Armacell operates two primary businesses: Advanced Insulation and Engineered Foams. The advanced insulation unit makes flexible foam products for mechanical equipment used in end markets where energy distribution is required, such as commercial and residential construction, industrial applications, and the oil and gas industry.
It also manufactures specialty insulation products mainly for air conditioning and plumbing pipes.
Armacell's flexible insulation products have a positive impact on the environment “since equipment insulation is one of the most simple and efficient ways to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions,” according to Lau Schleicher, senior vice president for long-term equity and private equity at Kirkbi.
Its engineered foam operation focuses on specialty light engineered foams for use in automotive and sports applications as well as in the medical and industrial sectors.
Shortly before the planned acquisition was announced, Armacell relocated its Americas headquarters to Chapel Hill, N.C., from Mebane, N.C., which had been its base for the last 15 years.
It moved to the new site because the company outgrew its office space at the Mebane plant because of steady growth over the last few years, another Armacell spokeswoman said.
“This is a great opportunity to design a work place that encourages innovation and collaboration,” according to Jodi Cheek, general manager HR Americas.
Its newest facility spans 10,800 square feet where about 30 regional headquarters employees are housed, although some office staff remained in Mebane, the spokeswoman said. The move frees up space at the Mebane plant for the firm's expanded customer service, research and development, and technical support units.
About 225 are employed at the manufacturing complex. At just under 500,000 square feet, it is the company's largest plant in the U.S., she said. The factory primarily produces Armaflex elastomeric foam insulation along with some other products.
Armacell operates five U.S. manufacturing facilities, another in Canada and one in Brazil as part of its Americas operation.