Albany adds Italian plant for PrimaLoft

By Marvin Lazaro -- Home Textiles Today, 3/12/2001 12:00:00 AM

ALBANY, NY -Increasing demand in Europe for PrimaLoft has led to the construction of a new manufacturing facility by the Albany International Corporation.

The new factory is located in Marghera, Italy, and is scheduled to be in operation by the third quarter of this year. It will manufacture the complete range of PrimaLoft products.

"The European market for PrimaLoft has been rapidly expanding, and as a result, we decided to open a European manufacturing facility," said Joe Rumiesz, vp, PrimaLoft. "The new facility will enable us to improve our service by providing our customers who manufacture in Europe with reduced lead times, tariffs and freight costs."

The new facility will ease the demands made on Albany International's primary facility in Albany, NY, where the company is also based. Albany International, which is the sole manufacturer of PrimaLoft, also operates a plant in China. PrimaLoft is a synthetic product that mimics the properties of natural down and is used in many bedding products such as blankets, comforters and duvets, as well as many outdoor products.

Albany International's PrimaLoft division will also be expanded by up to 12 people in Europe during the Italian facility's first year of operation. Approximately 500 metric tons of PrimaLoft may be manufactured per year, or enough of the insulating material for one million coats.

"PrimaLoft is known as 'The Down Alternative' and has become a leading brand in the United States," said Tom Mendl, director of marketing, PrimaLoft. "It is our goal to build the same brand recognition in Europe. To reach this objective, the company will expand its European sales force, exhibit at national and international trade shows and execute a trade and consumer advertising and public relations campaign."