History
Our story so far
1989
BBA makes its first move into the nonwovens industry through the acquisition of Reemay Inc in the USA
1995-2002
BBA makes several acquisitions of nonwovens companies, predominantly in the US and Continental Europe, including Fiberweb. Particular focus on growing the hygiene business.
2002
BBA Fiberweb begins production in China, with the construction of an airlaid facility on a greenfield site.
2003-2004
BBA Fiberweb enters the hypiene wipes business through acquisition of Tecnofibra and Tenotex in Italy and a major US investment.
2005
New management team appointed to initiate a turnaround of Fiberweb following several years of disappointing performance. Fiberweb's corporate headquarters relocate from the US to London
2006
Acquisition of Blowitex, Germany - specializing in roofing products for the construction industry
2006
Demerger results in BBA Fiberweb being listed independently on the London Stock Exchange (FWEB:LN) as Fiberweb plc.
2006-2008
Disposal of non-core businesses in hygiene wipes, cotton bleaching, Brazil and several JVs. One-third demerger debt repaid through proceeds.
2006-2007
Successful restructuring of the loss-making North American hygiene business. Successful turnaround of the loss-making UK geotextiles business – Terram.
2007
Restructuring of the North American industrial business to simplify product ranges and improve supply chain efficiency. Commissioning of a new spunbond line at Fiberweb’s site at Norrköping, Sweden
2008
Creation of two global hygiene business units – Consumer Fabrics and Airlaid, and three regional industrial businesses – Americas Industrial, Europe Industrial and Terram. Acquisition of a Chinese polyester nonwoven fabric producer - Hengguan
2009
Commissioning of a new, leading spunbond line at Fiberweb’s site at Trezzano Rosa, Italy. Formation of a 50/50 JV between Petropar (Brazil) and Fiberweb, comprising Fitesa Brazil and Fiberweb spunbond sites at Washougal, USA and Queretaro, Mexico to form FitesaFiberweb, the second-largest spunbond producer in the Americas.