Mehler opens U.S. hose textile plant

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (June 7)—Hose and belt reinforcements producer Mehler Inc. has opened its first U.S. site, where it will produce textile reinforcement for automotive hose and belts. The German company purchased a 72,000-sq.-ft. facility in Martinsville last year and doubled its size at a cost of $16.5 million. The plant became operational in October, but didn´t begin full-time production until April. Currently, the plant produces 1,000 metric tons of belt reinforcement and 1,100 tons of hose yarn a year, but the company plans to add two new machines next year, doubling the capacity. The facility employs 62.