Shaw Expands Thomson Extrusion Facility

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Shaw Expands Thomson Extrusion Facility
Dalton, GA, August 8--Shaw’s fiber extrusion Plant 38 in Thomson, Georgia, is undergoing a multi-million dollar expansion to meet the growing demand for PET and PTT filament products. The enhanced capacity will help support the increased application of these yarn systems following the successful launches of ClearTouch PET and Corterra PTT products. Scheduled to start up in February of 2006, the expansion will use existing floor space, but the construction of three additional levels will create a four-story facility: the top floor for conveying and drying of polymer; the third floor for extrusion; the second floor for quenching; and the first floor for drawing, texturing, and winding. Extrusion capacity will increase significantly, and the new equipment will be capable of making PET, PTT, or nylon. Total extrusion capacity for the site will grow to more than double the current output. According to Vince Shivers, plant manager of 22 and 38, the new equipment to be installed is made by Neumag, a German manufacturer noted for highly innovative fiber production machinery. "Neumag’s newest equipment design is capable of higher through-put rates and also offers a number of ergonomic improvements," Shivers says. He notes that the project includes automation of material handling by adding three rail-guided vehicles to transport yarn from the lines to pack-out locations. "We see this expansion as having a big positive impact for the Thomson plant," Shivers adds. "We come out of it a more modern facility with a lower product cost. Also, the added jobs create promotion opportunities for our people, as well as new jobs for this area." Bill Barron, vice president of manufacturing, says the expansion will create between 65 and 70 new jobs. "We’re excited about the advantages this expansion offers, both in terms of our increased capacity and benefit to the Thomson community," Barron says. "It’s great when you create jobs and improve your product offering at the same time. The response to our new ClearTouch collection of products has been overwhelming, and the increased capacity will help us keep pace with the surge in popularity of these styles from a service standpoint."


Related Topics:Shaw Industries Group, Inc.