry going over the coming months and into them as a person outside their role.
How did you get started in the industry?
My professional career started in more of an applied technical services space combining academic environment, as a Chemical Engineer, Plastics Technologies, Chartered Scientist, and Management Professional. These qualifications enabled me to approach industrial challenges with more of a systems mindset and sustainability lens.
Over the years, I’ve worked across diverse sectors, including Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, FMCG, Food, Plastics Product Processing, Technical Services, Product and Process Engineering and Innovation Consulting. This experience has provided me with hands on insights into every element of the value chain, from raw material sourcing through to product development and distribution. It has also helped me to understand the interplay between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
From the outset, I was guided by the principle of ‘doing good to do well’, which is a belief that purposeful innovation can deliver both commercial and environmental value. That ethos continues to inform my work today, particularly as I lead transformative sustainability initiatives that cover technical, strategic, and behavioural domains.
What originally attracted you to Nonwovenn?
It was the bold ambition and agility that immediately captured my attention. The business demonstrated a genuine commitment to sustainability and innovation. I recognised an opportunity to embed purpose-led impact into Nonwovenn’s core strategy and help shape its journey towards sustainable harm reduction. The chance to build a sustainability programme from the ground up, including the launch of our Green Champions Programme, was particularly compelling too. Nonwovenn’s openness to change and its adaptability to exceed expectations made it an ideal platform for transformative leadership. I was inspired by the possibility of creating a culture where sustainability was not merely a compliance requirement but a strategic imperative. This vision aligned with my own values and experience, and I was confident I could contribute meaningfully to its evolution.
What does a typical day look like for you at the moment?
My day is typically a blend of strategic planning, technical oversight, and stakeholder engagement. I typically begin by reviewing sustainability metrics and compliance reports, followed by meetings with cross-functional teams to align on environmental, social, and governance goals and innovation pipelines. I also lead the Sustainability Working Group of BSI PH/23, where we are evolving standards for the sustainability of personal protective equipment and linking with CEN and ISO standards.
Operationally, I oversee initiatives such as our Zero Waste to Landfill programme and the use of 100% green electricity and 25% green gas last year, which has now increased to 50% in Ocotober 2925 and set to become 100% by 2027. I try to make each day purpose-driven, with a clear focus on enabling sustainable harm reduction. I also work with external partners and industry bodies to share best practices and co-create solutions that advance circularity, transparency, and regenerative design. The integration of sustainability into daily operations is not simply a goal, it’s a lived reality.
Have you learnt anything new since being at Nonwovenn?
Absolutely. One of the most valuable learnings is balancing ambition with pragmatism, leveragingcollaboration and data-driven decision-making. A standout learning has been the development and implementation of SeNTRY, which is a self-neutralising trade effluent management system. The system uses stoichiometry to combine waste streams in precise ratios, neutralising harmful components and transforming them into benign outputs. This innovation exemplifies our philosophy of ‘making our burden our bridge’ and turning operational challenges into opportunities for environmental stewardship. It reflects a broader shift in the industry, where advanced chemistry and systems thinking are being used to create scalable, sustainable solutions. It is not just a technical achievement; it’s a symbol of our commitment to ‘doing good to do well’.
What do you enjoy most about working for Nonwovenn?
The business has a culture of integrity, curiosity and ambition, which is something I truly value. Sustainability is not treated as a tick-box exercise, but as a strategic imperative. The team’s receptiveness to new ideas, whether that is embedding circularity, launching the Green Champions Programme, or pursuing Ecovadis Gold, makes it a stimulating environment. Achieving Ecovadis Gold, especially when we were initially aiming for Silver, was a proud moment that validated our collective efforts.
I also appreciate the opportunity to influence both strategic direction and operational practices. The recognition for my keynote on ‘Enabling Purpose-Led Sustainable Impact’ was a testament to our thought leadership and our ability to inspire change across the industry. Working at Nonwovenn allows me to combine technical expertise with visionary leadership, and that is deeply fulfilling.
Where do you see Nonwovenn, and the overall industry, going in the future?
I see Nonwovenn continuing to lead with purpose, particularly as sustainability becomes central to business resilience. The industry is moving towards greater transparency, circularity, and regenerative design. Nonwovenn is well-positioned to pioneer solutions that are not only compliant but also commercially and environmentally viable. Our work on sustainable supply chains, built from scratch and now inspiring customers, suppliers, and industry associations alike, is a testament to our leadership. We have demonstrated that it is possible to go from concept to industry recognition in only a couple of years.
This rapid transformation is not simply about growth; it’s about redefining what leadership looks like in the age of sustainability. We’re setting benchmarks and enabling sustainable harm reduction across the value chain, and I believe our impact will continue to grow.
What do you consider your biggest career achievement or standout moment to date?
There are several moments I’m proud of, but the most significant achievement has been transforming Nonwovenn into a recognised industry leader in less than half a decade. Leading the development of a sustainability framework for personal protective equipment under BSI PH/23 Working Group 3, establishing a sustainable supply chain from scratch, and achieving Ecovadis Gold when we were aiming for Silver are milestones that reflect our commitment to excellence.
Aside from Nonwovenn and the industry, what else interests you?
Aside from work, I’m deeply interested in environmental policy, behavioural science, and systems thinking. I enjoy exploring how societal behaviours can be shaped to support sustainability. I also have a passion for mentoring and knowledge-sharing, particularly with emerging professionals in the field.
Innovation continues to be a personal interest, and my involvement in new product development and patents has allowed me to explore the intersection of creativity and impact. As a vegan, I see my lifestyle as an extension of my commitment to sustainability. It reflects a conscious choice to align personal values with professional goals. I believe that real change begins with individual actions, and I strive to lead by example, both in the boardroom and beyond.
Nonwovenn, one of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, has been acquired by CorpAcq, the Altrincham-based business acquisitions compounder backed by TDR Capital.
The acquisition also marks the successful exit of BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor.
Founded in 2003 by the current Chairman David Lamb, Nonwovenn manufactures and supplies bespoke technical fabrics for niche markets. The company has a strong focus on harm reduction with its product range including materials for protective clothing and wound treatment. Following an initial multi-million-pound investment in 2016, BGF has supported the business through a period of significant growth.
The company has increased its annual turnover from £19m in 2016 to £46 million in 2025 and has continued its strong growth into 2026. The business has now celebrated 19 consecutive years of profit and is a significant exporter of goods. It is a major employer in Somerset and recently invested a further £1.5 million in research and development to enhance its CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) protective solutions.
David Lamb, Chairman of Nonwovenn, said: “We’re proud to have delivered such consistent growth and strong profitability over two decades, whilst remaining committed to maintaining the highest quality and customer satisfaction across our product lines. Partnering with BGF has been instrumental in maximising our potential – enabling us to strengthen innovation, diversify product lines and expand internationally. We’re excited to build on these strong foundations in our next phase of growth as part of CorpAcq.”
This exit was led for BGF by Paul Oldham and supported by Louis Hall from BGF’s Bristol team, with Alantra providing CF advice to the Nonwovenn shareholders.
Paul Oldham, BGF, said: “Nonwovenn has gone from strength to strength since our initial investment in 2016, reflected in the outstanding returns delivered for BGF. This impressive management team has built a loyal customer base by providing consistently high levels of service and product development. Our nine-year partnership with the business has been hugely enjoyable and successful and I look forward to seeing how the team builds on their success with the backing of CorpAcq.”
Stuart Kissen, Head of Acquisitions at CorpAcq, added: “Nonwovenn is an outstanding business with a leading market position, strong growth prospects and a highly experienced management team. We see significant opportunity in the fabric technology space and are looking forward to establishing a long-term partnership with David and his team as Nonwovenn enters the next stage of its development.”
Nonwovenn, one of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, has announced significant advancements in its activated carbon (AC) fabric technology, improving AC accessibility, performance and manufacturing robustness across its certified face mask ranges.
The latest developments focus on enhancing processing systems that enable greater AC accessibility, resulting in improved filtration performance, manufacturing consistency and product value.
Through the refined processing systems, Nonwovenn has optimised how activated carbon is integrated and exposed within the mask fabric structure, ensuring high adsorption efficiency and longer service life. The business has also made advancements in bonding and lamination techniques, AC and fibre distribution control and layer architecture. The innovations help make the manufacturing process more stable and scalable, reduces waste and improves quality consistency.
Dr Ross Ward, CarbonTech Business Director at Nonwovenn, said: “We are continually developing new ways to make our activated carbon systems more accessible and effective. By refining how AC is incorporated and exposed within our fabric structures, we are seeing measurable improvements in both performance and process stability, which translates into stronger customer value and product competitiveness.”
“Our customers will benefit from improved carbon utilisation, enhanced manufacturing processability, consistent carbon containment, flexible construction options and clear alignment with current PPE and medical standards. These developments help reinforce our customer first approach, as we are always looking at ways we can improve our products.”
Nonwovenn’s certified mask fabrics are designed to meet recognised standards such as EN 149 for particle-filtering half masks under the European PPE Regulation, and relevant medical device standards where applicable. The products provide consistent protection and traceability for both occupational and clinical use. Alongside these certified face mask fabric options, Nonwovenn continues to offer mask fabrics that deliver comfort, odour control and protection from volatile organic compounds found in everyday environments. The business has also introduced selective additive and catalyst enhancements that broaden adsorption profiles for volatile organic compounds.
Nonwovenn, one of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, has announced its 19th consecutive year of profitable growth, marking another milestone in the company’s journey of investment, innovation and global expansion.
For the 2024/25 financial year, Nonwovenn delivered revenues of £45 million, which represented a 25% increase in sales year-on-year. The strong performance has been driven in part by double digit growth in its PouchTech and ProTech business units. Alongside this growth, the business has welcomed over 50 new members of staff, reflecting the level of investment and scale of expansion.
The record year comes off the back of Nonwovenn’s extensive three-year transformation programme, which has seen more than £10 million investment into a new ‘operational excellence model’ including investment in manufacturing equipment, an end-to-end operational efficiency programme and an enhancement in R&D and innovation capability. The past few months have also seen the conversion of existing chemical bond lines and the purchase of a further new line. A further £4 million of investment has been committed to support further growth, with an ambitious target to grow revenues in this financial year to £60 million.
As part of the innovation and growth strategy, Nonwovenn has also launched a brand-new business unit, CarbonTech. This is focused on activated carbon technology, which compliments the existing capabilities across as ProTech, MediTech, InduTech and PouchTech. This diversification reinforces the businesses position as an industry leader.
With sustainability high on the sector agenda, Nonwovenn is leading the industry having been awarded the gold medal by EcoVadis, at first attempt, in March 2025. This means it is ranked in the top 5% globally across over 130,000 companies. Nonwovenn is also recognised for excellence in environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
Nonwovenn’s Commercial Director, Silke Brand added: “To have delivered 24% sales growth this year is something we are incredibly proud of. It is a testament to the innovation, investment and talent that runs through Nonwovenn. We are continuing to invest in our facilities, technology and people in the coming years and hope to continue this sustained growth. We have strong momentum across all our sectors and markets, and further growth is planned across the board in people, performance and investment.”
“The past year has been transformational for Nonwovenn, especially with the levels of investment and growth we have secured. The launch of the new CarbonTech business unit will also open up some new and exciting opportunities. Pair this with the internationalisation strategy and we are in a very strong position to continue leading the industry and being the partner of choice for businesses across the world.”
Nonwovenn is continuing to focus on the high-value, high growth segments, with future expansion plans targeting the Middle East, Far East and India, in addition to furthering the presence across all current areas.
Nonwovenn, one of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, has announced a significant investment in its MediTech division. The latest investment includes a new state-of-the-art medical manufacturing suite at its Bridgwater headquarters.
This strategic investment marks a major milestone in Nonwovenn’s three-year growth plan, which aims to deliver 14% year-on-year growth from its MediTech division, through the innovation pipeline, strategic partnerships and global footprint expansion.
The newly commissioned medical manufacturing facility features controlled environments that are purpose-built for precision manufacturing and includes a ‘Class 8’ standard performing cleanroom which is designed to meet even the most stringent medical industry standards. This development was supported by a joint investment from a key customer in the sector and underlines the strength of Nonwovenn’s collaborative approach to partnerships and the overall trust that is placed in the businesses long-term vision.
The research and development team have also delivered several high-impact innovations launched over the last year. These include x-ray detectable materials to enhance safety and traceability in surgical applications, and reinforced CMC hydrofibre for improved durability and absorption in wound care. The team have also developed a translucent nonwoven solution for use as a surgical site dressing scaffold to allow for visual inspection of incision sites without the need to remove the dressing. All three product innovations come as a direct result of world class research and development programmes to support client needs.
Alongside the investment in infrastructure and product advancements, Nonwovenn has strengthened its team with the appointment of Ross Ward as Business Director of Carbon. Ross is a leading expert in carbon technologies, and his expertise is already accelerating innovation in areas such as ostomy care and odour control.
John Birkett, Medical Business Director at Nonwovenn, said: “We are very proud to be able to strengthen our capabilities in advanced medical materials thanks to this world-class suite. The investment reflects our commitment to quality, innovation and continuing to serve the evolving needs of our partners in the sector across the UK, Europe and Middle East.”
Nonwovenn’s Commercial Director, Silke Brand added: “Our growth in the MediTech sector is not just about the facilities or the product, it’s about the lasting improvements it can make to patient care and outcomes. We are really working to shape the future of medical textiles, and this investment will help us achieve that.”
One of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, Nonwovenn has announced it is investing in innovation, research and development for technical fabrics in high-growth areas. This includes activated carbon filtration, coalescer filtration and acoustic solutions. The strategic investment will form part of the company’s broader expansion plans, supporting its ambition to increase its market share and technical capabilities.
The next phase of targeted investment follows an extensive £13 million business-wide transformation programme which has included significant self-funded capex investment in manufacturing, plant and equipment. It also involved an end-to-end operational efficiency programme and an enhancement in R&D and innovation capability, to enable the servicing of growing order volumes.
To support key growth areas in this sector the investment includes upgrading the current impregnation line as well as introducing a second, doubling output capacity. Nonwovenn is also expanding its team to introduce a wider range of technically advanced respiratory protection and air and liquid filtration solutions.
Alongside this Nonwovenn is also advancing its coalescer filtration technology, which separates liquids from other liquids or gasses, for example in compressed air systems to remove oil droplets and fine particles. With strong partnerships already in place and exciting new opportunities in the near future, Nonwovenn is looking to double sales over the next 12 to 18 months.
In addition, the business is also advancing its acoustic solutions for ceiling / wall panels and automotive, which is a new product offering that has been developed and launched to the market. It offers a noise reduction coefficient of up to 0.85 without the use of any mineral or fiberglass mats. Plans are in place to expand in this area by 70% over the next three years to meet the increasing demand
Looking ahead to the next 24 months, Nonwovenn is also exploring opportunities within the cable industry, which will see focus placed on the development of swellable and semiconductive nonwoven materials.
Fabrizio Tiribilli, Industrial Business Director at Nonwovenn, said: “InduTech is a key growth area for Nonwovenn. Our investments in filtration and acoustics reflect commitment to innovation and technical excellence. By increasing capacity, efficiency, and driving forward product development, we’re adapting to the needs of our customers in this growing market.”
Nonwovenn chairman, David Lamb added; “The latest phase of investment is another step towards our goal of becoming the market leader across our four market vehicles. The outlook in the industrial sector is incredibly promising, and we’re excited to see what happens next.”
One of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, Nonwovenn is investing £1.5 million in its ProTech division to strengthen its market-leading position in personal protection and harm reduction. The investment is part of a long-term growth strategy, with a business unit target of £16 million turnover by 2028.
A major focus of the investment is in the research and development of CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) protective solutions for first responder and military safety and protective clothing. Nonwovenn is also working closely with ministries of defence, and first responders across the globe.
To support this ambitious growth, Nonwovenn has strengthened its specialist team with four key appointments, expert recruits with considerable understanding and experience.
Nonwovenn is therefore, also making significant strides in product innovation, with new CBRN solutions set to launch throughout 2025 and 2026. Among these are advancements in protection systems for firefighters focused on volatile organic compound (VOC) filtration, as well as next-generation protective solutions tailored towards military and first responders.
Andrew Fisher, Head of ProTech at Nonwovenn, said: “This is an exciting time at Nonwovenn. Not only are we investing in cutting-edge R&D, but we’re also building a strong team to bring these innovations to market and fully support our customers. By combining our advanced technology with real-world application insight, we are setting new standards in personal protection and harm reduction.”
Nonwovenn chairman, David Lamb added; “Our focus on growth, innovation and talent acquisition reflects our commitment to advancing protective solutions for the industries that need them most. With our ambitious R&D programme, strategic partnerships and industry-leading team, we’re confident in our ability to become the leading player in this segment of the market.”
Nonwovenn offer complete support to customers working intimately with them on new concepts, through innovation, product design, business development, commercialisation and supply of products, offering complete ‘end to end’ supply expertise. This ranges from ‘live chemical’ agent instruction, and fully planned and audited supply chain management for large and small projects in addition to its outstanding expanding portfolio of products.
One of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, Nonwovenn has announced it is investing a further £5 million of self-funded capex to support the next phase of expansion and development.
The latest investment follows the completion of the first phase of the business’ transformation programme, which has seen £13m invested into a new ‘operational excellence model’ including investment in manufacturing equipment, an end-to-end operational efficiency programme and an enhancement in R&D and innovation capability.
The second phase of investment will be focused on capacity increases and improved capability. 2025/26 will see a focus on chemical bond production, with a significant increase in volume through conversion of existing lines and the purchase of a new line. The enhanced capability is to support the businesses ambitious growth targets in the $5.5 billion global oral pouch delivery sector.
Investments in operational management capability have already begun, with a new Operations Director and Operations Manager appointed to the business and doubling the number of shift managers. The senior team are working with planning, health and safety and quality teams to ensure the current and new staff are fully supported with training and development opportunities. There has also been a 50 person increase in manufacturing recruitment, which combined with the launch of a new multi skilling programme is designed to underpin the growth ambition.
Commenting on the new growth phase, David Lamb, chairman of Nonwovenn said; “We have seen substantial growth and transformation from the first phase of investment. The additional £5 million reaffirms our commitment to driving innovation, efficiency and sustainability at Nonwovenn.”
“The shift to focus more on chemical bond in 2025/26 marks a significant milestone, boosting our current capacity and a further 25% added when the new line is complete. The business is truly evolving, and we’re incredibly excited about what the future holds.”
Operations Director, Neil Thorn added; “We have had significant operational and performance improvements through the investment made in phase one of our programme. It is very exciting to see the the Operational Excellence journey gaining momentum through investment in equipment and new management talent. This additional funding will allow us to bring people and operational excellence to the forefront of the business to support the levels of growth we are aiming for.”