RICHMOND, Va. (Sept. 21) — Performance Fibers Inc. said it intends to idle the polyester fiber production at its Scottsboro, Ala., factory because of slowing demand caused by cutbacks in U.S. tire manufacturing, high raw material costs and other factors.
The facility makes high-tenacity fibers used in the reinforcement of automotive tires and other applications. The plant also has a treated fabric operation that won't be impacted by the action.
Performance Fibers said it will consolidate fiber production for North America at its New Hill, N.C., plant by year's end. It also will continue fabric converting at its Winfield, Ala., location.
The firm bought the Alabama plants from Diolen Industrial Fibers Inc. in August 2005.
Despite the current slowdown in fiber demand in North America, the firm still believes that global demand will remain strong, said Greg Rogowski, Performance Fibers president and CEO.