U-Nova Lawrence unit launches new hose line

HAW RIVER, N.C. (Oct. 10)—The Lawrence division of U-Nova Hose & Duct Group has developed a new hose line that has better abrasion resistance, superior flexibility and broader temperature range, the unit said. The firm has expanded its hose and duct line to include heavy-duty material-handling thermoplastic hoses for use in the agricultural and industrial markets. Richmond Hill, Ontario-based U-Nova, one of the Flexmaster hose, venting and ducting manufacturing group companies, produces TPU and PVC ducting used to transfer low-abrasion materials such as air, sawdust and metal fillings. The new Heavy Duty All-Purpose version is a lighter-weight alternative to traditional rubber hose while the SF Agri, a heavy duty suction hose for agricultural use, can be used for dry and wet fertilizers and withstanding high-temperature norms. U-Nova expects to ship out 10,000 feet of the thermoplastic hose in October and produce 500,000 feet of hose in 2001, said George Thomason, Lawrence general manager. Automated machinery to produce the new line is part of a $1 million in industrial improvements the company announced in June 2000. The Lawrence U-Nova division has about 105 employees that manufacture from its 215,000-sq.-ft. Haw River facility.