Spunlaid production. © Freudenberg

Freudenberg, a leading technology group, has made an offer to acquire 100% of the shares in Low & Bonar PLC, a globally active manufacturer of technical textiles headquartered in London. The step would allow Freudenberg to further expand its technical expertise in spunlaid nonwovens. In addition, the acquisition would open up new areas of activity, according to Freudenberg.

In the past financial year, Low & Bonar generated global sales of around £350 million with around 1,900 employees. “With the acquisition, we would like to strengthen our performance materials business, and with Low & Bonar’s innovative technology we could further expand our technical know-how,” commented Dr Mohsen Sohi, Freudenberg Group CEO.

Further expansion of spunlaid business

“As a spunlaid production pioneer, Freudenberg has offered its customers solutions based on a one-step production process since 1968. Low & Bonar’s two-step process solution will give us greater flexibility and allow us to more individually tailor our solutions to customer requirements,” explained Dr Frank Heislitz, Freudenberg Performance Materials CEO.

Moulded carpet for automotive applications. © Freudenberg

In addition, Freudenberg would be able to offer its customers a broader product range, especially in existing applications for the construction, building interiors, home textiles and automotive sectors. “We will also open up new areas of activity with new applications for Freudenberg thanks to Low & Bonar’s adjacent technologies,” added Dr Heislitz.

International presence

Founded in 1903 and headquartered in London, Low & Bonar has 11 production facilities in Asia, Europe and North America. The company’s aim is strong growth in its markets in the world regions, thus expanding its international footprint. Freudenberg has operated successfully in the USA and China for decades and is thus – it says – an ideal partner for the implementation of this strategy.

Quality and sustainability

Like Low & Bonar, Freudenberg uses highly developed technologies in its fabrics and textiles development and production, as well as for textile and material finishing.

Freudenberg and Low & Bonar also share the same approach when it comes to sustainability. Both companies aim to act responsibly and sustainably. Sustainability is integrated in the product cycle: from raw material and energy usage to the entire manufacturing process, the company reports.

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