Performance Fibers intends to idle polyester fiber production at its Scottsboro, Ala., facility "due to slowing demand in North America caused by U.S. tire manufacturing cutbacks, high raw material costs and other factors."
The Scottsboro facility manufactures high-tenacity polyester fibers that are used in the reinforcement of automotive tires and other uses. The facility also operates a treated fabric operation that will not be affected by the intended idling.
Performance Fibers will consolidate fiber production for North America to its New Hill, N.C., plant by year-end. It also will continue fabric converting at its Winfield, Ala., location.
"U.S. tire manufacturing plant closures, compounded by sustained high raw material costs, increased global competition and other factors that have weakened demand made this decision necessary to continue to remain profitable in North America," says CEO and President Greg Rogowski.
Performance Fibers is an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners Inc.
